We research the critical role of instructors in advancing student learning.
We recognize that teaching is a skill that instructors continuously develop over the course of a career, and our research investigates the ways in which this happens most effectively.
With a particular focus on teachers’ changing understanding of and approaches to teaching, our research examines teachers at many levels – from new graduate student instructors to senior faculty.
See below for a complete list of grants, publications, and presentations related to Teaching Development research.
Grants
Grants Awarded to the Searle Center
Publications
2015
Calkins, S., & Light, G. (2015). Conceptions of mentoring in formalized faculty relationships. Chapter in The Mentoring Continuum From Graduate School Through Tenure. Pp.93-112. Syracuse University Press.
2014
Light, G., & Calkins, S. (2014). The experience of academic learning: Uneven conceptions of learning across research and teaching. Higher Education. (DOI) 10.1007/s10734-014-9779-0
2012
Calkins, S., Johnson, N., & Light, G. (2012). Changing conceptions of teaching in medical faculty. Medical Teacher 34(11): 902-6.
Micari, M., & Pazos, P. (2012). Connecting to the professor: Impact of the student-faculty relationship in a highly challenging course. College Teaching, 60(2), 41-47. See publisher's website.
2011
Calkins, S., & Seidler A. (2011). Faculty perceptions of relevance in teaching and learning. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 23(2), 215-225. See publisher's website.
2010
Calkins, S., & Drane, D. (2010). Engaging faculty in conversations about teaching through a research proposal workshop. To improve the Academy, (28), 265-277.
Light, G. (2010). Advancing learning through teaching: A framework for sharing educational practice. The Education in Palliative and End-of-Life Care Project, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Calkins, S., & Micari, M. (2010). "Less-Than-Perfect Judges": Forty years of discourse on the value of students rating teachers in higher education. Thought and Action, 26, 7–22. See publisher's website.
2009
Light, G., Calkins, S., Luna, M., & Drane, D. (2009). Assessing the impact of a year-long faculty development program on faculty approaches to teaching. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 20(2), 168–181. See publisher's website.
Light, G., Cox, R., & Calkins, S. (2009). Teaching and learning in higher education: The reflective professional, 2nd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
McAlpine, L., Amunsen, C., Clement, M., & Light, G. (2009). Rethinking our underlying assumptions about what we do and why we do it: Academic development as a case. Studies in Continuing Education, 31(3), 261–280. See publisher's website.
McKenna, A., Yalvac, B., & Light, G. (2009). The role of collaborative reflection on shaping engineering faculty teaching approaches. Journal of Engineering Education, 98(1), 17–26. See publisher's website.
Calkins, S., & Light, G. (2009). University Teaching. In T.L. Good (Ed.), 21st Century Education: A Reference Handbook, Vol. 2. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Roglio, K., & Light, G. (2009). Executive MBA programs: The development of the reflective executive. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 8(2), 156–173. See publisher's website.
2008
Light, G., & Calkins, S. (2008). The experience of faculty development: Patterns of variation in conceptions of teaching. International Journal for Academic Development, 13(1), 17–30. See publisher's website.
Light, G. (2008). The puzzle of teaching in higher education: Implications for the structure of academic practice. Ideas on Teaching (Volume 6): Selected papers from TLHE 2006 — Quality in Higher Education, 253–6. Centre for Development of Teaching and Learning, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Streitwieser, B., & Lys, F. (2008). Teaching the GDR and post reunification Germany: Issues, challenges and technology. Die Uterrichtspraxis–Teaching German, 134–143.
Calkins, S., & Light, G. (2008). Promoting student-centered teaching through a project-based faculty development program. To Improve the Academy, 26(2), 217–229.
2007
Calkins, S., & Kelley, M.R. (2007). Evaluating internet and scholarly sources across the disciplines: Two case studies. College Teaching, 55(4), 151–157.
