Center for Academic Excellence

The CAE Library has many books, periodicals, and videos on the following topics: Assessment, Diversity, Community-Based Learning, Teaching & Learning, Professional Development, and Technology. Browse through the Excel-database online or drop by Cramer Hall 303 to check out our collection!

The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community

by David C. Korten

"Korten argues that global corporate consolidation of power is but one manifestation of what he calls “Empire” — the organization of society by hierarchies of dominance that have held sway for the past 5,000 years. Empire has always resulted in misery for the many and fortune for the few. Now it threatens the very future of humanity. The Great Turning traces the ancient roots of Empire and charts its long evolution from monarchies to the transnational institutions of the global economy. Empire is not inevitable, not the natural order of things. Korten draws on evidence from sources as varied as evolutionary theory, developmental psychology, and religious teachings to make the case that “Earth Community” — a life-centered, egalitarian, sustainable way of ordering human society based on democratic principles of partnership — is indeed possible. He details a practical strategy for advancing a turning toward a future of as-yet-unrealized human potential." [from Amazon]

Thinking About Teaching and Learning: Developing Habits of Learning with First Year College and University Students

by Robert Leamnson

"Building on the insights offered by recent discoveries about the biological basis of learning, and his own thought-provoking definitions of teaching, learning, and education, Robert Leamnson proceeds to the practical details of instruction that teachers are most interested in - the things that make or break teaching.

Always practical and thoughtful, the aquthor provides teachers with a map to develop their own teaching philosophy, and effective nuts-and-bolts advice. His approach is particularly useful for those facing a cohort of first-year students less prepared for college and university. He is concerned to develop in his students habits and skills that will equip them for a lifetime of learning." [From back cover]

Advancing Liberal Education: Assessment Practices on Campus

by Michael Ferguson

PSU is featured on pages 10-12 of this publication!

"This publication presents the stories of six different colleges and universities that have developed innovative programs to advance and assess key liberal education outcomes. Originally written for AAC&U News, these stories--which focus on writing, information literacy, understanding of diversity, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and civic engagement--offer models for effective assessment practices. Also included is information about finding additional assessment resources." [From AAC&U website]