REFRESH | New Perspectives on Teaching

REFRESH | New Perspectives on Teaching is an annual event hosted by the LSU Learning and Teaching Collaborative, held just before the start of the fall semester. Designed to energize and inspire faculty for the year ahead, REFRESH features a keynote speaker who addresses current and practical topics in teaching, offering concrete strategies to enhance classroom practice. The event also includes an interactive workshop where participants can dive deeper into the theme and explore new techniques, followed by a lunch that provides time for networking and informal discussion. REFRESH is a chance to gain fresh ideas, connect with colleagues, and start the academic year with renewed focus and purpose.

 

REFRESH 2026

 

Keynote Topic: Teaching So Everyone Learns: Immediate Applications to Help More Students Thrive in Higher Education
Workshop Topic: Motivating and Engaging Students: Strategies for Teaching from the Psychology of Learning
Date: Friday, August 21, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

 

 

 

About the Keynote

Learning is a complex process, yet a relatively small set of well-established principles consistently shape how well students learn across settings. This session examines key cognitive and behavioral factors such as cognitive load, metacognition, and spaced practice, along with common misconceptions that can unintentionally hinder learning. Across large lectures, small classes, and clinical or applied settings, these foundational elements remain remarkably consistent. Participants will explore practical strategies to design purposeful pre-work, support effective study habits, and account for the realities students face outside the classroom. Grounded in evidence, this session offers immediately applicable approaches to help more students engage, persist, and thrive.

About the Workshop

Students are attending class, but many are hesitant to participate, reluctant to speak, or unsure how to engage, especially in larger or more diverse learning environments. What is driving this pattern, and what can we do about it? This session draws on decades of research from cognitive and educational psychology to examine the factors that influence student motivation, confidence, and involvement. Participants will explore practical, evidence-based strategies that increase participation, reduce hesitation, and support deeper learning. The focus is on principles that help more students invest effort and persist. Brief attention will be given to how emerging technologies, including AI, can support these goals when used intentionally.

About the Speaker

Todd D. Zakrajsek, PhD, is an Adjunct Associate Research Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he works with faculty to improve teaching, learning, and student success. A former tenured professor of psychology, he has led faculty development initiatives at three universities. Todd has consulted with organizations including the American Council on Education, Microsoft, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He has directed the Lilly Conferences on Evidence-Based Teaching and Learning for over 20 years and serves as editor of The Scholarly Teacher. He has authored or co-authored 10 books, including The Science of Learning Meets AI (2026), and regularly presents on evidence-based teaching and how AI is reshaping learning.  

Registration

Accessibility Statement

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Baylee Banta at bzeringue@lsu.edu. At least two weeks' advance notice will help us to provide seamless access.