Application for Teaching Resource Faculty

Name: _Gary L. Villereal___
Dept: __Social Work______
Phone: _745.XXXX________
Title of Project: _A Positive Learning Model____

A. One paragraph description of area of proposed expertise.

I wish funds to further develop my Positive Learning Model, to ground it in the current literature, to prepare it for subsequent publication by New Forums Press, and to share with WKU faculty. The funds will be spent on travel to Lilly West 2007 Conference “Blueprints for Student Learning.” Since I began teaching in 1991 I have developed, somewhat haphazardly a Positive Learning Model that works successfully in my courses. I utilize a single system design that I distribute to students during each semester. Using that information and my experience I have a developed outline and a structure of the Positive Learning Model. I do not have specific educational expertise in teaching models, methods, and techniques and the model needs to be grounded in existing models of teaching. With the opportunity to develop expertise in the areas of teaching models, methods, and techniques it would augment and assist in refining the Positive Learning Model in the classroom and the University community

B. Description of the project

1. Evidence of Campus Need for this Project.

With a focus on being on the cutting edge in relations to teaching, exploring a new method and philosophy of teaching, actually a positive learning environment model supports the Western Kentucky University initiative that “learning inspires academic excellence and social responsibility.” Faculty in all departments across campus, from Management to Chemistry to English will find this model interesting and useful because the focus is on the learning environment from a positivistic perspective. The Positive Learning Model is non-discipline specific.

2. Strategy.

The instructional expertise will be gained through readings and attending conferences that focus on teaching models, methods, and techniques. The proposed Lilly Conference provides a “retreat format that combines workshops, discussion sessions, and opportunities for informal discussion about excellence in college and university teaching and learning. Internationally-known scholars will join new and experienced faculty members and administrators from all over the world to discuss topics such as gender differences in learning, incorporating technology into teaching, encouraging critical thinking, using teaching and student portfolios, implementing group learning, and evaluating teaching.” Specific books would be purchased as a ready reference and library.

3. Background.

I have presented the Positive Learning Model at two conferences, one in Adelaide, Australia, 2004 and Lexington, KY, 2006. The reception was positive and it is now time to move to the next level and create a text that would introduce the concept of a positive learning environment and a detailed description for application.

4. N/A

5. Dissemination & Evaluation Plan.

I have received tentative acceptance from New Forums Press to submit a manuscript for a book publication. Prior to the release of the book a 1 hour seminar and discussion would be offered in the Fall of 2007 that focuses on lessons learned from the conference that address “Application of the Positive Learning Model.” The seminar would be coordinated with FaCET to reach as many of the University faculty as possible. Once the book is released I will offer a book reading session over a 4 to 6 week period for interested faculty “Reading and Applying the Positive Learning Model with author Gary L. Villereal.”

C. Seven (7) confidential copies of a letter of support sent from your department head.

I agree to follow my plan for disseminating the information I gain, based on consultation with the Center for Teaching and Learning.

Signature _________________________________________________

Date ___November 3, 2006 _________________________

6. Budget & Timeline.

March 16-17, 2007

Attend Conference

Lilly West 2007 Conference
Blueprints for Student Learning

Registration      $410.00

Hotel               $297.00 (3 nights @ $99.00 plus applicable tax.)

Airfare             $340.00

Miscellaneous    $100.00         (Books and other items that will be available at the conference as ready resources and unaccountable expenses.)

Note: The miscellaneous is not a priority and I would be okay with it being deleted.

May 30, 2007

The completed book “A Positive Learning Model: A Primer” will be submitted to New Forums Press.

Grand Total: $1,147.00