Calkins, S., & Light, G. (2007). Promoting student-centered teaching through a project-based faculty development program. To improve the academy, (26), Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA.
Light, G., & Luna, M. (2007). Teaching teachers: Drawing on research to enhance faculty approaches to teaching. Proceedings of the Reinvention Center Conference: Transforming The Culture: Undergraduate Education and the Multiple Functions of the Research University, November 9, Washington DC.
Barrett, J. (2007). The researcher as instrument: learning to conduct qualitative research through analyzing and interpreting a choral rehearsal. Music Education Research, 9(3), 417-433.
Janet Barrett (Music Education) was a 2005–2006 participant in the Center's Searle Fellows program.
2006
Light, G. (2006). The puzzle of teaching in higher education: Repositioning learning in academic practice, Keynote Address: Proceedings of the International Conference on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, December 6-9, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
2005
Calkins, S. & Kelley, M.R. (2005). Mentoring and the faculty-TA relationship: Faculty perceptions and practices. Mentoring & Tutoring, 13(2), 259–280.
2004
Fleming, V.M., Lipscomb, S., Light, G., & Nielsen, B. (2004). Teaching for learning with technology: A faculty development initiative at a research university. Studies on Education (Estudios sobre Educacion), 7, 7-20. See publisher's website.
2003
Light, G. (2003). Realizing academic development: Embedding teaching practice in the practice of research, in Macdonald R. and Eggins, H. (eds.), The scholarship of Academic Development, London: Open University Press.
2002
Streitwieser, B. (2002). "Nicht vom Tisch wischen!" Lehrerinnen ud Lehrer aus Prenzlauer Berg uber ihre Erfahrungen und Eindrucke vor und nach der politischen Wende 1989/1990 ("Dont dismiss us!" Teachers from Prenzlauer Berg speak about their experiences and impressions before and after the political transformation in 1998/1990). In Prenzlauer Berg Museum (Hrsg.) Schule zwischen gestern und morgen: Beltrage zur Schulgeschichte von Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin (Schooling caught between yesterday and tomorrow: Essays on the history of schooling in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin). Berlin: Prenzlauer Berg Museum fur Haimatgeschichte und Stadtkultur. Hohengehren: Schneider Verlag. (In German.)
2001
Light G., & Cox, R. (2001). Learning and teaching in higher education: The reflective professional, London: Paul Chapman Ltd. (Sage Publications).
Streitwieser, B. (2001). Aktuelle Entwicklungen im Schulwesen der Vereinigten Staaten von America. In H. Doebert und C. Ernst (Hrsg.). Basiswissen Paedagogik-Aktuelle Schulkonzepte, Band 4, Schulen mit Besonderem Profil. Hohengehren: Schneider Verlag. (In German.)
2000
Light, G. (2000). Lifelong learning: Challenging learning and teaching in higher education in Hodgson, A.(ed), Policies, Politics and the Future of Lifelong Learning, London: Kogan Page.
Streitwieser, B. (2000). Memory and judgement: How East Berlin schools and teachers have been regarded in the post-reunification decade. In D. Philips (Series Ed.), Oxford Studies in Comparative Education: Education in Germany Since Unification. Oxford, England: Symposium Books.
Streitwieser, B. (2000). Pedagogical challenges in Post-Wende East Germany. In T. Mebrahtu, M. Crossley & D. Johnson (Eds.). Globalisation, Educational Transformation and Societies in Transition. London: Symposium Books, 81–98.
Presentations
2016
Drane, D., & Calkins, S. (2016, November). Learning and teaching centers: The missing link in data analytics. Presentation at the Annual Conference of the Professional and Organizational Development (POD) Network, Louisville, KY.
Ruggeri, N., Baiduc, R., & Woods, L. (2016, November). Analyzing teaching statements in the context of a graduate teaching development program. Presented at the Professional & Organizational Development Network in Higher Education Conference, Louisville, KY.
