Invitation to CATLA

Some Opening Thoughts

From my own early teaching experiences of some 29 years I have been an avid learner in how to be a better teacher/facilitator for my students. My first attempts at writing a syllabus were like learning how to dance, there were so many variations to learn and remember. But unlike dancing, writing a syllabus has far reaching impact. From those 2-3 page syllabi to today’s 15 - 30 page syllabi containing an expansive body of knowledge that fits between the lines; the knowledge of knowing what our students need, how to offer it to them in a digestible manner, and be able to assess what they learn. But this to is an ever changing process as we face new challenges in society, community, the work place, assessment, technology, the global community and, what I think we all will agree on is that, as a cohesive university made up of professionals, it is our responsibility to share what we each have learned along the our own life journey, in this we become a team with a common pedagogical goal.

I am very excited about CATLA and with your input and support we can make this a most rewarding and successful endeavor, and I am hopeful that with the new CATLA lab/research center in the library you will find a place conducive to your learning and research needs.

I look forward to working with and learning with all of you. Suggestions and input are always a component for CATLA’s growth and success. CATLA is committed to advancing the areas of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment of faculty at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.

This is an invitation for you to become involved in the professional development process at Cheyney University and I invite and encourage your participation on both sides of the podium. In order to facilitate the success of this Center we need to have a committee of interested faculty who are able to present their expertise in a training forum or who can connect with outside venues for the purpose of training in specific areas and fields.
Please contact me if you are interested.

Sincerely,

Joel T. Keener, MFA, MS
CATLA - H.P. Hill Library, room G-18
Associate Professor of Art & Graphic Design
Department of Humanities and Communication Arts
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
610.399.2412
jkeener@cheyney.edu