Workshops To Go
Workshops To Go is an on-demand offering for departments or programs that wish to host a short pedagogical workshop for their faculty. All workshops present evidence-based practices and are grounded in the science of teaching and learning. With each Workshop To Go offering, faculty will receive tailored resources, strategies, and practices that can help them address common challenges in their classrooms.
Department chairs and program directors may select a session topic from the list below, which can be offered in a 30-, 60-, or 90-minute format, or can choose to work with CTL staff to customize a workshop to meet the needs of the department’s faculty. Click on the toggles below to read the workshop descriptions.
Fill out the form at the link below to request a Workshop To Go. Any questions, or to request a custom workshop, contact CTLfaculty@columbia.edu.
Engaged Lecturing
Lecturing is a common teaching strategy, but it can be challenging to design and deliver lectures that simultaneously engage students and help them learn important course content. In this session, faculty will explore the elements of an effectively designed and delivered lecture, reflect on their own lecturing practices, and leave with strategies to maximize their students’ learning.
Learning Through Discussion
Discussions can be meaningful and engaging learning experiences: dynamic, eye-opening, and generative. However, challenges can arise in the form of unequal participation, unclear learning outcomes, or difficult topics that turn into difficult classroom moments. In this session, faculty will explore a three-step process to ensure that students understand the why and how of discussion, and leave class with clear take-aways. With intentional planning and facilitation, faculty can work to ensure that students learn as much as possible from classroom conversations.
Small Changes to Foster Inclusive Teaching
Inclusive classroom practices can empower students to create deeper, more meaningful learning experiences, but creating an equitable learning environment can be a challenge. This session will outline the importance of inclusive teaching and explore a variety of evidence-based ways that inclusive teaching practices can be implemented. In this session, faculty will learn small, easily-implemented strategies to maximize equity in the classroom. Topics addressed can include constructing a supportive course climate, setting explicit expectations, constructing inclusive course content, and designing all aspects of class for accessibility.
Teaching Large Classes
Teaching large classes can present unique challenges, including how to build rapport with and engage students, manage large amounts of grading, use TAs effectively, and how to handle issues related to academic honesty. In this session, faculty will explore these challenges and discuss evidence-based strategies to make large classes more manageable and enjoyable for faculty and students alike.
Workshop Formats
In a 30-minute session, faculty members will learn about evidence-based teaching strategies which address the selected topic.
A 60-minute session covers all the components of a 30-minute workshop as well as a guided discussion by CTL staff to show faculty members how these strategies can be applied to their discipline.
A 90-minute session includes all of the components listed above, plus a more nuanced discussion of the topic, the opportunity to try out strategies with colleagues, and time to begin planning how faculty could implement the strategies into their classes.
The CTL is here for faculty.
The Columbia Center for Teaching and Learning provides an array of support for faculty in both their work and their professional development.