University of Wisconsin-Superior faculty and staff recently traveled to Madison to participate in the Universities of Wisconsin Spring Joys of Teaching Conference. The annual event brings together educators from all 13 Universities of Wisconsin campuses to share ideas, practices and research focused on student learning.

UW-Superior had one of its strongest showings in recent years, with 11 presenters and 16 total attendees.

Conference sessions explored a wide range of timely and innovative topics, including the integration of artificial intelligence in the classroom. Presenters examined approaches to student engagement, feedback and competency development, as well as sustainability, learning theory, inquiry-based instruction and strategies for fostering meaningful classroom relationships.

“Organizing and supporting the travel of UW-Superior instructors and staff is a highlight of the year,” said Jamie White-Farnham, director of the Markwood Center for Learning, Innovation and Collaboration. “We are proud to celebrate and share the scholarship of teaching and learning that shapes the experiences of students on this campus.”

UW-Superior presenters included:

• Megan Anderson, Education, “Benefits and Barriers: Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions of Online Inquiry-Based Science Instruction.” Anderson is a Wisconsin Teaching Fellow/Scholar.
• Kelsey Benson, Education, “Ungrading Practices as a Means for Rebuilding Relationships and Reclaiming Joy in Our Teaching.”
• Priyanka Mehta, Human Behavior, Justice and Diversity, “How Can Assignments Incorporating AI Help Students Engage and Learn?” Mehta also served as a discussant on a panel with keynote speaker Jose Antonio Bowen focused on AI in teaching and learning.
• Meg Muthupandiyan, Writing, Languages and Literature, and Sakib Mahmud, School of Business and Economics, “Holistic Approaches to Teaching for Sustainability.”
• Brittnie Peck, Communication, Media and Theatre, “The Impact of Structured AI Exercises on Student Self-Reported AI Competency and Attitudes.” Peck is a Wisconsin Teaching Fellow/Scholar.
• David Potter, Music, “Examining the Effects of Music Learning Theory in a Collegiate Ear Training Course Sequence.”
• Jessica Urbaniak, Education, “Exploring Teacher Candidates’ Perceptions and Confidence in Response to AI-Generated Lesson Plan Feedback.”
• Jennifer Vogler and Nicholle Schuelke, Education, “Withitness in Higher Education: Designing Learning Environments Where Student Thinking Is Noticed.”
• Taylor Walkky-Byington, Academic Advising, “Advising as Teaching: Fostering Hope, Learning and Student Success.”

In addition, Alison Wielgus, Communication, Media and Theatre, served as a conference moderator, and White-Farnham facilitated the keynote discussion.