Past Events

three people working on a project design

Better Practices in Student Group Work

Jan 28, 2025, 9:30 – 10:30 AM

In this workshop, we will explore effective strategies for fostering student engagement and skill development through collaborative group work. Focusing on practical techniques, we’ll discuss how to guide students in building essential skills such as assigning roles, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork while navigating group dynamics. Participants will learn how to design meaningful group projects that not only encourage active participation but also help students develop transferable skills that are crucial for success beyond the classroom.

Scaffolding Student Skills: Practical Strategies for Your Classroom

Jan 23, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Helping students build skills for success doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this session, we’ll explore practical scaffolding strategies to support students in developing transferable skills, from analytical thinking to effective discussion. Discover how to break complex tasks into manageable steps, provide targeted support, and guide students toward independence. Whether you’re teaching first-year undergraduates or advanced learners, these techniques can be adapted to fit any course or discipline.

silhouettes of various colors and shapes in abstract human form

The Student Outside the Classroom: Teaching in Unusual Contexts

Jan 22, 2025, 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Join us as featured guest speaker and educator Luke Hein shares experiences from his time teaching in the mountains of Southwest China, villages in Indonesia, and Alabama prisons. Brought to you by the UK's A&S Global Asias Program, history department and CELT, this session will explore some “classrooms” far away from the traditional classroom, examine problems and opportunities these teaching contexts present, and mine these experiences for things attendees might bring home to their own teaching contexts. Lunch will be provided so please register in advance.

aerial view of students walking across campus

Graduate Badge: Identifying Your Teaching Personae

Jan 16, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Who are you as a teacher? This workshop will guide graduate teaching assistants in exploring and defining their unique teaching personas. Through interactive activities and reflective discussions, participants will uncover their teaching values, strengths, and areas for growth. By aligning their personal characteristics with effective teaching practices, attendees will leave with a clearer sense of their identity in the classroom and practical strategies to enhance their teaching confidence and effectiveness.

Syllabus Preparation Workshop

Jan 10, 2025, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

As you prepare for the start of the spring semester, join us for a collaborative opportunity to build, review, or polish up your syllabi. This Zoom session will provide some resources for getting your syllabus ready and offer opportunities for working one-on-one or in small groups with CELT consultants.

Introduction to Specifications Grading

Jan 8, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Curious about an alternative to traditional grading methods? In this info session, we’ll introduce you to specifications grading, a system designed to promote clarity, equity, and student accountability. Learn how this approach shifts the focus from points to mastery, offering students clear criteria for success while simplifying the grading process. Whether you’re considering a small-scale trial or a complete grading overhaul, this session will provide practical insights and resources to get started.

a giant crystal ball with a circuitboard brain in the middle of a room with people sitting at tables engaged in various tasks, the wall is adorned with various education and technology objects and symbols, sketch aesthetic

Ignite Learning: Impact of Instructor Mindset on Learning Info Session

Dec 12, 2024, 3:00 – 3:30 PM

The Ignite Learning Series dives into the science of learning to provide instructors with evidence-driven ideas for enhancing learning within their courses. In this session, we explore the emerging research on instructor mindset, beliefs about their students’ capacity to learn, and its impact on student achievement. Please note that this info session is followed by an optional Q&A.

Designing Slides To Reduce Cognitive Load & Support Memory

Dec 10, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Many instructors use slides to support course content and engage their students. However, there are some simple ways to create slides that are more effective for both learners and instructors. This Zoom workshop will suggest best practices and help you get started designing your slides to reduce cognitive load and better support memory.

gold and blue circuit design with "AI" in the middle

Aligning Classroom use of AI with your Discipline and Instructional Goals

Nov 25, 2024, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

As generative AI technology evolves, it can be tempting to incorporate it into our classes simply for the novelty. However, the most effective use of AI in teaching and learning occurs when the use aligns with the core principles of our disciplines and the learning objectives of our courses. Join us to explore strategies for integrating AI in your teaching in a way that supports your disciplinary goals and enhances student learning.

Establishing and Cultivating Community and Belonging in the Classroom (Graduate Badge Eligible)

Nov 19, 2024, 2:30 – 3:30 PM

A sense of belonging and community in the classroom can have a great impact on students’ learning. We will discuss strategies to build community, encourage participation, and address challenges that may arise in classrooms, as well as ways to create an inclusive learning environment. This event is open to everyone but counts for the graduate teaching badge.