October 2018 Teaching Talks
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.
Monday, October 8 3:15-4:30 The Actor’s Tools- How They Can Assist You in the Classroom
What can actors teach us about our “role” as teacher? We will discuss actor's tools such as using your voice to maximum effect, body language, animation and enthusiasm, remaining fully attentive to what is happening with your "audience," "playing to your audience," and other acting techniques which can make your presentations more effective and engaging.
Register at – https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/fins/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=635
Wednesday, October 10 2:00 – 3:15 Less Listening, More Active Participation
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
- Opening the lecture to increase active learning
- Strategies to activate the classroom
- Making students part of the planning process
- Active learning through projects, problem solving activities, experiments…
- Giving choices
- Specific things to consider for the beginner
Register at - https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/fins/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=636
Thursday, October 11 2:00-3:15 The Teaching Persona
In this session, participants will discuss topics like:
- Effects of gender and age on how you present yourself, and what you can do as an instructor
- How your personality affects your teaching style
- Your sense of self and how it affects your work with students
- How to develop an effective teaching persona
- How much of teaching is a function of your personality?
Register at - https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/fins/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=637
Monday, October 15 11:00-12:15 Making Learning Easier
At this session, participants will discuss topics like
- Motivating students to read and prepare for class
- Teaching students to think and write in your particular discipline
- Using visuals and technology effectively
- Accommodating different learning preferences
- Using class time to emphasize learning/study skills
Register at - https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/fins/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=638
Thursday, October 18 1:30-2:45 The Introvert as a Successful Instructor, Successful Student
We will discuss topics such as:
- Situations and learning environments where introverts thrive
- Inclusive teaching strategies
- Communication strategies
- Distinguishing between introversion and lack of confidence
- Developing a positive view of your temperament & personality
Register at - https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/fins/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=639
Monday, October 22 3:15-4:30 Creating a Positive Classroom Environment
We will discuss topics such as:
- Maintaining a positive attitude
- Making students feel welcome and showing you care
- Encouraging student participation and active learning
- Giving choices and engaging student passion
- Celebrating both success and failure
- Using humor to make and/or emphasize a point
Register at - https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/fins/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=640
Wednesday, October 24 2:00-3:15 Embracing Diversity in the College Classroom
We will discuss topics such as:
- Welcoming ALL students and promoting belongingness
- Description vs. Interpretation- people, backgrounds, actions…
- Being aware of and examining our own assumptions and bias
- Being inclusive without being exclusive
- The importance of dialogue, especially LISTENING
- Guidelines for dialogue
Register at - https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/fins/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=641
Wednesday, October 31 2:00-3:15 Location: HBL CLC Improv for Fun, with a Discussion of Applications to Your Work Here at UConn
This is an interactive workshop where we will "do" more than "speak," but there will be a discussion of how doing improv exercises can help students to be more willing to speak in class, as well as other practical applications.
Register at - https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/fins/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=642
For more information, contact: Suzanne LaFleur at suzanne.lafleur@uconn.edu