Trine well-represented at annual Teaching and Learning Conference

FORT WAYNE — More than 40 Trine University faculty participated at the 28^th annual Fort Wayne Teaching and Learning Conference, with four presenting sessions and Jeremy Rentz, Ph.D., Schantz Distinguished Professor in the Allen School of Engineering and Computing, serving as plenary speaker.

Held Feb. 21 at Purdue Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne Teaching and Learning Conference offers faculty from area institutions the opportunity to share their insights on educating students more effectively.

“This year’s conference reinforced the importance of adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of higher education,” said Rentz. “Many sessions focused on innovative ways to enhance student engagement, leverage technology and support student success — topics that align well with Trine’s mission to provide high-quality, student-centered education. With such strong participation from our faculty, we are not just attending but actively shaping the conversation about the future of teaching and learning.”

Five Trine faculty give presentations

Rentz’s address was titled “Transparent Teaching in the Age of AI” and covered how transparent teaching can bridge the gap between course objectives and student motivations while bringing integrity back to the forefront.

Other Trine faculty leading sessions were Michael Smith, assistant professor, Department of Mathematics, “Annoyingly Effective: Redefining Office Hours as a Core Part of Student Success”; Joanna Claudy, assistant professor, Department of Humanities and Communication, “From Kahoots to Board Games, Practical Gamification in the Classroom”; Jill Erwin, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Humanities and Communication, “The Artificially Intelligent: Critical Thinking and Writing in the Era of AI”; and Dawn Moore, adjunct, Ketner School of Business, “Cultivating Cultural Competence in the Classroom.”

“While we’ve had strong participation in past years, having five faculty members speak at the conference is a great testament to the growing engagement of our university in professional development and pedagogical innovation,” said Rentz.

Rentz said Trine University has been a part of the Fort Wayne Teaching and Learning Conference since it began in 1998, and he’s excited to see the university’s representation grow.

“The conference offers faculty a chance to engage in meaningful discussions about teaching strategies, student success and the evolving role of technology in education,” he said. “Attendees leave with new ideas, practical strategies and connections with colleagues from other institutions.”

“The Fort Wayne Teaching and Learning Conference has always been a fantastic environment for educators to exchange ideas, and the increasing number of Trine faculty engaging as both presenters and attendees highlights our institution’s commitment to continuous improvement in teaching and learning.”