This Month at the CTL: February 2018
A Note from the Executive Director
Dear Colleagues,
I hope you are enjoying a productive start to 2018! This month we are highlighting new funding opportunities for faculty who are looking to try out new pedagogical methods and/or new technologies in their teaching. The CTL also provides RFP consultations and workshops for faculty to assist with preparation of funding proposals.
One of our New Year’s resolutions is to provide teaching strategies and ideas through easily accessible online resources. This month we’re sharing two online resources: blended learning approaches and contemplative practices in the classroom.
Lastly, we hope faculty, staff, and students will join us for the 2018 Celebration of Teaching and Learning Symposium next month, featuring keynote speaker Cathy N. Davidson, educator and author of The New Education: How to revolutionize the University to Prepare Students for a World in Flux. Learn more about the Symposium and register here.
Happy teaching!
Catherine Ross
Events and Announcements
Provost Announces Spring 2018 Funding Opportunities for Faculty
The Office of the Provost has launched four Request for Proposals (RFPs) for funding opportunities for faculty who are looking to integrate new educational methods and technologies into their classrooms and learning environments.
The four grant programs, including two new ones, range from support for curricular interventions at the school, department, or program level to awards for conducting pilot experiments with new pedagogical strategies. Click below to read an overview of the funding opportunities and discover ways that faculty can receive support for designing their proposal through information sessions, workshops, consultations, and a new on-demand resource on blended learning offered by the CTL.
Learn more here.
Featured Resources
Looking for on-demand resources, tips, and strategies? The CTL is developing a repository of resources on inclusive teaching practices, teaching with technology, and other topics. This month we’re highlighting resources on blended learning and contemplative pedagogy.
Blended Learning
What is blended learning? What are the benefits to a blended learning approach? What are some strategies for getting started? This guide helps instructors answer these questions by describing the elements of an effective, learner-centered “blend” derived from research and evidence-based practices. In addition, the guide offers questions that instructors can reflect on before designing their course and additional references and resources. This guide is particularly useful to faculty applying for the Provost’s Hybrid Learning Course Redesign and Delivery grant program and similar requests for proposals.
Learn more here.
Contemplative Pedagogy
Contemplative Pedagogy is an approach to teaching and learning with the goal of encouraging deep learning through focused attention, reflection, and heightened awareness. Learners are encouraged to engage deeply with course material through contemplation and introspection. This guide provides strategies for helping instructors build in opportunities for students to develop deeper understandings of course material.
Learn more here.
Faculty Spotlight: Kyle Mandli
As a recipient of the Provost’s Hybrid Learning Course Redesign and Delivery award, Professor Mandli received support from the Center for Teaching and Learning to redesign his Introduction to Numerical Methods course. He used pair group work, pair programming, and open source technologies to engage his students in the course material and encourage them to learn from each other. In our latest Faculty Spotlight feature, watch a video and read a short Q&A to hear Mandli reflect on the teaching challenges he faced and the lessons faculty can take away from his experience.
Learn more here.
Programs and Services for Faculty
Consultations
Request an in-person consultation to get support for your teaching and learning needs throughout the year. Email CTLfaculty@columbia.edu to set up a consultation with a trained teaching consultant.
Workshops
CTL workshops offer opportunities for Columbia faculty to explore teaching tools and approaches with the support of CTL staff and colleagues. Workshops are held at Butler Library and CUMC locations. Visit the CTL website to register for upcoming workshops and events including:
Pedagogical Strategy + Student Motivation = Empowered Learning
Morningside: Thursday, February 1 from 12:00 PM–1:30 PM | Learn more and register
CUMC: Thursday, February 8 from 12:00 PM–1:30 PM | Learn more and register
Course Management: Introduction to CourseWorks (Canvas)
January 31 and February 8, 15, 21 from 12:00 PM–1:30 PM | Learn more and register
Inclusive Teaching: Small Changes to Maximize Equity in the Classroom
Morningside: Tuesday, February 6 from 12:00 PM–1:00 PM | Learn more and register
CUMC: Tuesday, February 13 from 12:00 PM–1:00 PM | Learn more and register
Teaching Large Classes: Engagement, Management, and Integrity
Morningside: Tuesday, February 27 from 2:00 PM–3:30 PM | Learn more and register
CUMC: Thursday, March 1 from 12:00 PM–1:30 PM | Learn more and register
Course Design Essentials for Hybrid Learning RFP Applicants
Friday, March 2 from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Learn more and register
Programs and Services for Graduate Students
Consultations
Sign up for a teaching consultation to receive individualized advice on your teaching, integrating your teaching and research, or developing teaching materials for the job market. In addition to individual appointments in our Butler Library offices, this year the CTL is offering drop-in office hours at SEAS. Email CTLgrads@columbia.edu to request a consultation.
Workshops
CTL workshops offer opportunities for Columbia graduate students to explore teaching tools and approaches with the support of CTL staff and colleagues. Workshops are held in Butler Library unless otherwise indicated. Visit the CTL website to register for upcoming workshops and events including:
CTLgrads Learning Community: Provocative Teaching and Social Media
All sessions take place from 2:00 PM–3:30 PM in Butler Library 212.
- Monday, February 5: Session 1 – Freedom to provoke? Defining academic freedom
- Monday, February 19: Session 2 – Academics v. the public: Case studies in digital engagement
- Monday, March 5: Session 3 – Practicing the “rules” of engagement in social media
Microteaching Practice for Graduate Students
Friday, February 9 from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | Learn more and register
Wednesday, February 28 from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | Learn more and register
CTLgrads Learning Community: Leveling the Playing Field: From Inequality to Inclusivity in Assessment
All sessions take place from 2:00 PM–3:30 PM in Butler Library 212.
- Monday, February 12: Session 2 – Unpacking Inequality in Grading
- Monday, February 26: Session 3 – Making Feedback Count: Inclusive Feedback Mechanisms
STEM Education Research Journal Club
Tuesday, February 13 from 9:00 AM–10:00 AM | Learn more and register
Teachers’ Lounge: Student Emotions in the Classroom
Wednesday, February 14 from 12:00 PM–1:15 PM | Learn more and register
Language Lounge: Race, Gender, and Sexuality in Language Classrooms
Part 1: Wednesday, February 28 from 12:00 PM–1:30 PM | Learn more and register
Advancing Your Teaching: Visual Thinking Strategies
Thursday, March 1 from 4:00 PM–5:30 PM | Learn more and register