Consultations

All instructors (faculty, postdocs, and graduate students) on campus have access to free, confidential consultations with trained consultants in the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Research shows that regular, individualized consultations with trained consultants are one of the most effective ways for academics to improve their teaching.

What are teaching consultations?

Standard consultations include mid-quarter interviews, videotaping, and classroom observations. In many cases, we are also able to provide individualized consultations to meet your specific needs.

Consultations take a number of forms, including – but not limited to – the following:

  • a consultant observes your classroom and follows up with a private conversation about clarity of communication, pace, board work, class atmosphere, student interactions, and overall impressions.
  • a consultant videotapes 20-25 minutes of your course (or of a practice lecture, without an audience) and then talks with you about specific elements of your teaching.
  • a consultant conducts a 15- to 20-minute mid-quarter interview with your students during class time, and then provides you with the students’ feedback.
  • a consultant provides you with short readings on aspects of teaching you want to investigate or improve.
  • end-of-quarter evaluations: you choose your own questions and receive confidential results.

What will I be able to discuss during a consultation?

CETL staff and TA Consultants consult regularly on these and other topics:

  • fostering cooperative learning and group work
  • developing and grading assignments and exams
  • presenting clearly and effectively
  • handling problems in class, including those involving inappropriate student behavior
  • enhancing discussion
  • incorporating technology into teaching
  • pursuing research on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
  • developing a new course

In addition, consultants can answer your questions about common practices, expectations, and experiences at UCD.

With whom will I work?

Faculty work with faculty consultants Drs. Mikaela Huntzinger and Rosemary Capps.  Graduate students work with the Teaching Assistant Consultants.

Appointments for these confidential consultations on instruction are welcome on a one-time or continuing basis, over the telephone or in person.  There is a limit of one consultation per quarter.

Where do I sign up?

For more information or to make an appointment, please go to the relevant consultation request page:

Faculty members

Graduate students/postdocs