REFRESH | New Perspectives on Teaching

REFRESH | New Perspectives on Teaching is an annual event hosted by the LSU Learning and Teaching Collaborative, held just before the start of the fall semester. Designed to energize and inspire faculty for the year ahead, REFRESH features a keynote speaker who addresses current and practical topics in teaching, offering concrete strategies to enhance classroom practice. The event also includes an interactive workshop where participants can dive deeper into the theme and explore new techniques, followed by a lunch that provides time for networking and informal discussion. REFRESH is a chance to gain fresh ideas, connect with colleagues, and start the academic year with renewed focus and purpose.

 

REFRESH 2025

 

Keynote Topic: Teach LSU Students HOW to Learn: Metacognition is the Key!
Date: Friday, August 22, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Harrison Boardroom, LSU Foundation

About the Keynote

LSU students come to the university with widely varying academic skills, approaches to learning, and motivation levels. Faculty often lament that students are focused on achieving high grades but are not willing to invest much time or effort in learning. This session will focus on the importance of helping students acquire simple, but effective, learning strategies based on cognitive science principles. We will engage in interactive reflection activities that will allow attendees to experience strategies that significantly improve student success by transforming students’ attitudes about the meaning of learning.

 

About the Speaker

Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire’s efforts to help students develop effective learning strategies began over 50 years ago when she was a first-year graduate student in the Department of Chemistry at Cornell University. After years of honing her approach, she is now an internationally recognized chemical educator, author and lecturer who has travelled the globe promoting sure-fire strategies to help students to be successful in their coursework and careers. She has delivered keynote addresses or presented workshops at over 500 institutions in 48 states, 14 countries, and on six continents.

McGuire is currently Professor Emerita of Chemistry and Director Emerita of the Center for Academic Success at Louisiana State University.  Prior to joining LSU, she spent eleven years at Cornell University, where she received the coveted Clark Distinguished Teaching Award.  She is the author of the best-selling books Teach Students How to Learn and Teach Yourself How to Learn. The Parents’ Guide to Studying and Learning was released in January 2022.  

McGuire’s most recent accolades include being listed in 2023 as one of the Top 100 Learning Influencers in history by Eduflow, being named a 2022 Louisiana Legend by Louisiana Public Broadcasting, being listed in the 2020 edition of Marquis Who’s Who in America, and induction in 2017 into the LSU College of Science Hall of Distinction.  She is an elected Fellow of the American Chemical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Council of Learning Assistance and Developmental Education Associations.  She received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring in a White House Oval Office Ceremony.  

Dr. McGuire received her B.S. degree, magna cum laude, from Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, her master’s degree from Cornell University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where she received the Chancellors Citation for Extraordinary Professional Promise and is a 2025 inductee into the College of Education’s Educators Hall of Honor.  

Registration

Accessibility Statement

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Baylee Zeringue at bzeringue@lsu.edu. At least two weeks' advance notice will help us to provide seamless access.