2015
Baiduc, R.R., & Ruggeri, N. (2015, November). Disciplinary conceptions of teaching in a graduate teaching development program. Professional & Organizational Development Network in Higher Education Conference, San Francisco, CA.
Baiduc, R.R., Linsenmeier, R., & Ruggeri, N. (2015, October). CIRTL at Northwestern: Preparing future faculty for innovative teaching in STEM. Association of American Universities Conference, St. Louis, MI
Lo, S.M., Drane, D.L., Baiduc, R.R., Swarat, S.L., & Light, G.J. (2015, April). Sustainable changes in instructional practices from faculty development: Relationships with changes in conceptions and approaches to teaching. American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL.
2014
Calkins, S. (2014, April). Critical thinking. Invited plenary speaker. American Association of Clinical Law Professors Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL
Light, G. (2014, March). Assessing students. Workshop given at the Palestine Polytechnic University, Hebron, West Bank.
Light, G. (2014, March). Changing learning & teaching: The role of a teaching center. Talk given at the Palestine Technical University, Kadoorie, Tulkarm, West Bank.
Light, G. (2014, March). Developing student research capacity and addressing private sector challenges through partnerships at the course level. Talk given at the National Round Table Exploring Partnerships for Research and National Development, AmidEast, Ramallah, West Bank.
Light, G. (2014, March). Enhancing learning with technology. Workshop given at the Palestine Polytechnic University, Hebron, West Bank.
Light, G. (2014, March). Evaluating courses & teaching. Workshop given at the Palestine Polytechnic University, Hebron, West Bank.
Light, G. (2014, March). Evaluating faculty. Workshop given at the Palestine Polytechnic University, Hebron, West Bank.
Light, G. (2014, March). In pursuit of learning: A framework for rethinking teaching in the sciences. Talk given at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
Light, G. (2014, March). Research and project supervision. Workshop given at the Palestine Polytechnic University, Hebron, West Bank.
Light, G. (2014, March). The scholarship of teaching and learning: From small scale to large scale research. Talk and workshop at the University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Light, Greg. (2014, March). Promoting critical thinking in higher education. Talk given at the Palestine Polytechnic University, Hebron, West Bank.
Lo, S., Swarat, S., Drane, D., & Light, G. (2014, April). Connecting faculty conceptions of teaching, instructional practices, and student learning outcomes: A case study. Talk presented at NARST conference, Pittsburg, PA.
Lo, S.M., Drane, D.L., Baiduc, R.R., Swarat, S.L., & Light, G.J. (2014, October). Relationship among changes in faculty conceptions, approaches, and prectices of teaching from professional development: A case study. The International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning. Quebec City, Canada.
Light, G. (2014, March). Research and project supervision. Workshop given at the Polytechnic University, Hebron, West Bank.
2013
Calkins, S. (2013, May). Engaging and motivating students. Invited workshop at Harrington School of Design, Chicago, IL
Flores, L., Drane, D., Beitel, G., Light, G., Micari, M., & Lo, S. (2013, October). Summer-bridge program focused on community, leadership, and academics: Positive student experience and persistence. Poster session at AACU Transforming STEM education: Inquiry, Innovation, Inclusion and Evidence, San Diego, CA.
Larson, V., Yee, A., & Lo, S. (2013, July). Analyzing biology problems by Bloom's taxonomy: Beyond cognitive processes. Poster presented at SABER 2013 conference, Minneapolis, MN.
Light, G. (2013, November). Teaching for deeper learning: Excellence through innovation. Talk & Workshop at the Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile.
Lo, S., Drane, D., Swarat, S., Larsen, V., Yee, A., & Light, G. (2014, July). Positive outcomes of a discipline-based professional development program on faculty teaching, student learning and institutional culture. Talk presented at the SABER 2014 conference, Minneapolis, MN
Lo, S., Swarat, S., & Light, G. (2014, April). Seeding changes: Impact of a discipline-specific professional development program on biology faculty conceptions of teaching.Talk given at AERA conference, San Francisco, CA.
