Pedagogical Practices in 21st Century Appalachian Studies

This roundtable discussion will include both seasoned and novice instructors who will share the successes and challenges of teaching Appalachian Studies in an ever-evolving landscape of secondary and post-secondary education. Whether addressing the need for students to understand and apply theoretical frameworks; including participatory community-based action research in undergraduate and graduate classes; or incorporating cross-cultural comparisons to internationalize the curriculum, participants will include a wide scope of topics to spark rich discussions about the role and importance of Appalachian Studies in the 21st century. Some of the issues we will pose involve struggles funding fieldtrips and other experiential learning opportunities; financial aid for summer study abroad courses; service learning triumphs and failures; and increased teaching and administrative/service demands in a shrinking resources environment. The roundtable is intended to serve as a catalyst for instructors at all levels and to spark creative, effective, and efficient ideas for future teaching. In the spirit of Appalachian Studies, we anticipate a lively give and take between not only the roundtable participants but also the audience.