Zull to speak on understanding the brain to aid teaching

Zull to speak on understanding the brain to aid teachingJanuary 30, 2004Cynthia J. Moritzcjmoritz@syr.edu

James Zull, professor of cell biology and biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University, will speak to faculty on “How Understanding the Brain May Change Your Approach to Teaching,” as the guest speaker at the next Gateway Focus on Teaching Luncheon, to be held Feb. 11 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in 304 Schine Student Center.

The event will be facilitated by Tom McKay, professor of philosophy and Gateway fellow in The College of Arts and Sciences. To make a reservation, call 443-3971, visit http://cstl.syr.edu or e-mail rsvp@syr.edu by Feb. 6.

Zull directs the University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education at Case Western Reserve. He is also the author of “The Art of Changing the Brain: Enriching Teaching by Exploring the Biology of Learning,” published by Stylus Publishing in 2002. His research examines the basics of neuroscience for clues to creating a learning-centered curriculum. “The Art of Changing the Brain” explores the implications of new findings related to the human brain for such operations as memory, motivation and learning.

The Focus on Teaching Luncheon Series was initiated during the 1994-95 academic year. The series is sponsored by the Gateway Fellowship with support from the Office of Undergraduate Studies and the Center for Support of Teaching and Learning.

The Gateway Fellowship’s primary goal is to increase beginning students’ commitment to the academic enterprise. The Gateway Fellowship originally began with 12 Arts and Sciences faculty members who taught the largest freshman sections of the major introductory courses in the college. The group then expanded to include faculty who taught major introductory courses in the other schools and colleges within the University. Currently the fellowship has three primary projects: Focus on Teaching Sessions, the Faculty Consultancy and the Gateway Student Forum.