FACULTY DEVELOPMENT ON TAP
Dr. Barbara Millis' visit on February 28 will include a session at 3:00 PM on using cooperative techniques to improve student learning and retention. Dr. Millis has three books in the BRCC Library's collection including Cooperative Learning in High Education: across the disciplines, across the academy, The Course Syllabus: a learning-centered approach, and Using Simulations to Promote Learning in Higher Education: an introduction. In addition, I would encourage you to read two of her IDEA papers, namely Active Learning Strategies in Face-to-Face Classes and Promoting Deep Learning.

ACE PROVIDES BENEFITS FOR PLA AND MORE
As a member of the American Council on Education (ACE), BRCC has a number of resources available that can help us as we navigate the creation of a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program of excellence. ACE has been involved in a three year program funded by FIPSE (Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education). Maps to Credentials is designing and piloting credential road maps for student veterans, applying ACE credit recommendations for military occupations and training and incorporating other PLA methods to accelerate veterans' post-secondary attainment. The project is focusing initially on military veterans, a population with college-level skills and knowledge gained through military service, which are essential to the country’s workforce. Cross-sector project advisory groups have been established at the national level and at each partner college and include both employers and veterans in addition to individuals from higher education.

 HOW TO MOTIVATE YOUR STUDENTS
An article by Trigwell, Ellis and Han published by the Studies in Higher Education journal indicates that there is a strong relationship with how students feel about a course and their motivation and approaches to learning. The article, Relations between Student's Approaches to Learning, Experienced Emotions and Outcomes of Learning, reports that there are strong links between the approaches taken to teaching and those taken to learning. The authors' research revealed that teachers who use the covering material approach will create an environment that encourages their students to memorize the information with little understanding or retention of the material. A positive classroom environment, which includes student engagement, provides motivation and promotes effort especially as it relates to studying and preparation.

PROBLEM SOLVER ON THE JOB
Chancellor Andrea Miller made a splash in the Sunday edition of The Advocate. The story reports on the challenges that have occurred during Dr. Miller's one-year tenure and describes the resolve she has shown as she continues to work to create a better BRCC.  Tabbed the "Problem Solver" in the article, Chancellor Miller says, “Retention is one of my top priorities. We’ve got to meet students where they are. If we see them on the brink of dropping out, we have to provide that support. We also have to do a good job in assessing our students when they come to us, and identify potential problems as early as possible and provide the assistance they need.”