The fifth and final word is learning. There is a major paradigm shift occurring in higher education. After a long period of time of focusing on teaching, there is a healthy shift to focusing on learning. While the instructional paradigm often focuses on increasing the quantity of information, the learning paradigm focuses on the efficiency effectiveness of the process. There is a desperate need by faculty members to improve the learning environment.
Faculty members have tremendous content knowledge.
However, we as learning assistance professionals possess the knowledge and skill to help faculty members improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the learning process. There are no better experts in the learning process than those who are in the audience today. At UMKC we consult with faculty members on improving instructional delivery, conducting new faculty member orientation and instructional training programs, and host faculty development programs. We have been invited by faculty members and academic departments because of the reputation we have with supporting academic development of students at all levels within the institution. We need to learn to reinvent ourselves as resources for the entire campus, students and faculty alike, in renewing the learning environment.