About the Learning + Teaching Center
Where We Put Learning First
The UC Blue Ash Learning and Teaching Center was created in 2001, and facilitated the first Ohio Teaching Enhancement faculty learning community in that year. The Center is funded through and reports to the office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and coordinates closely with the Library and the Faculty Development Committee.
We believe in creating professional development experiences that are tailored to the needs and experiences of the particular group of faculty attending our offerings. We work to relate theory to practice with examples from real classes, and we design our workshops and seminars to engage participants in active learning and collaboration. When participants leave one of our sessions, they leave with plans for a direct application of the content to their teaching or research. Faculty comments suggest that we have been successful in meeting these goals. We also actively value and promote scholarly teaching and the scholarship of teaching and learning both in practice and as evidence of excellence in teaching and research in the reappointment, promotion, and tenure process.
Our Mission
The mission of the Learning and Teaching center is to provide faculty with the skills and resources to honor the college’s student-centered approach to teaching that helps faculty support students from a wide array of cultural backgrounds. The Learning and Teaching Center also supports faculty in realizing their scholarship and creative works through collaboration, training, and access to university resources.
Our Vision
The Learning and Teaching Center will be a recognized hub of innovation in pedagogy, scholarship, and creative work in service to student, faculty, and staff success.
Meet Our Team
Brenda Refaei, Ed.D.
Professor of English, Co-Director of the Learning and Teaching Center
Progress Hall 120J
Brenda is a professor of English in the English and Communication Department. She earned her doctoral degree in literacy education and master’s degree in multicultural education from the University of Cincinnati. She was inducted into Academy of Fellows for Teaching & Learning in 2011. Her research interests include equity in writing courses, eportfolios, problem-based learning, and faculty development. Brenda is co-editor of Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education: Strategies for Teaching.
Joseph Baumgartner, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Biology, Co-Director of the Learning and Teaching Center
Walters Hall 142
Joseph is an assistant professor in the Biology department. He earned his degree in Evolution, Ecology, and Environmental Biology from Miami University. His pedagogical research interests include metacognition, course design, and AI in education.
Emeriti of the L+TC
- Helene Harte: 2023-2024
- María I Ortiz: 2022-2023
- Bradford Mallory: 2013 - 2021
- Rita Kumar: 2015 - 2019
- Pam Rankey: 2012 - 2019
- Ruth Benander: 2012 - 2015
- Robin Lightner: 2007 - 2012
- Beverly Knauper: 2001 - 2007
- Ruth Benander: 2001 - 2006
Contact Information
Brenda Refaei, Ed.D.
Co-Director, UCBA L+TC
513-936-7164
brenda.refaei@uc.edu
Joseph Baumgartner, Ph.D.
Co-Director, UCBA L+TC
513-558-7942
baumgajp@ucmail.uc.edu