Engaging Exploration

What is Engaging Exploration?

Designed for faculty who are new to active learning, Engaging Exploration is a 4-day bootcamp on active learning techniques held three times each summer.

The workshop dates for Summer 2026 are:

• May 12th – 15th @ The Walker Education Center (Main Campus)
• June 2nd – 5th @ The Woodlands Center
• July 7th – 10th @ The Walker Education Center (Main Campus)

From the model of the Mobile Summer Institutes (MoSIs) developed by the Poorvu Center for Teaching & Learning at Yale University, the Engaging Classrooms Team developed the curriculum for each Engaging Exploration workshop. The curriculum includes:

the importance & benefits of inclusive teaching
highlights of education research on active learning
an introduction to several active learning techniques
guidelines on integrating these techniques into the classroom
models of effective assessment

The curriculum is delivered through activities such as reflective writing, planning, reading, a discussion of teaching methods and philosophy, and interactive presentations.

What are the benefits?

By the end of the 4-day Engaging Exploration workshop, participants will observe, evaluate, and collect a portfolio of innovative teaching approaches, instructional materials, and practical strategies for enhancing student learning that they can immediately apply to their teaching environments.

In addition, a $500 stipend will be awarded to eligible participants upon completion of the workshop. Refer to Sam Houston State University stipend policy for eligibility requirements.