Teaching Assistants' Training Program

Description

The TATP Course Design Day will provide you with an introduction to the principles and process of course design. Guided by experienced teachers, facilitators, and collaborators, you will learn how to design (or re-design) a course of your choosing in order to enhance students’ learning experiences. This institute is intended for graduate students preparing to apply for course instructor positions, as well as experienced graduate student instructors seeking to hone their design skills.

A pizza lunch will be provided to participants who attend the entire day. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options will be available.

Fundamentals of Course Design from Outcomes to Assessments (9:30 to 12:30)
This 3-hour workshop will introduce you to the fundamentals of course design, from outcomes to assessments. We will outline the elements of effective outcomes and assessments, and we will address some of the logistical questions about course preparation (e.g. course readings) that affect decisions in course design. During the session, you will draft and receive feedback on the basic elements of a course proposal, and you should leave the session with a framework for a newly developed or redesigned course, including a general course outline, outcomes, and assessment scheme.

Registration: https://tatp.eve.utoronto.ca/home/events/202 

Lunch (12:30 to 1:15)

Effective Lecturing for Better Learning: Strategies for an Engaging Lecture (1:15 to 4:00)
The university lecture is considered an art form by many, and for good reason: it can be a challenging and perplexing task to combine the talents of scholar, entertainer, teacher and orator. The “Effective Lecturing” workshop aims to demystify the lecture and offers instructors a framework for developing and delivering clear, engaging, and memorable lectures. The workshop leads participants through the creation of a “lecture toolkit,” with the ultimate objective of improving students’ learning experience through effective lecturing all while avoiding some common pitfalls. We will discuss and practice effective lesson planning to better manage the development and organization of lecture content. We will also explore general lecturing principles, and participants will adapt strategies for delivering and energizing their lectures. Moreover, by learning to structure a lecture as a student-centered activity, participants will identify ways to inspire, motivate and engage their students. Finally, we will introduce the use of formative feedback as a tool for verifying students’ learning and for assessing the impact of one’s teaching.

Registration: https://tatp.eve.utoronto.ca/home/events/203