'Employers seek it; how do we teach it?'
Published 05.19.2022
Penn College faculty and staff this week attended the 2022 Summer Teaching Institute, one and a half days of professional development that focused on “Creative Thinking Strategies.”
Delivering the keynote address – "Why Teach Creativity and Innovation: Why Is It Important and Where Do I Start?" – on Tuesday's opening day was Larry Keiser, assistant clinical professor and program director for the graduate and undergraduate creativity & innovation degree and certificate programs in Drexel University's School of Education. That afternoon brought additional sessions on the topic, presented by campus specialists, as well as a hands-on activity in the Dr. Welch Workshop: A Makerspace at Penn College.
Wednesday's half-day brought more interaction, including "Where Do Good Ideas Come From?" led by Michael J. Reed, vice president for academic affairs/provost. That conversation about innovation encouraged attendees to brainstorm how to best fulfill the college's Mission, Vision and Values. Held shortly after the end of each academic year, the Summer Teaching Institute helps lay a productive foundation for an engaging return to instruction in the fall semester.