Festival of Teaching and Learning returns April 11 to showcase Purdue’s innovative educators

Purdue’s second annual Festival of Teaching and Learning, set for 3-5 p.m. Friday, April 11, in Honors Hall, will once again bring together educators, researchers and students to celebrate excellence in teaching and explore innovative approaches to learning.

Hosted by the John Martinson Honors College’s Blue Sky Teaching and Learning Laboratory in collaboration with the Innovation Hub, Teaching Academy and Center for Instructional Excellence, the festival serves as a dynamic showcase pedagogical creativity at Purdue. This year's event will feature 58 presenters. 

“The Festival of Teaching and Learning is an opportunity for faculty and instructors to share their most effective and innovative teaching practices with colleagues from across the university,” said Emily Allen, director of the Blue Sky Lab and lead organizer of the event. “It’s a space for collaboration, experimentation and inspiration.”

The event will feature hands-on presentations highlighting a wide range of teaching strategies and classroom innovations. Last year’s festival included nearly 40 presentations on topics such as artificial intelligence, community-focused pedagogy and educational games. This year’s lineup promises an equally engaging array of projects designed to enhance student learning and engagement. 

Faculty and staff from nearly every college at Purdue are expected to participate, demonstrating the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of teaching excellence. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with presenters, exchange ideas and explore new methodologies that can be adapted to various disciplines. Attendees are also invited to come to the event early, as the Center for Instructional Excellence (CIE) will host a poster session from 2-3 p.m. in the STEAM Lab, HCRS Room 1076. 

“The energy at last year’s festival was incredible,” Allen said. “Faculty and instructors were excited to not only share their work but also learn from one another. We’re looking forward to building on that momentum and continuing to highlight the outstanding teaching happening at Purdue.”

For those interested in attending, the festival is open to all Purdue faculty, staff and students. No registration is required, and attendees are encouraged to explore the interactive presentations at their own pace.

Andrea Mattingly

Director of Communication for Teaching and Learning, thomas78@purdue.edu