TA Consultant Winter Workshop Series
Thursdays, January 20 – February 24, 2010
3-5pm in Room 1310 Surge III
If you are potentially interested in attending, please fill out the interest form at the bottom of the page.
This workshop series focuses on helping instructors engage and empower their students. Participants will explore different methods for creating positive, inclusive learning environments. You will be encouraged to step outside your teaching ‘comfort zone’ and experiment with different methods for improving student learning. The objective is to provide participants with new tools and strategies to implement in their classrooms. Individuals from all disciplines and backgrounds are encouraged to attend these workshops, and those who attend five of the six sessions will be awarded a certificate from the UC Davis Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL). Scroll down to register your interest at the bottom of the page (free to all enrolled graduate students). This series is brought to you by the TA Consultants and the CETL.
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Student Engagement: Mission Possible
January 20, 2011, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Rm 1310 Surge III
The traditional model of education advocates a top down approach, where the instructor disseminates knowledge to be passively absorbed by the students. More recent models emphasize a reciprocal approach where students are actively engaged in the educational process. In this workshop we will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, explore different techniques used in reciprocal approaches that can be used to increase your students’ participation, and give practical demonstrations of techniques.
Facilitators: Sarah Augusto (Sociology), Ann Chang (Ecology), Richard Osibanjo (Chemistry)
Beyond ‘Do You All Understand?’: Language, Difference, and Learning in a Heterogeneous Classroom
January 27, 2011, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Rm 1310 Surge III
One of the criticisms of the participatory classroom is that it neglects students from different educational and linguistic traditions. In this workshop, we will explore the meaning of ‘participation’ in a global classroom. We will discuss how instructors, both those whose native language is not English, and those teaching non-native English speaking students, communicate and help their students learn. Then we will highlight different strategies instructors can use to create inclusive classrooms.
Facilitators: Matthew Nesvet (Political Science), Richard Osibanjo (Chemistry)
Pump up the volume, Turn up their minds! Improving student discussions
February 3, 2011, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Rm 1310 Surge III
Leading a discussion can be one of the most challenging aspects of teaching. How do you set a tone and craft questions to create an active classroom with more in-depth discussions? How do you solicit participation from reluctant students and get blabber-mouths to quiet down? How do you facilitate discussions of controversial topics effectively and sensitively? At this workshop you’ll learn strategies for increasing both the quantity and quality of student discussion.
Facilitators: Sarah Augusto (Sociology), Ann Chang (Ecology)
‘Everyone’s Here’ is Only the Beginning: Engaging Your Students Through Problem-based Learning
February 10, 2011, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Rm 1310 Surge III
In this workshop, we will explore and experiment with problem-based learning methods. Come discuss and create a problem-based lesson plan for your classroom. Experienced instructors in this method and new-comers alike are welcome.
Facilitators: Jon Bragg (Microbiology), Emily Evans (Education), Matthew Nesvet (Political Science)
Tech Savvy Teaching: Using technology to achieve teaching and learning goals
February 17, 2011, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Rm 1310 Surge III
This workshop will provide participants with a chance to explore different types of technology and their potential role in the classroom. We will discuss how blogs, wikis, chat-rooms, message boards and other forms of social media may enhance student engagement. In addition, we will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each technology based on your student learning goals. Hands-on time will be spent with a variety of resources to help participants become comfortable, tech savvy instructors.
Facilitators: Jon Bragg (Microbiology), Sarah Dalrymple (Population Biology), Mara Evans (Ecology)
To Test or Not To Test? Strategies for evaluating student learning
February 24, 2011, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Rm 1310 Surge III
The capstone workshop for this series will focus on ways to evaluate student learning and reflect on the effectiveness of different teaching methods. Participants will discuss “back-ward design” techniques as a way to strategically plan lessons. We will also discuss methods for formal and informal evaluation of teaching. Instructors and graduate student TAs with all levels of teaching experience are encouraged to attend!
Facilitators: Sarah Dalrymple (Population Biology), Emily Evans (Education), Mara Evans (Ecology)