FOUNDATIONS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORATE

7th workshop on


Learner-Centered Approaches in College Education in the AI Era

February 9-11, 2026

Sabancı University, Tuzla Campus


Are you looking for a way to improve your students'
engagement in your class?

Join us!
Registation Closed

Registration Deadline: January 30, 2026 - Thank you for your interest!
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Updates

Workshop Information & Materials for Participants are now available!


Our Story


Over ten years ago, Sabancı University (SU) adopted the global effort to rethink the role of faculty and students in undergraduate education and prioritize “Scholarship of Teaching and Learning” (SoTL) that values evidence-based teaching approaches. Many courses in the first-year core curriculum at Sabancı University, managed by the Foundations Development Directorate (FDD) , have adopted learner-centered active learning approaches based on SoTL, working with more than 1,000 freshman students every year. Among them, the Science of Nature (NS 101/102) Courses have been the flagship in adopting an interdisciplinary and full-scale student-centered course design based on active learning.


Such a learner-centered approach is unique especially for large freshman courses in Turkish universities, and over the last 10+ years we have accumulated a variety of experiences, resources and data with our freshman students. We have also established professional development programs for instructors and teaching assistants of the core curriculum courses to help them improve necessary skills to become effective facilitators in the student-centered learning environment. Previously, we offered six workshops mainly to STEM educators; This year’s workshop expands the scope to include all disciplines beyond STEM.


The Workshop on Learner-Centered Approaches in College Education in the AI Era is aimed at sharing teaching resources and experiences we have gained while developing various core corriculum courses. This will also provide a valuable professional development opportunity for college-level educators, who are interested in SoTL and in applying innovative approaches to their courses. Moreover, the workshop explores how digital learning tools including AI-supported technologies can be integrated into learner-centered teaching. We invite academics from Turkish universities in any discipline to join the workshop! The workshop is organized by the Promoting Excellence in Education and Resources Sharing (PEERS) Initiative*.

* The PEERS initiative was established by SU educators from all faculties and units, primarily the members of FDD. PEERS serves as a platform for sharing FDD’s extensive experience in innovative and student-centered active learning approaches, developed through the core curriculum teaching across disciplines. PEERS offers workshops and seminars for SU members as well as educators from other Turkish universities, fostering pedagogical improvement and innovation as well as promoting collaborations across universities.



about

About the Workshop

The workshop consists of two phases: First, the 3-day workshop provides background pedagogical information through community-building activities on student-centered strategies. It is then followed by an application phase, during which participants are expected to apply some of the newly-learned approach with their own students. We will have an online feedback meeting in summer of 2026 to conclude the program.

The Goals:

  • To share our experiences and resources with the student-centered teaching approach used in the core curriculum courses
  • To discuss the current advances in SoTL
  • To explore and contemplate ethical and effective use of GenAI tools in higher education
  • To provide the participants an opportunity to develop skills to become effective facilitators in active-learning classrooms
  • To actively engage the participants in the refinement and assessment of their own courses

The Two Phases:

  1. 3-Day Workshop (February 9-11, 2026): Composed of a series of 1-1.5 hour group sessions and some individual work. Constant guidance and feedback will be provided. The topics includes:
    • Student-centered course design
    • Active learning
    • Collaborative learning
    • Formative/summative assessment
    • Classroom assessment techniques
    • Collaborative learning techniques
    • Flipped classroom
    • Effective use of AI tools in learning and teaching
    • Planning for possible application in your course

    See the Workshop Program section for more details.


  2. Application & Feedback (Spring semester & Summer 2026):

    3. Trial implementation (at any scale possible) of the plan that each participant prepare at the workshop. The participants are encouraged to share a summary of the experiences of their implementations. An online feedback meeting will be organized for each (group of) participants in summer to discuss how they implemented the innovative approaches in their classroom and the strengths and weaknesses of their implementations.


Venue and More:

  • Workshop venue: Sabancı University, Tuzla Campus (Orta Mahalle, 34956 Tuzla, İstanbul). Click here to see the map.
  • Capacity: about 25 participants
  • No participation fee is required. On-campus housing will be available to limited number of participants on the need basis. Please indicate the needs in the registration form.
  • The workshop will be conducted in English


Previous Workshops



Previous Workshop Websites:
September 4-7, 2018
January 14-16, 2020
February 16-17, 2021 (Special virtual version for online education)
September 13-15, 2022
September 13-15, 2023
September 11-13, 2024


Previous Participants Affiliations:
Abdullah Gül University, Bahçeşehir University, Bilkent University, Boğaziçi University, Gazi University, Istanbul Technical University, Koç University, MEF University, Sabancı University, Süleyman Demirel University, TED University, TÜBİTAK, Istanbul Ticaret University, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Trabzon University, Izmir Institute of Technology, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Akdeniz University, Okan University, Yeditepe University, Özyeğin University

Participants' Voice

"It changed my ideas about science teaching. I thought a basic Flipped approach would be sufficient where content is presented and then students solve questions. However, I understood the importance of an inquiry-based approach such as the 5E model: how it can motivate students, how it can fight off misconceptions, and result in more effective learning."
— D. from MEF University

"This workshop made me realize that teaching is in itself a universe, with full of ideas and aspects to consider. I think the contents of this workshop should be included in the common education system starting from the primary school, both for students and educators."
— A. from Sabancı University

"the workshop provided me an opportunity to observe how engineering instructors are facing the challenges to design active learning teaching."
— E. from Abdullah Gül University

"I realized that I did not take much risk and did what I was told or what I saw from previous examples. Now, after spending three long days at the workshop, I know that I should pay attention to the learning outcomes and the way I approach to the students in terms of content. ... You not only learn but you also need to learn how to teach."
— N. from Sabancı University

Also:   Pre/Post survey show significant improvements in the following aspects of participants' classes:

  1. Students are actively engaged in thought-provoking activity that often involved the critical assessment of procedures.
  2. The metaphor “teacher as listener” is very characteristic of this classroom.



program

Workshop Program

moderators

Workshop Moderators


Click on ⌵ to expand the bio


    Education

    Ph.D in Physics, University of Alabama in Huntsville
    M.S in Physics, University of Alabama in Huntsville
    B.S in Physics and Astronomy, Youngstown State University


    Teaching Experience

    1995-2006 Volunteer teachers/tutors at various K-12/college programs in the US
    2000-2001 Teaching Assistant, University of Alabama in Huntsville
    2006-2009 IB Physics Instructor, TEV İnanç Türkeş Özel Lisesi
    2009-current Instructor/Coordinator, FDD & FENS, Sabancı University


    Teaching Philosophy

    I believe that knowledge is something that is built within each learner in a way that is unique and specific to each learner. Learners must integrate new pieces of information into their own context in order to build the knowledge. A teacher’s time is best spent coaching that learning process with the students, rather than just providing information.

Education

Ph.D in Molecular and Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst
M.S in Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Bioengineering
B.S in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University


Teaching Experience

2009-2010 Instructor: BIO H100-Life Sciences and Global Issues at UMass
2010-2011 Instructor: BIO 105H-Biology of Social Issues at UMass
2017-2018 Instructor: Proj 201- Undergraduate Project Course
2011-Present Instructor/Coordinator of NS Courses, Sabancı University


Teaching Philosophy

My experience in research and science education taught me that learning is a unique experience for everyone and learners may have different challenges according to their skills and learning styles. Learners’ active participation is the key component in the learning process. My role as a teacher is to create a learning environment that encourages learners’ motivation and participation as well as to provide guidance to the learners to strengthen their learning skills for becoming independent learners.

Education

Ph.D in Physics, Sabanci University
M.A in Astronomy, Boston University
B.S in Physics, Bilkent University


Teaching Experience

Lead Discussion and Laboratory sessions of Freshman Astronomy courses in Boston University
Work as a Teaching Assistant and Master Teaching Assistant in Science of Nature courses (NS101/NS102) in Sabanci University


Teaching Philosophy

Being a good teacher is not all about knowing and explaining everything, rather it is to make your students be aware of their own learning. This requires being able to see students’ needs individually and provide appropriate learning environment, resources, and activities to them.

Education

Ph.D. in History, Sabancı University
M.A. in Turkish Studies, Leiden university
M.A. in Islam in the Modern World, Utrecht University
B.A. in Turkish Languages and Cultures with a focus on cultural heritage and education, Utrecht University


Teaching Experience

2009-2015: Teaching Assistant Social and Political Sciences, Ottoman Cultural (Art) History; Renaissance Art History, Sabancı University
2016-2018: Visiting Instructor/ Coordinator Social and Political Sciences: Humanity & Society, Sabancı University
2022: Instructor Proj 201 Investigating restoration projects of Ottoman architecture
2023-2024: Instructor HIST 501: Explorations in World History
2018-present: Instructor/ Coordinator Social and Political Sciences: Humanity & Society, Sabancı University


Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that history education is not just about the past. It shapes how we understand the present and engage with the future. By fostering critical thinking and global perspectives, I aim to equip students with the tools to navigate today’s world. I aspire to be a fair, just and inclusive teacher: I accept that every student has unique circumstances. Therefore, I provide them with exact opportunities and resources and acknowledge those who need to be supported to reach that same goal. Finally, I see myself as a lifelong learner and I believe strongly in learning from peers.

Education

Ph.D in English, Contemporary Global Anglophone Literature, University of Missouri Columbia
M.A in Cultural Studies, Rackham Graduate Program, University of Michigan
M.A in English Language and Literature, University of Michigan Flint
B.A in American Culture and Literature


Teaching Experience

2015-2020 Instructor: Composition, Rhetoric & Literature Courses at University of Missouri Columbia
2020-2023 Instructor: Academic Writing Courses at Koç University
2023-present: Literature Courses at Sabancı University


Teaching Philosophy

My philosophy of teaching is guided by a multidisciplinary Cultural Studies approach that incorporates lecture and constructivist teaching methods. My teaching style departs from, what Freire calls, “banking education” and deploys an active learning pedagogy that encourages academic and cultural diversity, urging students to take ownership of their learning experience and to engage in critical exchanges that challenge the hierarchies of the traditional classroom. My goal as an educator is to facilitate an inclusive learning environment and to expose students to the tools that will help them negotiate texts, produce knowledge, and navigate the world at both local and global levels.

Education

Ph.D in Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koç University
M.S in Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koç University
B.S in Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koç University


Teaching Experience

2013-2023 Teaching Assistance in Chemical Engineering Design Course, Koç University
2023-Present Instructor/Coordinator of NS Courses, Sabancı University


Teaching Philosophy

I believe any person can efficiently and patiently work on a topic and excel if they have questions in mind about it. Having a question in mind, following the clues, collaborating, and reporting the findings in a systematic way so that others can elaborate on them is extremely important to find inclusive solutions for all residents of the world and cope with changing conditions such as climate change and new viruses. If I had this consciousness long before, I would have studied the undergraduate curriculum in a completely different perspective and perception. Therefore, now I take my part in creating a learning environment with students and colleagues to collaboratively follow the curiosity to learn about life and science, and their relation, and seize the joy of learning, with the ultimate aim that this will inspire students to look around carefully and feel more content with their choices of profession.

I am an Instructor of Turkish Language and Literature at Sabancı University’s Foundations Development Directorate, where I teach in both Turkish and English. I hold a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the State University of New York at Buffalo, an M.A. in Cultural Studies from Sabancı University, and a B.A. in Psychology from Dogus University, with additional graduate coursework in journalism at Istanbul University. My work brings together literary studies, ethics, and questions of education, focusing on flourishing, happiness, and meaning. My doctoral dissertation examined the development of the concept of happiness in Orhan Pamuk’s novels through literary, historical, and philosophical approaches.

Education

M.A. in International Relations, Queen Mary University of London
B.A. in English Language Teaching, Middle East Technical University


Teaching Experience

A teacher and an assessment unit member, Bilkent University
A teacher and an assessment unit member, Sabancı University
Facilitator in SPS 101&102, Sabancı University


Teaching Philosophy

I do not believe in teaching. I believe in inspiring others to be curious and therefore make the effort to learn.

Ozan Tekin is a university-level English for Academic Purposes (EAP) instructor at Sabancı University’s School of Languages, where he teaches academic reading & writing in Social and Political Studies courses. He received advanced training in the Humanities at Lund University and Malmö University, and foundational training in Translation and Interpreting Studies at Hacettepe University. He is currently pursuing his PhD trajectory, focusing on the social study of higher education, particularly the intersections of artificial intelligence, academic labor, and organizational change. His teaching and research emphasize critical thinking, scaffolded learning, and responsible AI integration.



F.A.Q

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

  • Daily lunch and light breakfast
  • Coffee, tea, and light snacks
  • Travel and accommodation support for limited number of participants

Someone who is:

  • Teaching or providing support for a college-level course, or designing a course or curriculum
  • Interested in learning about what current research tells us about students’ learning
  • Motivated to learn through hands-on experience how to effectively impact the academic growth of students
  • Looking for an opportunity to initiate long-term collaborations with other university educators
  • Highly valuing teamwork
  • With good communication skills in English

Please fill out and submit the online registration form from this registration link.

There is no selection process. The registration form must be submitted by January 30, 2026. Early registration is strongly encouraged as the space is limited!

There is no registration fee for the workshop. In addition, we have a limited amount of funding available for on-campus accommodation. If you need the support, please indicate that in the registration form; we will try our best to provide you partial (or full) support, depending on the availability.

No. Each session of the workshop is related and all sessions build on earlier sessions. If you miss one day or some sessions of the workshop, you will not be able to benefit from later sessions as much. Because of this, we ask all the participants to attend all sessions, and we plan everything assuming that you attend all sessions.

Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion upon successful participation in both phases: the 3-day workshop and the application of your plan. After the feedback meeting, the certificate will be issued.

There are several shuttles and IETT buses available daily. For transportation options, directions and schedules, please see the University's transportation pages:

No. From our experience, the hybrid format is not as effective as we would like the workshop (or class!) to be, so we only offer in-person participation. Also the feedback of the previous participants indicates that the benefits of the workshop are maximized only with the face-to-face interactions.




Workshop Poster


Click to download the workshop poster  

class in action

"Science of Nature" Class
in Action

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Questions?

Please contact Yuki Kaneko at peers@sabanciuniv.edu if you have any questions about the workshop.

This workshop is organized by the Promoting Excellence in Education & Resource Sharing (PEERS) initiative