Mid-State Technical College instructor Kelly Soczka Steidinger has co-edited and authored a chapter in the new open instructional book, “Emphasizing a Student-Centered Process: Open Pedagogy Course Assessments Across Disciplines.” Her co-editor, Dr. Angela M. McGowan-Kirsch, is an associate professor of communication at the State University of New York at Fredonia. Published by Milne Open Textbooks, the volume highlights innovative educational practices that empower students to be active contributors to knowledge. 

The book showcases a variety of interdisciplinary approaches to open pedagogy and renewable assessments. Steidinger’s contribution, a chapter titled “Reinventing Exam Question Assessments in the Age of AI to Reflect Diverse Voices and Promote Critical Thinking” explores how students can use generative artificial intelligence to design and revise multiple-choice questions that reflect culturally relevant, real-world contexts. 

Mid-State psychology students’ work was featured in the chapter, and several participated in a research study that demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach. 

“I’m thrilled to see this project come to life and share our insights with the broader educational community,” said Steidinger, behavioral science instructor at Mid-State Technical College. “I’m so pleased that this book will provide faculty with practical strategies to empower their students using open educational practices. The examples inside are designed to put students at the center of the learning process.” 

The project was supported through collaboration with Open Fredonia and funded by the Daniel A. Reed Library and the Carnahan Jackson Fund for the Humanities, the SUNY Fredonia Office of the Provost through the SUNY Student Retention Grant and SUNY OER Services through the 2023 Impact Grant. 

The book is available for free download as a PDF, can be read online or can be purchased in print at the Milne Publishing website at milnepublishing.geneseo.edu/emphasizing-a-student-centered-process/ 

As Mid-State continues to expand access to high-quality, innovative instruction, projects like Steidinger’s demonstrate how faculty are shaping the future of teaching and learning. To learn more about Mid-State’s programs, faculty, and academic initiatives, visit mstc.edu.