CTL for Faculty: Spring 2018 Workshops, Teaching Observations, and Consultations

by | Feb 8, 2018

This semester the Center for Teaching and Learning is offering programs and services for Columbia faculty that include 1-2 hour workshops, “Workshops To Go” customized for departmental teaching needs and interests, and confidential, individualized teaching observations.

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In addition to the offerings listed below, the CTL welcomes faculty to reach out for a consultation at any time by emailing the Faculty Programs and Services team at CTLfaculty@columbia.edu.

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Workshops

Inclusive Teaching: Small Changes to Maximize Equity in the Classroom
CUMC: Tuesday, February 13 from 12:00 PM–1:00 PM | Register

Looking to create a more equitable space to empower student learning, but unsure if you have the time or resources to dedicate to overhauling your class? Start small by learning inclusive teaching strategies you can implement immediately (e.g., how to foster productive student-student interactions, set discussion guidelines, collect feedback on course climate). This workshop for faculty is an introductory-level session; no prior knowledge required.

Teaching Large Classes: Engagement, Management, and Integrity
Morningside: Tuesday, February 27 from 2:00 PM–3:30 PM | Register
CUMC: Thursday, March 1 from 12:00 PM–1:30 PM | Register

Teaching large classes can present unique challenges, including how to build rapport with and engage students, manage large amounts of grading, use TAs effectively, and how to handle issues related to academic honesty. In this session, faculty will explore these challenges and present evidence-based strategies to make large classes more manageable and enjoyable for faculty and students alike.

Learning through Discussion: Three Steps to Effective Facilitation
Morningside: Tuesday, March 20 from 2:00 PM–3:30 PM | Register
CUMC: Friday, March 23 from 12:00 PM–1:30 PM | Register

Discussions can be meaningful and engaging learning experiences: dynamic, eye-opening, and generative. However, challenges can arise in the form of unequal participation, unclear learning outcomes, or difficult topics that turn into difficult classroom moments. In this session, faculty will explore a three-step process to ensure that students understand the why and how of discussion, and leave class with clear take-aways. With intentional planning and facilitation, faculty can work to ensure that students learn as much as possible from classroom conversations.

Managing Classroom Climate: Implicit Bias and Microaggressions
Morningside: Tuesday, April 10 from 12:00 PM–1:30 PM | Register
CUMC: Tuesday, April 17 from 12:00 PM–1:30 PM | Register

This workshop will familiarize faculty with the concepts of implicit bias and microaggressions, how they occur in the classroom, and the impact they have on students and faculty. Faculty will discuss and apply practical strategies to address microaggressions and implicit bias when they occur in the classroom, whether committed by or against a student or faculty member. The workshop will conclude by discussing how faculty can foster an inclusive environment, and give them practice responding to microaggressions in the classroom. Moderate level session; some familiarity with inclusive teaching concepts recommended.

Teaching Observations

Faculty can request a teaching observation to receive individualized feedback on their teaching. CTL teaching observations are free, confidential, and evidence-based, developed to support instructors in their teaching practices. The CTL’s trained consultants observe faculty while they teach during a class session of their choosing. Before and after the observation, they help faculty think through their course goals, teaching observation experience, and future teaching.

In Spring 2018, teaching observations will be conducted between Monday, January 29 and Friday, March 23, though instructors may request an observation at any time. To arrange for a teaching observation, instructors should submit the online request form at least two weeks prior to the date they would like to be observed.

Any faculty member, postdoc, or staff member in a teaching role at Columbia can request a teaching observation. This is a free service that the CTL provides to the Columbia teaching community. Learn more here.

“[The CTL’s teaching observation service] is a great chance to receive feedback in an extremely professional, detailed, helpful, and confidential way. It is a chance to reflect on your teaching practices, to be prepared to answer questions on your lesson plan and your teaching methodologies, and ultimately to improve as an instructor. It can be also a good way to prepare for a job interview, or before a university review process.”

Federica Franze
Lecturer in the 
Department of Italian

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Workshops To Go

Beginning in Spring 2018, the CTL will be offering “Workshops To Go,” an on-demand workshop service for departments that wish to host a short CTL workshop for faculty. Department chairs and program directors may select either a 15-, 30-, or 60-minute workshop from the following list of topics:

  • Teaching Large Classes: Engagement, Management, and Integrity
  • Learning Through Discussion: Three Steps to Effective Facilitation
  • Inclusive Teaching: Small Changes to Maximize Equity in the Classroom

Chairs and program directors work with CTL staff to customize the workshop to meet the specific needs of their faculty members. With each Workshop To Go offering, faculty will receive tailored resources, strategies, and practices that can help them address common challenges in their classrooms, all without leaving the department. Contact CTLfaculty@columbia.edu if you are interested in requesting a workshop for your department. Learn more here.