Teaching strategies that encourage active learning
Innovation In Teaching
Dean College's Rooney Shaw Center for Innovation in Teaching focuses on developing teaching strategies utilizing active learning techniques enhanced by technology and delivered through multiple pedagogical approaches.
The Rooney Shaw Center for Innovation in Teaching is one part of a campus-wide initiative called Innovations in Teaching and Learning. With the use of the center, faculty explore different ways to deliver the curriculum, using technology and other methods to promote active student engagement. The Rooney Shaw Center for Innovation in Teaching plays a critical role in putting Dean at the forefront of active and engaged learning.
The Rooney Shaw Center for Innovation in Teaching occupies a suite of offices in Dean Hall, the hub of Academic Affairs. Classrooms have been transformed into a learning laboratory, a resource center, and meeting space with Skype conferencing capability. Outfitted with multi-use furnishings and technology-enabled workstations, the center supports and encourages faculty to create novel learning environments and push the boundaries of traditional practice. Experiencing cutting-edge instructional methods with peers in a learning lab setting allows faculty to determine which modalities work most effectively for specific content and disciplines.
This initiative is designed to support the realization of Dean’s Mission for each student and for every member of the faculty and staff who contribute to Dean’s teaching and learning model, The Dean Difference. This model is characterized by an individualized learning experience supported by multi-disciplinary experts working collaboratively to help each student reach their potential for academic and personal success.

Dr. Dawn Poirier, Director of the Rooney Shaw Center for Innovations in Teaching.

Faculty and staff meeting in the Rooney Shaw Center.

The Rooney Shaw Center is equipped with a HoverCam, a wireless podium that is digitally re-imagined.

Dr. Dawn Poirer presenting to a group at the Rooney Shaw Center.

Students learning in the Rooney Shaw Center.

Dean College staff holding an interactive meeting in the Rooney Shaw Center.

Dean College staff holding an interactive meeting in the Rooney Shaw Center.