STLHE 2016 SAPES

Scientists establish their ideas and disseminate findings with text. Universities shape both discipline-specific information as well as develop general knowledge and communication skills. Blended and flipped classes rely on a variety of resources, but students tend to feel more confident when provided online videos for support instead of readings. There is tension: can students acquire the needed textbook-reading skills if it is not emphasized, and how do we best engage our students with appropriate out-of-class materials? What role can OERs serve? This session invites instructors to share thoughts about the importance of text literacy in students as well as providing hands-on experience with the free platform Perusall to establish 1) asynchronous collaboration between students on their readings and 2) provide the instructor with summaries that will inform the nature of in-class activities. Participants will then explore the practical aspects of using Academic Reading Circles in the sciences.