Notestein, J., Ruggeri, N., & Calkins, S. (2013, April). Promoting critical thinking in STEM disciplines. Online panel discussion. CIRTL network.
2012
Alawi, N., Drane, D., & Hilal, H. (2012, June). Intervention types and strategies in formative evaluation: CELT activities as a case study. Presentation at the National Conference on Excellence in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, Ramallah, West Bank.
Calkins, S. (2012, May). Enhancing critical thinking in law students. Keynote address for Canadian Association of Law Teachers Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada.
Lee, S. P., Drane, D., Light, G., & McGee, R. (2012, May). Helping diverse communities of graduate students improve their metacognitive skills to discover and develop their unique strengths. Presented at the Conference on Understanding Interventions that Broaden Participation in Research Careers.
Light, G., & Drane, D. (2012, February). Strategic planning for teaching and learning.Workshop presented for Deans at An-Najah National University, Nablus, West Bank.
Light, G. (2012, April). Pursuing deep learning: A framework for assessment & teaching in higher education. Presented at Seminars on Teaching & learning, Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL.
Light, G. (2012, March). Teaching & learning in higher education: A framework for pursuing quality. Program with Brazilian universities on innovative teaching and learning. Presented at LASPAU Institute, Harvard University, Boston, MA.
Lo, S., & Micari, M. (2012, March). A discipline-based, year-long faculty development program focused on the revision of introductory biology courses. Presentation at Chicago Symposium Series: Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science: Research and Practice. Evanston, IL.
Stein, B., Haynes, A., & Drane, D. (2012, April). Getting faculty involved in assessing and improving students’ critical thinking. Presentation at North Central Association Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.
2011
Calkins, S. (2011, October). Getting beyond the obvious: Faculty perceptions of relevance.Workshop presented at the Professional Organization Development Network (POD), Atlanta, GA.
Davis, N., & Calkins, S. (2011, October). Breaking the frame: a critical inquiry into teaching literature and film. Paper presented at ISSOTL Conference 2011, Milwaukee, WI.
Light, G. (2011, April). In pursuit of learning: A framework for rethinking teaching in higher education. Annual Midwest Conference on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. South Bend, IN.
Light, G. (2011, March). The puzzle of teaching: Implications for today's university. Global Solutions lecture series, Minnesota State University, Mankanto, MN.
Light, G. (2011, May). Pursuing learning: A framework for rethinking teaching in higher education. Academic Assessment Workshop. University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV.
Light, G. (2011, November). A framework for effective teaching in higher education: Innovation & challenge. Program on Innovative Teaching and Learning, the LASPAU Institute: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Shraim, K., Mohammad, A., & Light, G. (2011, October). A cascading training model for academic excellence and innovation. Paper presented at ISSOTL Conference 2011, Milwaukee, WI.
Stein, B., Haynes, A., & Drane, D. (2011, April). Getting faculty involved in assessing and improving students' critical thinking. Presentation at North Central Association Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.
2010
Calkins, S., & Drane, D. (2010). Helping faculty motivate and engage students through a faculty development workshop. Workshop presented at the Professional Organization Development Network (POD) Annual Meeting , St. Louis, MO.
Calkins, S., & Swarat, S. (2010, April). Understanding faculty motivation to change. Paper presented at American Educational Research Association (AERA), Annual Meeting, Denver, CO.
Calkins, S. (2010, May). Keynote address. Talk presented to Canadian Association of Law Teachers Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada.
Light, G. (2010, April). Framework for effective teaching in higher education: Innovations & challenges. Talk given in the LASPAU seminar: On Teaching for Effective Learning, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA.
