The 17th Annual Oktoberbest: A Symposium on Teaching was held Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at the University Conference Center, bringing together 158 attendees from USC campuses statewide and other colleges and universities across South Carolina. The event provided a day of professional learning, collaboration, and recognition of innovative teaching practices.
Dr. Megan “Meg” Mittelstadt, Assistant Vice President for Learning Initiatives and Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Georgia, delivered this year’s keynote address, From Research to Recipe: Active Learning for Student Success. Drawing on research and institutional experience, Mittelstadt explored how instructors implement active learning in real classrooms, how different understandings of active learning shape course design and student success, and strategies that set clear expectations and mitigate student resistance.
Feedback from attendees reflected the keynote’s impact:
“From the keynote talk, students (as well as instructors) need to be trained in active learning.”
“Based on the keynote speaker’s presentation, I will turn my virtual office hours into an opportunity for active learning for new students who are struggling with their writing assignments.”
The symposium featured 14 concurrent sessions on topics such as generative AI in teaching, authentic and project-based learning, student wellness and growth mindset, gamification, self-assessment, and strategies for engaging students in large classes. Participants also attended the Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation ceremony, where six faculty members were recognized for creativity and impact in teaching, each introduced with a short video. Meet the 2026 winners.
Session feedback included:
“Very well organized and the presentations were meaningful and impactful. I also met instructors not only from across campus but also from other institutions.”
“I learned new strategies for building relationships with students and learning their names.”
“I loved seeing some of the creative uses of AI.”
Attendees enjoyed a networking lunch and a pretzel bar break, then closed the day with door prizes made possible through generous contributions from Charleston Tea Garden, Frankie’s Fun Park, Mast General Store, the Nickelodeon Theatre, and Nothing Bundt Cakes. The full program is available on the Oktoberbest website.