UMR hosts International Forum on Active Learning in Classrooms

Authored By: wells438 08/19/2024

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) recently hosted the International Forum on Active Learning in Classrooms (IFALC), a two-day event dedicated to evidence-based active and inclusive learning pedagogies in classrooms. 

UMR’s intense focus on evidence-based practices in teaching, learning andGroup of people sitting and listening to speakers. student development, including active classroom engagement pedagogies were key factors for hosting this year’s forum. Additionally, its physical campus exemplifies active learning spaces designed to put into practice what is known about how students learn best and to provide the resources that enable instructors to engage learners in flexible, adaptable, robust and significant learning experiences.

One of UMR's centering aspirations is to, “generate transformative contributions to the renewal of higher education, providing a collaborative environment of inquiry that allows innovative thought-leadership in teaching and learning, educational research, public engagement, organizational efficiency and community integration.”

“Hosting the Forum on the UMR campus enabled us to continue living our mission, and moving toward that aspiration,” shared Kelsey Metzger, Center for Learning Innovation faculty at UMR and chair of IFALC steering committee.

More than 70 attendees registered to hear from keynote speakers Jill Ackers and Dr. George Veletsianos and engage in a series of plenary talks, demonstrations and workshop sessions - all aimed to tackle challenges, provide solutions and explore evidence-based active and inclusive learning pedagogies in classrooms.

"The conference had a palpable energy that felt different than most academic gatherings--just so much focus and so many ideas in one place,” shared Paul Hanstedt, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Innovations at UMR. “We're grateful to Kelsey and the rest of the IFALC team for all their hard work." 

The IFALC steering committee included faculty and staff from the Rochester, Twin Cities, Duluth and Morris campuses of the University of Minnesota as well as individuals from the Mayo Clinic Academy of Educational Excellence and Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. This group brought perspective from the domains of academic technology, classroom support, education research, professional development, innovation in higher education and others helping to ensure IFALC was relevant and engaging for stakeholders across these areas of interest.