Teaching Assistants' Training Program

Description

Please note that these sessions can be counted towards Course Instructor Job training, but not towards either the Teaching Fundamentals or Advanced University Teaching Preparation Certificates.  Nevertheless, anyone is welcome to participate in the event.   
This training is grouped into two parts: five asynchronous learning modules (3 hours), and two 1.5-hour hybrid workshop sessions. These sessions are online. You must complete the 5 asynchronous modules before you can attend the workshops.  You may choose to join the hybrid sessions online or in-person, but your presence is expected either in the physical or online space for the entire synchronous component. 
The asynchronous modules focus on many of the principle components of course design, including learning outcomes, assessment, and syllabus design, and highlight how these components are informed by UDL (Universal Design for Learning) and Equity-Oriented Pedagogy. We also discuss policies and course administration details that are specific to the University of Toronto. The content covered in these modules is applicable to face-to-face and online learning contexts.  
Upon completion of the asynchronous modules, you will be able to:
• list the fundamental principles of course design
• apply the principles of Universal Design for Learning to your course design
• create courses that reduce barriers to learning and foster an inclusive environment
• articulate effective learning outcomes that aim to serve all students
• develop effective, well-designed courses that engage your students
• outline and implement University policies and administration concerning your course design and deliver
The two hybrid workshop sessions take place after the asynchronous modules.  In the first session (Exploring Course Design), we take up the activities that were completed during the asynchronous modules, and answer questions related to the design of your course. Participants will also complete a syllabus activity that will help them identify areas of strength and potential areas of weakness in their syllabus. For this reason, we require participants to bring a draft of a syllabus – it does not have to be a finished or polished draft, and can be for a course you have taught before, a course you are about to teach, or a course you would like to teach in the future. 
In the second session (Effective Practices for Engaging Lectures), we focus our discussion on how you can deliver engaging and equitable lectures. We explore three key areas, including planning, delivery, and reflection. We will discuss strategies that are relevant in both face-to-face and online learning contexts, and we will consider these strategies with accessibility and inclusivity in mind.  
You must complete the 5 asynchronous modules before you can attend the workshop sessions on August 24th 
Asynchronous Modules : https://q.utoronto.ca/enroll/HMN9RW (https://q.utoronto.ca/enroll/HMN9RW) 
1. Course Design 
2. Learning Outcomes
3. Assessments
4. Building Your Syllabus
5. Course Administration and Policies
In-Person/Hybrid Workshops – August 24th, 2023:  
1:00pm – 2:30pm: Exploring Course Design  
3:00pm – 4:30pm: Effective Practices for Engaging Lectures  
If you have any questions, please contact services.ta@utoronto.ca (mailto:services.ta@utoronto.ca).