'Innovative University' author Clayton Christensen to visit Purdue on March 29

Clayton Christensen, author of "The Innovative University: Changing the DNA of Higher Education from the Inside Out," will participate in two discussions on March 29 in Wilmeth Active Learning Center, Room 1087.

Christensen, the Kim B. Clark Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School, is visiting campus at the invitation of the Office of the President and the Purdue Teaching Academy. Faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in both discussions.

The first session, running 4:30-5:30 p.m., will be an interactive discussion between Christensen and attendees, moderated by Teaching Academy leadership. Topics will focus on those raised in Christensen’s book, including disruption and innovation, new models in higher education, the range of students and subjects, and balancing instruction, service and scholarship.

During the second session, running 5:30-6:30 p.m., attendees will break into discussion groups focused on specific topics, including:

* Addressing the needs of students from diverse backgrounds.

* Preparing junior faculty for the university of the future.

* Instructional strategies and approaches.

* Effective assessment of undergraduate student learning.

* Teaching and learning toward practical career goals, and critical thinking, problem-solving, and civic participation.

Christensen received a master’s and PhD in business administration from the Harvard Business School, after earning a bachelor's degree in economics from Brigham Young University and an M.Phil. in applied econometrics from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He is the author of 11 books and more than a hundred articles relating to innovation. 

Room size limits participation to 100 people. Light refreshments will be served. Register at www.cie.purdue.edu.

Questions may be directed to the Teaching Academy at teachingacademy@purdue.edu or by contacting the Center for Instructional Excellence at 765-496-6422.