Book Clubs

Book clubs offer an opportunity to build a small community that will explore the topics presented in books we have identified as timely and supportive of teaching and learning. These clubs will meet several times during the semester (please see dates below), at which time participants will engage in facilitated discussion focused on the reading. 

Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning Book Club 

Are you interested in learning about research-based practices to bridge cognitive theory with real-world classroom applications? Are you looking for straightforward strategies to apply to your current courses to help students retrieve knowledge, engage in mindful learning practices, and increase student motivation? Join faculty from across Virginia Tech’s campuses as we explore these topics and much more. Led by Virginia Tech faculty, Jodie Brinkmann, participants will discuss how to bridge the gap between cognitive theory and practical application of small modifications that can have a major impact on students’ learning. These strategies apply to in-person and online learning and support building a community that fosters student motivation and success.

A new opportunity for book club members this semester includes interacting with faculty colleagues from the University San Francisco-Quito. USFQ is one of Virginia Tech’s longest-standing global partners, with a vibrant student exchange history for more than 30 years. USFQ is a leading comprehensive university in Ecuador offering diverse academic settings that include campuses in Cumbayá (outside Quito), the Galápagos Islands, the Mindo Cloud Forest, and the Tiputini Biodiversity Station in the Ecuadorian Amazon.  This collaborative book club is the first of its kind and we look forward to learning with and from our USFQ colleagues.

All meetings will be held virtually via Zoom. Instructions for obtaining a free e-version of the book and meeting link will be communicated following registration.

Attendance at all meetings is not a requirement for participation. Space is limited to 20 participants.

2026 Meeting Schedule

(all on Wednesdays from 2:00-3:00 p.m.)

• September 9 – Introductory Meeting
• September 23 – Facilitator led group discussion of chapters 1 and 2
• October 7 – Facilitator led group discussion of chapters 3 and 4
• October 21 – Facilitator led group discussion of chapters 5 and 6
• November 4 – Facilitator led group discussion of chapters 7 and 8 and 9
• November 18 – Wrap-up discussion

If you have questions please email hannahh23@vt.edu or jlbrinkmann@vt.edu.