Light, G. (2010, February). Advancing learning through teaching: A framework for sharing educational practice. Talk given at The Education in Palliative and End-of-Life Care Project, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
Light, G. (2010, February). How we learn: Practical and philosophical aspects of medical education. Talk given to the Educating the Educators: Department of Anesthesiology 2nd annual Faculty Development Symposium, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Light, G. (2010, June). Framework for learning & teaching in higher education: Innovations & challenges in the STEM fields. Talk given in the Fullbright Workshop on Effective University Teaching in STEM fields, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Light, G. (2010, November). Framework for effective teaching in higher education: Innovations & challenges. Talk given in the LASPAU Institute: The University in the 21st Century: From Teaching to Learning, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA,
McLaughlin, K., Streitwieser, B., Deardorff, D., Siebert, C., Wang, S., & Comp, D. (2010, March). Where do faculty and assessment meet? Exploring the question. Panel presentation at the Forum on Education Abroad Annual Conference. Charlotte, NC.
Streitwieser, B., & McLaughlin, K. (2010, March). An exploration of the role of faculty in assessing the impact of study abroad. Roundtable presentation at the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) Annual Conference. Chicago, IL.
2009
Calkins, S., & Drane, D. (2009, October). Promoting critical reflections of teaching and learning in a substantial faculty development program. Workshop presented at the Professional Organization Development Network (POD), Annual meeting, Houston, TX.
Calkins, S., Micari, M., & Bautista, S. (2009, October). Crossing the Generations: Facilitating SoTL in three different populations. Workshop presented at International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (ISSOTL) Annual Meeting, Bloomington, IN.
Drane, D., & Calkins, S. (2009, October). Should research and evaluation be part of teaching center missions? Roundtable presented at the Professional Organization Development Network (POD), Annual meeting, Houston, TX.
2008
Calkins, S., & Micari, M. (2008, October). Students grading teachers: Fifty years of discourse on the value of teaching evaluations in higher education. Presented at the Midwest History of Education Society, Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.
Calkins, S., Light, G., & Bartlam, E. (2008, March). Connecting senior faculty conceptions of mentoring and teaching. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, New York City. Working Papers.
Drane, D., & Calkins, S. (2008, October). Engaging faculty with their teaching through a research proposal workshop. Workshop presented at the Professional Organization Development Network (POD), Annual Meeting, Reno, Nevada.
Light, G., & Calkins, S. (2008,October). Research and teaching: Exploring an integrated construct. International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (ISSOTL) Annual Meeting.
Light, G. (2008, October). Improving university teaching quality: Advancing learning. German Fullbright Higher Educational Experts Seminar, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.
Pool, G., Lee, A., Light, G., & Cassidy, A. (2008, October). Practicing what we preach: Applying evidence-based guidelines to conference pedagogy. International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (ISSOTL), Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Wang, S., & Boockmeier, B.W. (2008, November). International Teaching Assistant (ITA) Training. Presented at NAFSA Region V Conference, Lincolnshire, IL.
Wang, S. (2008, April). The transfer of training of the international teaching assistant (ITA) training. Paper presented at the Wisconsin Association of International Educators conference, Milwaukee, WI.
2007
Calkins, S., & Light, G. (2007, April). Conceptions of mentoring among senior faculty at a research intensive university. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.
Calkins, S. (2007, April). Culture and change in the history of higher education. Invited discussant for panel of American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.
Drane, D. (2007, November). Teaching statistics. Paper presented at the American Speech and Hearing Association conference, Boston, MA.
Lee, A., Light, G., & Poole, G. (2007, July). The learning gap: Differences in faculty's understanding of their own learning compared to their understanding of their students' learning. Why is it so and what can we do about it? Workshop/paper presented at The International Society for Scholarship in Teaching and Learning, Sydney, Australia.
Light, G., & Calkins, S. (2007, April). Academic learning: Integrating faculty conceptions of research and teaching. Presented at the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.
