FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington is continuing the celebration of its historic 150th Anniversary with the launch of the Farmington Forum Series—a year-long tribute to UMF’s long history of distinguished academic life.
“The New Normal: the Changing Face of Education” is the first discipline in the series to be presented and will offer a host of events illustrating the complex nature of teaching and learning. Multiple free and open to the public sessions are scheduled from Oct. 28 to Nov. 7, on the UMF campus and will celebrate both the history and changing nature of teaching.
Featured events will include a presentation by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and acclaimed journalist Michael D’Antonio and an interactive workshop with author, innovative education program developer and National Academy of Education Fellow Dan Rothstein.
Michael D’Antonio, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and researcher, will talk about his book, “The State Boys Rebellion” in his presentation “From Victims to Victory: The State Boys and the Children’s Rights Revolution.” In his book, D’Antonio tells the true story of how a group of boys were imprisoned in U.S. institutions and survived one of the darkest episodes of American history to ultimately win their freedom and find justice. The talk will cover the role of those inside the state school system in the larger effort to change the status of the disabled and bring about a revolution in education, public perception and regard for individuals.
Dan Rothstein, co-director of the Right Question Institute and co-author of the book “Make Just One Change: Teach Students to Ask Their Own Questions” will lead an active learning experience about teaching the skill of question formulation. A deceptively simple practice, it has the potential to help students become more engaged in their learning, take more ownership and learn more. Participants are invited to a unique opportunity to actively learn how students can develop the ability to ask their own questions and contribute to a discussion about how this could help improve education on all levels.
Schedule of events in “The New Normal: the Changing Face of Education” series:
“From Victims to Victory: The State Boys and the Children’s Rights Revolution”
7 p.m., Mon, Oct. 28, Emery Community Arts Center
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and researcher Michael D’Antonio will talk about his book, “The State Boys Rebellion.”
Customized Learning and Standards Based Learning from “in the trenches”
4:30-6 p.m., Tue, Oct. 29, The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center
Linda Laughlin, UMF faculty member and superintendent of schools in RSU 18, will host a panel of teachers discussing their experiences with the implementation of customized learning in Maine schools.
“The Scariest Moments of My First Year Teaching”
7 p.m., Wed, Oct. 30, The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center
The Student Education Association of Maine is sponsoring a presentation by recent UMF graduates about their first teaching experiences along with activities related to the celebration of the season.
“We Used to be Normal – Maine Memory Network Project”
1 p.m., Tue, Nov. 5, North Dining Hall, UMF Olsen Student Center
Sponsored by the Goldleaf Institute, this presentation will share the work of students, faculty and staff and their research of the history of the Farmington State Normal School.
“Make Just One Change: Teach Students to Ask Their Own Questions”
7 p.m., Wed, Nov. 6, North Dining Hall A-C, UMF Olsen Student Center
Dan Rothstein, co-director of the Right Question Institute and co-author of the book “Make Just One Change: Teach Students to Ask Their Own Questions” will lead an active learning experience about teaching the skill of question formulation.
“Technology and Teaching: Responsibilities, Resources, Tips and Tricks!”
4:30-6 p.m., Thu, Nov. 7, The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center
A panel of high school, middle school and elementary school teachers, coordinated by Sarah Irish, UMF faculty member and middle school teacher in Dixfield, will share tips, tricks and resources related to the use of technology in the classroom.
Throughout the year, UMF’s Farmington Forum Series will feature a host of special events in the six key academic disciplines of education, psychology, English, biology, mathematics and history. Events will include in-depth lectures by visiting scholars, film and research presentations, art exhibits, panel discussions and alumni receptions.
“The New Normal: the Changing Face of Education” series is sponsored by the UMF Divisions of Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Secondary Education and Community Health, and Rehab Services and Special Education.
For additional details, please visit http://teachereducation.umf.maine.edu/
UMF’s Sesquicentennial Celebration is supported in part by the generous donations of area businesses and organizations including Franklin Savings Bank, at the Doctorate Level; Sunday River, at the Master’s Level; and Hight Chevrolet Buick GMC, Kyes Insurance, Shiretown Insurance Agency, University Credit Union and Unity Foundation at the Bachelor’s Level.
