IDEAS TO ACTION: Using Critical Thinking to Foster Student Learning and Community Engagement
What is “Ideas to Action” (I2A)?
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) requires member institutions to develop a practical, university-wide quality enhancement plan (QEP) to improve student learning. The U of L plan, Ideas to Action , will sharpen our existing focus on building undergraduate students' critical thinking skills, starting in the general education program and continuing through undergraduate major courses. Students will be required to demonstrate their critical-thinking skills in a culminating experience, such as a thesis, service learning project, internship or capstone project.
What does campus-wide “Ideas to Action” (I2A) mean for me?
I2A is a multi-year year effort to promote meaningful transformation of our undergraduate programs, build infrastructure to sustain these innovations, and report on our progress to SACS. Each undergraduate unit must develop a unit-specific plan to support the overall goals of I2A.
Many of the assignments and experiences needed to develop and implement the I2A are already in place. Others will need to be created. To support the development and implementation for the I2A, currently there are programs and workshops for faculty; new partnerships between university committees and academic units; emerging collaborations between the community and the campus, including the Signature Partnership Initiative (SPI); and the development of small working groups.
Who is leading the ongoing effort to support and document the required changes of the I2A?
Along with the I2A Facilitators representing all academic units on campus, and an existing I2A Task Group made up of faculty, staff and students, there is an I2A Team based at the Delphi Center for Teaching and Learning:
Patricia (Patty) Payette , Ph.D . is the executive director of the “Ideas to Action” initiative. Prior to this position, Dr. Payette was assistant director of faculty development programs in the Office of Faculty and Organizational Development at Michigan State University. She comes to the university with expertise in faculty development, curriculum and program design as well as previous work experience at the University of Michigan Center for Research on Learning and Teaching. Email Dr. Payette with questions or comments, or to discuss your involvement or interest in the I2A initiative.
Cathy L. Bays, Ph.D. is the Delphi Specialist for Assessment and brings a wealth of experience in assessment, teaching, and curricular enhancement to this role. Dr. Bays is in her 15th year as a faculty member in the School of Nursing where she is an associate professor and served for five years as director of the Undergraduate Program. She is coordinating unit and University I2A assessments. Email Dr. Bays if you wish to discuss your assessment plans or seek assistance with your assessment or outcome activities.
Edna Ross, Ph.D . is the Delphi Specialist for Critical Thinking. Dr. Ross brings extensive classroom teaching and course management skills to the position, as well as expertise in designing and presenting faculty development workshops on topics ranging from instructional technology to diversity. Dr. Ross has been a faculty member in the Department of Psychological and Brian Sciences for 23 years and serves as the co-director of the department's Introduction to Psychology course and is the director of the General Psychology M.A. program. Email Dr. Ross if you or your unit would like support in developing or implementing critical thinking materials or training resources.
Where can I get more information about the I2A project at UofL?
Periodic informational workshops are offered by the I2A Team.
Go to the Lunch and Learn session listing to find out about the next event or contact one of the I2A Team members (info above) for more.
Background information about the I2A project is described in materials available by link from this URL:
