Teaching Orientation for Graduate Students
CTL offers graduate student instructors orientation resources and sessions to learn about practical, evidence-based strategies that they can implement on the first day of class. These orientations help supplement department-based orientations and trainings. CTL orientations are open to all new teaching assistants, teaching fellows, and graduate students in an instructor role. The CTL is grateful to our Graduate Student Advisory Committee for recommendations that have been incorporated into these orientations.
Fall 2024 Teaching Orientation
In Fall 2024 CTL is offering orientation materials online, available to graduate students anytime, and running an expanded in-person live session on August 29.
On-demand modules
Five orientation modules are available to all with a Columbia UNI here. These five modules address the following topics:
- Establishing instructional goals and an inclusive learning climate
- TA teaching roles and modalities
- Creating a policy sheet and a first day of class plan
- Common TA challenges, campus resources that help to navigate them
- Next steps for teaching and professional development
Orientation available now!
Current Columbia graduate students are able to access CTL’s Teaching Orientation materials at any time.
In-person orientation on August 29
CTL is also offering a live teaching orientation program on Thursday, August 29, for new TAs and instructors looking for teaching community, peer mentorship, and individual feedback. This in-person offering complements the on-demand modules listed above.
Participants in the in-person orientation will leave with:
- A plan for the first day of class, as well as strategies to overcome common TA challenges.
- Guidance on setting expectations for and engaging with your students.
- A peer mentorship network of first time and more experienced TAs.
Spots in our live orientation offerings are limited due to resource and staffing constraints. We therefore ask that you request to join one of the options below only if you are sure you can fully attend. CTL will process these requests in August, and contact selected participants to confirm their registration.
Submit your request for one of the following options:
Morning session only: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
- A panel of experienced graduate student instructors from a range of disciplines who will share how they’ve set expectations for and with students, planned the first day of class activities, navigated challenges with facilitating discussion, and coordinated effectively with faculty instructors.
- Activities to directly prepare you for your teaching assignment, through the development of your own policies and first day of class lesson plans.
Full day program: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
- All morning session activities, listed above
- A lunch provided by CTL, featuring informal conversations with experienced and new TAs.
- A Practice Teaching session, providing a chance to try out and get supportive feedback on icebreaker or early class activities.
Next steps after orientation
These in-person gatherings allow you to connect with your fellow teachers and the CTL team to discuss what’s going on in your classroom this semester.
Getting Feedback on Your Teaching! | Register
Fri. September 20, 2:00P – 4:00PM, 212 Butler Library
In this session, we’ll be chatting about how to get feedback on your teaching—from your peers, from the CTL, and (most importantly) from your students!
Is Your Teaching Practice Sustainable? | Register
Fri. October 25, 2:00P – 4:00PM, 212 Butler Library
In this session, we’ll be chatting about crafting a sustainable teaching practice. Are you giving efficient and effective feedback? How much time are you spending preparing for class sessions? Can you and your students keep up? Inclusive teaching is sustainable teaching!
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The following opportunities are designed to help you build on orientation and pursue sustained pedagogical development during graduate school.
- Register for the Teaching Development Program
- Sign up for Essentials of Teaching and Learning workshops
- Sign up for a Practice Teaching (Microteaching) session
- Visit live CTL office hours for graduate students or request an individual consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in CTL’s orientation?
This orientation is open to all graduate student instructors. It is especially useful for graduate students who are new to teaching.
What is the Teaching Development Program, and how does it relate to teaching orientations?
CTL’s Teaching Development Program (TDP) allows doctoral students to cultivate, document, and articulate their teaching development across the arc of their graduate school career. Participation in the TDP is not a requirement for attending CTL teaching orientations. However, work completed in a CTL orientation counts towards completion of the Foundational Track of the TDP. More information about TDP requirements, certification, and transcript notation is available here.
Are any of the resources from the orientations available separately?
- Frequently Asked Questions for TAs
- CTL programs for graduate students who are beginning to teach
- Online Tutorial: Introduction to Canvas
- Guide to Inclusive Teaching at Columbia
CTL staff is available to meet with you to talk about any aspect of working with students as a Teaching Assistant or Teaching Fellow.
I had a scheduling conflict with the live orientation sessions – will you be running them again?
The asynchronous modules will remain available to the Columbia community throughout the academic year. If you cannot make the live sessions but have a question or would like direct guidance, email CTLgrads@columbia.edu or visit CTLgrads office hours in 212 Butler LIbrary (Fridays, 2:00 – 4:00 PM during the academic year).
CTL runs Essentials of Teaching and Learning workshops, which build on orientation sessions during the academic year, as well as Practice Teaching (Microteaching) sessions. Join the CTL email list to be alerted about upcoming workshops and opportunities.
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.