Streitwieser, B., & Lys, F. (2007, November).Teaching the GDR and post-reunification Germany: Issues, challenges, and technology. Presentation for the American Association of Teachers of German at the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Annual Conference, San Antonio, TX.
2006
Calkins, S. (2006, April). Faculty characteristics & attitudes. Invited discussant for panel of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA.
Calkins, S. (2006, January). Interpreting teaching evaluations: Myths, research, and practice. Workshop hosted by Learning & Teaching Center, Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL.
Calkins, S. (2006, November). Teaching outside the classroom. Workshop hosted by Learning and Teaching Center, Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL.
Light, G., & Calkins, S. (2006, December). Faculty conceptions of academic practice. Paper presented to European Association Research on Learning and Instruction (EARLI) Biennial Workshop, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Light, G., Calkins, S., & Luna, M. (2006, April). Understanding academic practice: faculty conceptions of the research-teaching-learning relationship. Presented to the American Educational Research Association, Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA.
Light, G. (2006, December). The puzzle of teaching in higher education: Repositioning learning in academic practice. Keynote address, International Conference on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Light, G. (2006, February). Aligning learning: Drawing on research practice to enhance faculty approaches to teaching. Talk given at the University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS.
Roglio, K. D., Light, G., & Coelho, C. (2006, August). The reflective executive: an architect and facilitator of new organizational structures. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management, Atlanta, GA.
Streitwieser, B., Light, G., & Godwin, K. (2006, January). Globalization and the role of university teaching centers. Presentation at the Association of American Colleges and Universities Annual Meeting, Washington, DC.
Yalvac, B., McKenna, A., & Light, G. (2006, April).The role of collaborative reflection on shaping faculty teaching approaches. Presentation for the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA.
Calkins, S., & Light, G. (2006, November). Promoting student-centered teaching through a project-based faculty development program. Presented to the AAC&U "Faculty Work and the New Academy: Emerging Roles and Evolving Challenges," Chicago, IL.
Light, G., & Luna, M. (2006, November). Teaching teachers: Drawing on research to enhance faculty approaches to teaching. Paper presented at the Reinvention Center Conference: Transforming the Culture: Undergraduate Education and the Multiple Functions of the Research University, Washington DC.
2005
Calkins, S. (2005). Creating lectures that engage students & promote active learning.Workshop for ACBM-PCA Undergraduate Faculty Enhancement Workshop. Chicago, IL.
Fleming, V., & Light G. (2005, April). Teaching faculty to take learner-centered approaches to teaching. Paper presented at the NCA – Higher Learning Commission Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.
Light, G., Calkins, S., & Luna, M. (2005, November). Faculty and the experience of teaching: Effecting change at a research university. Presented to the Association for Studies in Higher Education (ASHE) Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA
Light, G., Calkins, S., & Luna, M. (2005, November). Faculty and the experience of teaching: Effecting change at a research university. Presented to the Association for Studies in Higher Education (ASHE) Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA.
Light, G., Calkins, S., & Luna, M. (2005, October). Assessing faculty development programs. Presented to the Professional and Organizational Development (POD) Annual Meeting. Milwaukee, WI.
Light, G., Drane D., Luna, M., & Calkins, S. (2005, August). Measuring the impact of workshop-based faculty development on teachers' approaches to teaching. Presented at the 11th Biennial European Association of Research on Learning and Instruction (EARLI) conference, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Light, G., Luna, M., Drane, D., & Calkins, S. (2005). Assessing the impact of faculty development programs on faculty approaches to teaching. Presented to the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA.
Streitwieser, B., Micari, M., & Light, G. (2005, October). Support from the core: Gaining faculty buy-in to an undergraduate learning intervention in the STEM disciplines. Presentation at the Professional and Organizational Development (POD) Network Annual Conference, Milwaukee, WI.
Streitwieser, B. (2005, November). Faculty conceptions of teaching: Ongoing research from an intervention in the STEM disciplines. Poster presentation at the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA.
