In this talk, we shall explore together a thread that binds my work in studying the teaching and learning of science and the role of instructional faculty in navigating applicable lessons from the learning sciences. I have been inspired by the work of physicist Fred Reif, Carnegie Foundation presidents Ernest Boyer and Lee Shulman as well as cognitive psychologist John Bransford. While all these names may not be familiar, I hope to share with you my synthesis and perspective of different ways in which their work contributes to how we can think of our roles in academia as teachers and scholars . We shall touch upon the nature of expertise, how expertise is valued in academia and time permitting, an application of a well-known active learning exercise in physics – the Interactive Lecture Demonstration (much physics knowledge not a prerequisite). This talk is appropriate for students, faculty and staff from all disciplines who are interested in research informed approaches to teaching and learning. I will not share any new physics, but my hope is that you will leave with some new ideas to frame your thinking about teaching and learning in higher education.

Dr. S. Raj Chaudhury joined South Alabama in August 2016. As Executive Director, he provides strategic oversight and direction for the teaching, learning and support functions of the ILC and USAonline. Chaudhury works closely with the Office of the Provost on assisting campus wide initiatives related to measuring teaching effectiveness and implementation of active classroom learning technologies. He also holds an academic appointment as Associate Professor of Physics and is the founding director of the USA Indian Music Ensemble. His recent publications and presentations have been on faculty and educational development, scholarship of teaching and learning and online learning.  He currently serves on the Senate of the Phi Beta Kappa liberal arts and sciences honor society and will serve as the President of the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in 2022-23.