College of Engineering

ESCL@Te

What is ESCL@Te

The Engineering Enhancements for Student-Centered Learning @ Tech (ESCL@Te) program is dedicated to fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment within the College of Engineering at Tennessee Tech University. Our mission is to empower faculty with resources, strategies, and support to develop and implement effective student-centered pedagogical approaches, thereby enhancing student engagement, knowledge retention, and overall academic success. Through collaborative initiatives and innovative practices, ESCL@Te strives to continuously improve the educational experiences of our engineering students, equipping them with the skills and mindset necessary for success in a rapidly evolving world.

Programs

Monthly Coffee Hour

ESCL@Te hosts a monthly Coffee Hour, held on the first Monday of each month from 8:00 to 9:00 am in PRSC 225. This program provides faculty members with an opportunity to delve into current topics in engineering pedagogy, exchange best practices, and explore avenues for collaboration. It's a valuable platform for enhancing teaching strategies and fostering connections within our engineering community. Stay tuned for upcoming sessions as we continue to shape the landscape of student-centered learning in engineering at Tennessee Tech University.

Monthly Lunch Hour

ESCL@Te hosts a monthly Lunch Hour, held on the third Monday of each month from 12:00 – 1:00 pm in PRSC 225. This engaging program provides an opportunity for our faculty members to not only discuss current topics in engineering pedagogy but also delve deeper into them. We regularly invite guest speakers who share their expertise and experiences, fostering collaborations and facilitating both faculty growth and student learning. ESCL@Te Lunch Hour is a valuable platform for enhancing teaching strategies and building connections within our engineering community.

External Speakers

The ESCL@Te program recognizes the immense value that external speakers bring to our academic community. These distinguished speakers, experts in various fields of engineering and pedagogy, offer fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and real-world experiences that enrich our faculty's understanding and inspire new approaches to teaching.

By participating in ESCL@Te External Speaker Series, faculty members gain several advantages:

Expanded Knowledge Base: External speakers introduce faculty to the latest trends, research, and best practices in engineering education. This exposure helps faculty stay at the forefront of student-centered learning in their fields.
Inspiration for Innovation: Hearing from accomplished professionals and educators can spark innovative teaching methods and ideas. Faculty are encouraged to think creatively about their course design and delivery for student centered learning.
Networking Opportunities: Engaging with external speakers fosters connections that can lead to collaborations, research partnerships, and student opportunities. These connections enhance the faculty's professional network.
Enhanced Teaching Skills: The insights and strategies shared by speakers equip faculty with a diverse set of teaching tools. This diversity of approaches can be applied to cater to various student-centered learning styles in the classroom.
Student Impact: Ultimately, the biggest beneficiaries of ESCL@Te Lunch Hour are our students. Faculty who engage with external speakers are better equipped to provide a high-quality education that prepares students for success in their engineering careers.

ESCL@Te Speaker Series is not just an informative session; it's a platform for transformation. All faculty members are encouraged to take advantage of this enriching experience and join us for an opportunity to learn, grow, and enhance their teaching prowess.

Mentoring for SCL

The ESCL@Te program we understand that embracing student-centered learning is a journey, and we're here to guide our faculty every step of the way. Our mentorship program pairs experienced educators with those eager to enhance their teaching methods. Through one-on-one collaboration, mentors offer insights, resources, and support tailored to the unique needs of each faculty member. This personalized approach not only cultivates a vibrant culture of teaching excellence but also yields profound benefits. Faculty participants find themselves better equipped to engage students, foster deep learning, and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education, all of which ultimately contribute to improved student success.

Resources

Student Centered Learning Grant

ESCL@Te is excited to introduce the ESCL@Te Student-Centered Learning Grant, a program shaped by lessons learned and an ongoing commitment to improvement. Developed in collaboration with the KEEN Foundation, this initiative recognizes the proven benefits of student-centered learning, including heightened engagement, improved knowledge retention, and enhanced academic outcomes. ESCL@Te invites proposals aimed at identifying innovative lesson plans or modules that seamlessly integrate best-practice, student-centered learning methods into engineering courses. The objective is to create enduring, high-impact teaching resources that continually evolve, ensuring long-term enhancement of student learning.

KEEN Cards: Ignite Innovation in Engineering Education

Discover KEEN cards, powerful tools to infuse innovation in teaching. These concise modules foster entrepreneurial thinking and creativity in your engineering courses.

Why KEEN Cards?

Elevate Teaching: Seamlessly integrate curiosity, connection, and creating value concepts.
Promote Innovation: Encourage critical thinking and complex problem-solving.
Faculty Development: Access resources for continual improvement.
Student-Centered Learning: Support ESCL@Te's mission for impactful education.

Publishing KEEN Cards

Faculty who received ESCL@Te's Student Centered Learning Grant must publish a KEEN card. ESCL@Te offers full support from concept to publication. Let's drive innovation in engineering education together!
Travel Support

ESCL@Te is committed to empowering faculty members in the realm of student-centered learning. Faculty are encouraged to present their pioneering pedagogy work at engineering conferences, with ESCL@Te offering travel support for these presentations. This support acknowledges and fosters faculty members' dedication to innovative teaching methods while facilitating their professional growth. By contributing to conference proceedings, ESCL@Te faculty inspire their peers and contribute significantly to the evolution of engineering education. ESCL@Te stands ready to assist faculty members on their journey to impactful engineering education.

People & Contact

Get to know the dedicated members of ESCL@Te's Steering Committee:

Kumar Yelamarthi kyelamarthi@tntech.edu - Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
JW Bruce jwbruce@tntech.edu - Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Sally Pardue spardue@tntech.edu - Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Lenly Weathers lweathers@tntech.edu - Professor of Civil Engineering
Robby Sanders rsanders@tntech.edu - Interim Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering