Florida State University faculty are rethinking how students learn. At the university’s third annual Provost’s Showcase of Scholarly Teaching, educators across campus gathered and highlighted innovative approaches across a range of disciplines that unite research and creativity to craft learning experiences that help students develop the skills they need in their fields. From virtual reality simulations and AI-driven coursework to hands-on activities and authentic connection, faculty are using cutting-edge strategies to keep students engaged and learning.
The event, hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Teaching (CAT) in collaboration with FSU Libraries, highlighted new approaches to student-centered teaching and learning.
The 2026 showcase featured 31 poster presentations and 18 roundtable discussions, focusing on student success and new ways to enhance both classroom and online learning.
“I recognize from my own experience as a researcher just how many hours it takes to put together such high-quality work” said FSU Provost Jim Clark. “It is exciting to think that our students are benefiting so much from the type of intelligence you are bringing to this work. This commitment is truly what makes Florida State University a very special place and why we are a top 25 institution.”
The showcase opened with remarks from Vice President for Student Academic Success Joe O’Shea, who highlighted the work faculty and staff are doing to improve student learning.
“As ambassadors of teaching excellence, you’re helping to lead the way for FSU,” O’Shea said. “I have so much appreciation for the engaging class experiences you create — the dedication to designing powerful learning experiences that stretch and empower students to grow to their full potential.”
Through poster presentations faculty and staff shared findings and innovations such as gamifying persuasion through Dungeons & Dragons, using virtual reality in social work education and navigating the use of artificial intelligence in introductory programming and STEM courses. The showcase also gave faculty a space to exchange ideas and learn from colleagues across disciplines.
Julie Baisden, assistant clinical professor at the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, highlighted the significance of sharing the research she co-presented with doctoral student Peter Marti.
“Sharing our research in spaces like this allows us to brainstorm next steps with our peers,” Baisden said. “Since everyone brings a different perspective to the table, it’s been incredibly helpful to bounce these new ideas off one another.”
Roundtable sessions throughout gave faculty and staff a chance to share current initiatives and receive peer feedback. The discussions addressed subjects like optimizing continuous student feedback to integrating AI in the classroom. Rotating sessions allowed participants to explore challenges and share solutions.
“Rather than simply teaching the way they were taught, FSU faculty are applying research and designing learning experiences that are much more effective,” said Leslie Richardson, director of the CAT. “They’re testing out new ideas and receiving feedback from one another, creating a cross-campus network that allows them to learn from each other’s innovations rather than working alone. It’s an opportunity for those doing amazing things to get their work out there and share it with colleagues so that more people can learn to do the same.”
Faculty and teaching assistants interested in presenting next year are encouraged to email pro-teaching@fsu.edu to discuss ideas or seek guidance on the application process.
For more information about the Provost’s Showcase of Scholarly Teaching or the Center for the Advancement of Teaching, visit teaching.fsu.edu.