You are invited to participate in a series of informal teaching talks throughout 2018. These are opportunities for participants to comfortably share teaching concerns and discuss techniques and strategies with colleagues, experts, and CETL staff. All sessions will take place in Rowe 319 except via WebEx dates. All UConn instructors —graduate students, TAs, and APIRs, as well as adjunct, tenure-track and tenured faculty—are encouraged to attend.
Contact Suzanne LaFleur if you have questions or would like more information.
Wednesday April 4 1:30 – 2:45 Effective Presentations for Large and Small Groups
VIA WEBEX & in HBL CLC
We will discuss topics such as:
Breaking up the lecture- small group discussion, large group discussion, questions (yours and theirs)
Effective use of PowerPoint slides & other visuals
Speaking the students’, or audience’s language, and making the presentation fit the audience
Moving away from the board or the podium
Effective use of humor
Register at - https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/fins/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=450
Tuesday April 10 3:00 – 4:15 Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation
At this session, participants will discuss topics like
Thursday April 12 4:00 – 5:00 Teaching with Google G-Suite (Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides)
via Webex
There are many ways in which students can participate in a course and collaborate with one another outside usual in-class face-to-face interactions. In this talk, we will share our use of different forms of online collaboration tools, focusing mainly on Google’s G-Suite Apps (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Forms). We will also explore how to integrate those with HuskyCT tools like Groups and the Discussion Board. Whether you are teaching online or face-to-face, these options can add variety to your course and give voice to students who might be reluctant to speak out in class.
Register at - https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/fins/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=477
Wednesday April 18 11:00 – 12:15 Strategies and Tools for Teaching Creatively
At this session, participants will discuss topics like
- Tools to enhance creativity, such as SCAMPER, Synectics, Brainstorming, and others
- The role of choice in motivating students to be more creative and productive
- Presenting products creatively
- Encouraging reluctant students to be more creative
- Assessment techniques that encourage creative problem solving
Register at – https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/fins/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=478
Thursday April 19 10:30 -11:45 Online Tools to Foster Motivation and Participation
Although we know the pedagogical benefits of learner participation, some students are reluctant to speak in class. In this session, we will discuss some online tools that can help these more introverted students reap the benefits of participation in different ways, which can also increase motivation for all students in and out of class. Among other tools, we will talk about different options you can use within HuskyCT.
Register at - https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/fins/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=479
Thursday April 19 3:00 – 4:15 Effective Presentations for Large and Small Groups
We will discuss topics such as:
Breaking up the lecture- small group discussion, large group discussion, questions (yours and theirs)
Effective use of PowerPoint slides & other visuals
Speaking the students’, or audience’s language, and making the presentation fit the audience
Moving away from the board or the podium
Effective use of humor
Register at - https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/fins/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=480
Wednesday April 25 11:00 – 12:15 Less Lecture, More Active Participation
VIA WEBEX & in Rowe 319
At this session, participants will discuss topics like
- When do I need to lecture, and when may I allow students to learn on their own?
- Overcoming obstacles to active learning
- Integrating dynamic learning exercises into a lecture
- Strategies to energize the classroom
- Active learning through projects, problem solving activities, experiments…
- Specific things to consider for the beginner
Register at - https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/fins/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=481
Thursday April 26 10:30--11:45 Slow Learning for Deep Learning – An Introduction to Contemplative Pedagogy
Most instructors and students engage in a constant struggle against distraction. Simply banning electronic devices can create a false sense of focus, as students’ minds will continue wandering as they wonder about reactions to their latest Snap. Developing focus and increasing attention are only two of the many benefits of incorporating contemplative pedagogy into our classes. Mindfulness practices have been shown to help focus attention, suspend judgment, foster creativity, and enhance empathy and compassion. In this session, we will report on current research and share our own experiences and reflections on the use mindfulness practices.
Register at - https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/fins/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=482
Thursday April 26 2:00 – 3:15 Civility in the Classroom: Accentuating the Positive
Information coming soon.
Register at - https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/fins/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=483
For more information, contact: Suzanne LaFleur at suzanne.lafleur@uconn.edu