The webinar will include 1) an overview and definition of Appreciative College Instruction, 2) theoretical infrastructure of the six phases of ACI, 3) practical application of ACI in first-year seminar courses, 4) suggested assignments, resources, and active learning strategies, and 5) an overview of data and lesson learned. By presenting an overview of ACI, attendees will be able to understand the framework and mindset of teaching first-year courses using a positive, appreciative approach.
The first section of the presentation will emphasize how ACI is defined and rooted in theory. An overview of the six phases will be provided along with specific examples of what instructors can do to implement this instructional approach. For example, the Disarm phase will be discussed both as theory and practice. Instructors will consider why disarming students is crucial to success of the course, how instructors may be perceived by students, and what specific things instructors can do to disarm their class.
The second section will highlight a specific University 101 Academic Recovery course taught by both of the presenters. This course enrolled 19 students who were placed on academic probation and who mostly all failed University 101 the previous fall. Specific course assignments, exams, papers, videos, in-class activities, and active learning strategies will be shared. Student quotes will be used throughout this presentation revealing the impact of these teaching strategies.
Finally, the instructors will share an overview of data collected and recommendations for future implementation. Attendees will leave the session understanding both theory and practice of ACI and specific tools they can use for implementation in their first-year seminar courses.
Dr. Bloom served as the 2007-08 President of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). She received the NACADA Outstanding Advising Administrator Award in 2005 and University of Illinois’ Campus Academic Professional Excellence Award in 2007.
Dr. Bloom has co-authored two books. The first book, Career Aspirations & Expeditions: Advancing Your Career in Higher Education Administration, was released in 2003 and co-authored by Nancy Archer-Martin. The second book, The Appreciative Advising Revolution, was released earlier in September 2008 and is co-authored by Bryant Hutson and Ye He. Her research interests include appreciative advising, academic advising, career paths in higher education administration, leadership, and change management.
Claire Robinson, M.Ed. has coordinated the effort at the University of South Carolina to offer individual academic coaching on campus. Working with graduate students who serve as ACE Coaches, she has built partnerships across campus to increase the intentionality of each coaching session. Using the Appreciative Advising framework, Claire has presented at several institutions and conferences on the coaching approach, as well has working to get the ACE program CRLA level three certified. Claire also teaches two sections of a freshmen seminar course, including a general section and an academic recovery section working with students on probation. Currently she is the Assistant Director of Academic Success Initiatives, working with the Academic Centers for Excellence (ACE).
