06/28/2024

2025 CSCA Convention - Great Ideas for Teaching (G.I.F.T.) ... Call for Submissions

GREAT IDEAS FOR TEACHING (G.I.F.T.) INTEREST GROUP
Call for Papers and Panels

Central States Communication Association (CSCA)

Annual Convention-Cincinnati, OH

April 1-6, 2025

Widening the Scope

Great Ideas for Teaching (G.I.F.T.) invites submissions of virtual and F2F classroom-tested teaching activities to share with novice and veteran communication instructors. G.I.F.T. sessions feature round-table presentations of teaching activities that demonstrate how to apply a myriad of communication theories and concepts. Traditionally, G.I.F.T. submissions have focused on public speaking, interpersonal, small group, organizational, and hybrid courses; however, we encourage creative submissions from any facet of our discipline, and especially encourage submissions related to the convention theme: Widening the Scope. The top two submissions will be recognized with a cash award and a Certificate of Merit.

Given the increase in online teaching, particularly over the past several years, we plan to offer one GIFT session devoted exclusively to teaching activities completed in online (virtual/synchronous or asynchronous) classes. While the session will focus on assignments completed online, presenters will share their online activities in person at the conference.

Presentation Format:

Individuals who have their activities selected for presentation will share their ideas to groups of their peers. This year, each presenter will present a 2-minute elevator pitch to all those in attendance and then breakoff into roundtable discussions. Once in the roundtable format, presenters will have six to eight minutes to present their activity in more detail and disseminate any handouts. Presenters are expected to arrive with 25 hard copies of their activity that will be distributed during their session; however, if that isn’t feasible, you may create an email sign-up list to reach out to individuals interested in connecting with you.  All accepted submissions will also be uploaded to an electronic database for attendees to access.

Submission Requirements:

Successful G.I.F.T. submissions must contain each of the following components:

• Title of the activity
• Course(s) for which this activity is intended
• Objective(s) of the activity
• Rationale for conducting the activity
• Description of the activity, including any preparation/preliminary steps and materials needed
• Debriefing of the activity, including typical results
• Appraisal of the activity, including any limitations or variations
• References and/or Suggested Readings

Additional Requirements:

• Submissions must be no longer than two pages of actual written text within accepted publishing guidelines (not including references/bibliographies or handouts). 
• All technology requests must be made at the time of submission.
• Submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m., CDT, October 5, 2024.
• Send submissions electronically through our CSCA online submission system site.
• If your submission is accepted, you are expected to attend the convention to present your activity. However, if multiple authors submit a joint activity, only one author need attend.

In the online submission system, choose “competitive paper” as the submission type. You will be able to add (1) your name, (2) title of the activity, (3) school affiliation, (4) current CSCA membership status, (5) mailing address, (6) email address, and (7) phone number. Information for any additional authors – name, email, and school affiliation only – should be placed after the first author’s information.

Note: ALL submitters/potential presenters should create a profile on the CSCA online submission system site. Membership is not required to create a profile. This will make later steps in the process much easier.

Attach your MS Word file. The file should contain only the GIFT activity as outlined above and should not contain any information that might identify the authors. If your activity is meant for online teaching, please make this clear by typing “ONLINE ACTIVITY” at the top of your attached file.

Proposals not meeting these submission guidelines may not be distributed for review. If you have questions about G.I.F.T. or your individual submission, please contact G.I.F.T. chair and program planner Katie L. Turkiewicz at turkiewk@uwgb.edu.