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Learning from Experience: An Experienced TA Panel

What do experienced TAs wish they had known when they began teaching? In this candid conversation, panelists from across disciplines will share lessons learned, practical advice, and strategies for navigating common TA responsibilities and challenges. Topics may include preparing for class, communicating with students, managing time, establishing confidence and authority, and finding support when questions arise. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask their own questions.

Making Lectures Interactive: Strategies from Experienced TAs

Even a brief lecture can create opportunities for students to think, respond, and apply what they are learning. Experienced TAs will discuss manageable ways to incorporate questions, activities, demonstrations, and other forms of interaction into lectures. Panelists will also share strategies for balancing content coverage with student engagement and adapting interactive approaches to different class sizes and teaching contexts.

Facilitating Lab Sections: Strategies from Experienced TAs

Teaching a lab involves balancing procedures, safety, time, student questions, and opportunities for meaningful learning. In this panel, experienced lab TAs will share approaches to preparing for lab sessions, explaining complex processes, supporting students without simply giving them the answers, and responding when experiments—or class plans—do not go as expected.

Leading Discussions: Strategies from Experienced TAs

How do you move beyond asking a question and hoping someone answers? Experienced TAs will share practical strategies for preparing and leading discussion sections, encouraging broad participation, responding to silence, and keeping conversations focused and productive. Panelists will also discuss common challenges and what they have learned from facilitating discussions in their own courses.

GradTeach Live! Preparation Workshop: Communicating Your Teaching Philosophy

We will hold a virtual workshop on "Communicating Your Teaching Philosophy" for all who are interested in participating. The workshop will provide more information on GradTeachLive!, including tips and guidelines for crafting and giving your presentation.

Building Rapport in the Classroom (ETL)

Supportive learning environments center on positive rapport with students. This workshop explores strategies for cultivating positive rapport and encouraging peer-to-peer connections. Participants will come away with practical strategies and approaches to build meaningful connections that enhance student learning. NB: This workshop counts towards CELT's Essentials in Teaching and Learning Badge.

Understanding Student Expectations: The First Week of Class (ETL)

In this workshop, participants will explore student expectations and learn strategies for enhancing student understanding of the syllabi, policies, and class expectations. We will also discuss how transparency and communication contributes to building and sustaining a positive learning environment throughout the semester. This workshop is designed with graduate teaching assistants in mind but all are welcome. NB: This workshop counts toward CELT's Essentials in Teaching and Learning Badge.

When the Unexpected Occurs: Strategies for Navigating Classroom Challenges (ETL Badge Eligible)

Sometimes unforeseen challenges occur in the classroom. In this workshop, participants will explore and create strategies to address challenges that can occur and catch us off guard. NB: This workshop counts towards CELT's Essentials in Teaching and Learning Badge.

Creating Engaging Lessons (ETL Badge Eligible)

Planning lessons that support our learning goals is a central component of teaching. But how do we create lessons that foster student learning, engagement, and deep learning? In this workshop, we will discuss what makes a lesson engaging and provide strategies for designing dynamic learning experiences. NB: This workshop counts towards CELT's Essentials in Teaching and Learning Badge.

Cultivating Positive Rapport in the Classroom (ETL Badge Eligible)

Supportive learning environments center on positive rapport with students. This workshop explores strategies for cultivating positive rapport and encouraging peer-to-peer connections. Participants will come away with practical strategies and approaches to build meaningful connections that enhance student learning. NB: This workshop counts towards CELT's Essentials in Teaching and Learning Badge.