About this Project
This work is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Undergraduate Education under grants #0127310, #0127141, #0127257, #0127018, #0618482, #0618725 and #0618533.
Disclaimer: Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this website are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
The NAGT On the Cutting Edge project helps geoscience faculty stay up-to-date with both geoscience research and teaching methods. The workshop series and website combine to provide professional development opportunities, resources, and opportunities for faculty to interact on-line and in person with colleagues around the world who are focused on improving their teaching. An integral aspect of the project is development of an expanding community of geoscience educators with a strong and diverse leadership.
On the Cutting Edge workshop series consists of four types of workshops. Emerging theme workshops are designed to move important new topics from an initial stage of early activity by isolated leaders in the field toward widespread implementation in undergraduate geoscience courses. Stage two workshops provide an opportunity for a larger group to work on issues or needs that will enable an emerging theme to move into the mainstream. One-day workshops at professional society meetings provide an opportunity to work with faculty in shorter time intervals with minimal additional travel obligations. These workshops are particularly suited for expanding the audience for a topic. Mature topic workshops offered every year include Course Design, Early Career, and Preparing for an Academic Career. These workshop provide a mechanism for bringing mature ideas to faculty at critical points in their career.
Reports and Publications about the Project
- Manduca, C.A., H. Macdonald, D. Mogk, and B. Tewksbury (2006). On the Cutting Edge: Evolving Themes, Enduring Impact (Acrobat (PDF) 335kB Apr25 06). Northfield, MN: Science Education Resource Center.
- Macdonald, R.H., C.A. Manduca, D.W. Mogk, and B.J. Tewksbury (2005). "Teaching Methods in Undergraduate Geoscience Courses: Results of the 2004 On the Cutting Edge Survey of US Faculty." Journal of Geoscience Education, 53(3): 237.
- Macdonald, R. H., C. A. Manduca, D. W. Mogk and B. J. Tewksbury (2004). "On the Cutting Edge: Improving Learning by Enhancing Teaching." In, Invention and Impact: Building Excellence in Undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education. Washington, D.C., AAAS: 381.
- Manduca, C.A., H. Macdonald, D. Mogk, and B. Tewksbury (2004). "On the Cutting Edge: Leadership development in the Geosciences." Project Kaleidoscope Volume IV: What works, what matters, what lasts. July 23: The work of disciplinary societies in identifying and nurturing faculty leaders.
Planning Team
- Heather Macdonald, rhmacd@wm.edu, College of William and Mary
- Cathryn Manduca, cmanduca@carleton.edu, Carleton College
- David Mogk, mogk@montana.edu, Montana State University, Bozeman
- Barbara Tewksbury, btewksbu@hamilton.edu, Hamilton College
Additional information
- Complete Description of the Cutting Edge Project
- General Information for Workshop Participants
- Emerging Theme Workshops
- Recommend a Topic
- Convening an Emerging Theme Workshop
- Advisory Board
- Overview of Project Evaluation
- Leadership Program
- About the Cutting Edge Digital Library Collection
Contact Information
For further information about the program contact:
Heather Macdonald, rhmacd@wm.edu, College of William and Mary
For further information specifically about this website:
Cathryn Manduca, cmanduca@carleton.edu, Carleton College
For further information about an individual workshop:
Go to the Workshop Schedule page, which contains links all the websites for current and past workshops. Workshop and contact information is available at each workshop site.
