FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington continues its 150th anniversary celebration with the launch of the Farmington Forum Series, a yearlong tribute to UMF’s history of distinguished academic life.

“The New Normal: The Changing Face of Education” will offer a host of events illustrating the complex nature of teaching and learning.

Multiple free, public sessions are scheduled from Oct. 28 to Nov. 7 on the UMF campus. Featured events will include a presentation by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and acclaimed journalist Michael D’Antonio and an interactive workshop with author, innovative education program developer and National Academy of Education Fellow Dan Rothstein.

D’Antonio will talk about his book, “The State Boys Rebellion” in his presentation “From Victims to Victory: The State Boys and the Children’s Rights Revolution.” The book tells the true story of how a group of boys were imprisoned in U.S. institutions and survived one of the darkest episodes of American history to ultimately win their freedom and find justice.

The talk will cover the role of those inside the state school system in the larger effort to change the status of the disabled.

Rothstein, co-director of the Right Question Institute and co-author of the book “Make Just One Change: Teach Students to Ask Their Own Questions” will lead an active learning experience about teaching the skill of question formulation. A deceptively simple practice, it has the potential to help students become more engaged in their learning, take more ownership and learn more. Participants are invited to learn how students can develop the ability to ask questions and contribute to a discussion about how this could help improve education on all levels.

Scheduled events in the series:

* Oct. 28: “From Victims to Victory: The State Boys and the Children’s Rights Revolution” at 7 p.m., Emery Community Arts Center.

* Oct. 29: “Customized Learning and Standards Based Learning,” 4:30 to 6 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Linda Laughlin, UMF faculty member and superintendent of schools in RSU 18, hosts a panel of teachers who discuss their experiences with the implementation of customized learning in Maine schools.

* Oct. 30: “The Scariest Moments of My First Year Teaching” 7 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. The Student Education Association of Maine is sponsoring a presentation by recent UMF graduates about their first teaching experiences.

* Nov 5: “We Used to be Normal — Maine Memory Network Project,” 1 p.m., North Dining Hall, UMF Olsen Student Center. Sponsored by the Goldleaf Institute, students, faculty and staff share their research on the history of the Farmington State Normal School.

* Nov. 6: “Make Just One Change: Teach Students to Ask Their Own Questions,” 7 p.m., North Dining Hall A-C, UMF Olsen Student Center. Dan Rothstein leads a learning experience about teaching the skill of question formulation.

* Nov. 7: “Technology and Teaching: Responsibilities, Resources, Tips and Tricks!” 4:30 to 6 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. A panel of high school, middle school and elementary school teachers, coordinated by Sarah Irish, UMF faculty member and middle school teacher in Dixfield, shares tips, tricks and resources related to the use of technology in the classroom.

Throughout the year, UMF’s Farmington Forum Series will feature events which will include in-depth lectures by visiting scholars, film and research presentations, art exhibits, panel discussions and alumni receptions.

For additional details, visit http://teachereducation.umf.maine.edu.

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