Beginning to Teach
Are you a graduate student and new to teaching? The CTL offers programs and services throughout the academic year to help graduate student instructors build confidence in their teaching and engage with a community of peers; practice a variety of techniques to facilitate learning within their teaching context; develop conceptual frameworks for their teaching; and discover a diverse array of resources to develop their teaching and support students in their classroom.
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Programming
Teaching Orientation For Graduate Students
CTL’s orientation to teaching for graduate students will prepare you to teach with concrete approaches to set an inclusive tone and engage your students, frameworks for preparing your first week of classes, and resources to support your growth throughout the term. Orientation modules are available online and can be consulted at any time. Learn more.
Essentials of Teaching and Learning
In the Essentials of Teaching and Learning series you will take a deeper dive into frameworks and tools new instructors can use to facilitate student learning. Topics include leading an interactive section, grading problem sets and written assignments, and inclusive teaching. The Essentials series is a core requirement of CTL’s Teaching Development Program. Learn more.
Learning Communities and Lounges
CTL offers a number of programs that allow you to learn about and discuss teaching topics with peers in an informal, interdisciplinary setting. Many of these programs are designed and run by CTL Fellows and other graduate students committed to advancing teaching practices in higher ed. Learn more.
Lead Teaching Fellow Workshops
Lead Teaching Fellows (LTFs) are experienced graduate student instructors who develop departmental workshops specific to the teaching and learning needs of their departments and can help support you and your peers in your teaching. Visit the Lead Teaching Fellows directory (UNI required) to see if there is an LTF in your department, and check the LTF calendar to see upcoming LTF events.
CIRTL Events
The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) is a consortium of universities who share resources to support the development of future faculty in STEM and Social Sciences. Check out the CIRTL website for online resources, courses, and workshops that can further your development as a STEM instructor. Visit our CIRTL at Columbia page to learn more about on-campus opportunities or check the CTL Events Calendar for upcoming events.
Services
Microteaching Practice Sessions
Microteaching practice sessions provide a venue for you and other instructors to practice your teaching with a small group of peers. Try out new tools and approaches, and receive immediate feedback from peers and a trained facilitator. Learn more.
Mid-Course Reviews
The CTL offers Mid-Course Reviews (MCRs) with trained peer consultants who can help solicit feedback from your students on what they find to be the most helpful and the most challenging aspects of your course. CTL Mid-Course Reviews are confidential, formative, and designed to support you in your teaching practices. Learn more.
Teaching Observations
Teaching observations give you an opportunity to receive confidential feedback on your classroom instruction by a trained peer consultant. As you start out teaching at Columbia, sign up to be observed leading your lab or section. Learn more.
Individual Consultations
The CTL meets with graduate students seeking consultation at all points in their graduate teaching career. This includes consultations on teaching statements, professional development, preparing for the job market, and general teaching-related support on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more.
Looking Forward
Doctoral students at Columbia (and masters students in the School of the Arts) are strongly encouraged to register for the Teaching Development Program early in their programs.
Teaching Development Program
CTL’s Teaching Development Program (TDP) allows Columbia doctoral students to cultivate, document, and articulate their teaching development across the arc of their graduate school career. Joining the TDP early in your program will allow you to develop and reflect on pedagogical insights are receive targeted feedback on your teaching at the optimal time: concurrently with Teaching Assistant or Teaching Fellow appointments. Graduate students can participate in the TDP program on either of two tracks: Foundational or Advanced. Completion of a TDP track earns a letter outlining track competencies and certifying completion from the Center for Teaching and Learning. Learn more.
Learn more about Advancing Your Teaching in the Humanities and Social Sciences and Advancing Your Teaching in Sciences and Engineering.
The CTL is here for graduate students.
The Columbia Center for Teaching and Learning provides an array of support for graduate students in both their current and future teaching responsibilities.