Teaching and Learning Conference
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Virtual and In-person | Zoom & Memorial Union
The conference theme for 2025 is Student Engagement.
Student engagement, the degree to which students actively participate in their learning, is essential for creating a dynamic, interactive, and effective learning environment. High student engagement enhances learning, promotes critical thinking, increases academic success, fosters personal development, and boosts motivation—all factors that positively impact student persistence and success at NDSU.
Join hundreds of instructors who attend this conference each year to pick up quick teaching ideas and tips.
This annual conference is FREE and open to ANY faculty, instructor, staff, or graduate student interested in attending. Individuals from other colleges and universities are encouraged to attend, network, and present at this conference. We also welcome K-12 educators!
Future Conference Dates:
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Tuesday, May 18, 2027
Keynote Speakers
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Rethinking Accountability: Three Practices for Shared Responsibility in Teaching and Learning
Chris Gamrat, Ph.D.
Penn State University
This interactive session dives into the art and science of using games to create dynamic, engaging learning environments. Gamrat will share a rich toolbox of game-based strategies, including warm-up techniques, community-building activities, and accelerators to energize lessons. Through demonstrations and hands-on participation, attendees will learn not only how these activities work but also how to adapt them to their own teaching contexts.
Prepare to laugh, connect, and be inspired as you explore creative ways to integrate these strategies into your curriculum to foster deeper student engagement and growth.
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The Psychological & Educational Impacts of Historical Trauma on Indigenous Children & Families
Emily Sargent, Ph.D
Sanford Health
Provides educators and other child serving professionals information and a deeper understanding of how historical trauma has impacted Native American families and how those impacts are still relevant in current times, specifically in the education setting. Further, participants will learn about indigenous cultural knowledge and practices (specifically related to Anishinaabe people in the Northern Plains Region) and its connection to fostering resiliency to youth and future generations.
There has been a long standing history of genocide, violence, forced removal and assimilation toward Native American people. These events have resulted in significant traumatic stress, adverse health outcomes, and mistrust with government systems, including the education sector. Gain an understanding, perspective, and empathy related to historical trauma and its impact on Native American students and their families, to better support them.
Dr. Sargent will share cultural knowledge and practices (specifically related to Anishinaabe people in the Northern Plains Region) to demonstrate the unique resilient factors Indigenous communities have, and how it has helped them continue to live life in a Good Way “Mino Bimaadiziwin” for future generations to come.
Schedule
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
8 - 8:30 a.m. - Check-in | Light Breakfast
8:30 - 8:45 a.m. - Welcome Message
9 a.m. - Opening Keynote
10 a.m. - Break
10:10 a.m. - Concurrent Sessions I
10:40 a.m. - Break
10:50 a.m. -Concurrent Session II
11:20 a.m. - Break
11:30 a.m. -Concurrent Session III
12 p.m. - Lunch | Inspiring Colleague Award
12:30 p.m. -Closing Keynote Speaker
Registration
This event is FREE and open to all faculty, instructors, staff, and graduate students. Individuals may opt for a combination of virtual and in-person attendance for the various sessions.
Individuals not affiliated with NDSU who choose to attend the in-person lunch session will need to register for the conference and may then choose to pre-pay a nominal fee for their meal or select from the dining options in the Memorial Union. Pre-paid meals include a light breakfast, lunch, and a coffee bar.
Get Your Registration In By:
- Tuesday, May 6 - In-Person Attendance
- Monday, May 19 - Virtual Attendance (We cannot guarantee you will receive breakout session links after this date.)
If you register and you find that you are no longer able to attend call (701) 231-7015 or email ndsu.otl@ndsu.edu to let us know.