Teaching Resources
Looking for on-demand resources, tips and strategies? The CTL is developing a repository of resources on inclusive teaching practices, teaching with technology, and other teaching and learning topics. Browse the links below to find teaching and learning resources to support your needs and interests.
Online Courses
New Faculty Orientation to Teaching: A self-paced course for faculty new to teaching at Columbia, this course provides instructors with an overview of the teaching and learning context at Columbia, learner-centered and inclusive teaching practices, strategies for engaging all students, and resources available to instructors and academic support resources for learners. This course is a flexible alternative to the CTL’s in-person New Faculty Orientation to Teaching, and includes information and a checklist to get new faculty started.
Introduction to CourseWorks (Canvas) Online: This self-paced course helps faculty, graduate students, staff, and other members of the Columbia teaching community learn about the various features offered by CourseWorks (Canvas). The course guides instructors through the steps of setting up their course site and highlights various features that enrich the learning experience for students. A flexible alternative to CTL’s in-person workshop sessions, the course provides tips and examples that highlight the use of CourseWorks tools as applicable to various teaching and learning contexts.
Assessment and Grading in CourseWorks (Canvas): An advanced take on the Introduction to CourseWorks (Canvas) Online course, this self-paced training provides instructors with an in-depth understanding of the assessment and grading features in CourseWorks (Canvas). Participants learn about setting up assignments within CourseWorks using various tools, and navigate the different grading features available within CourseWorks to grade assignments, quizzes, and discussions. The course itself models the ways in which Canvas can be used for different course activities.
Blended / Hybrid Learning Essentials: This self-paced course provides an overview of blended learning and guides instructors through the design process for a lesson or unit of study. The course features videos of Columbia University faculty and former recipients of the Provost’s Hybrid Learning Course Redesign and Delivery grants, who share their blended teaching and learning experiences. Instructors are encouraged to use the course packet which includes worksheets and checklists to draft and document their blended learning design and implementation plans.
Teaching Guides
Guide for Inclusive Teaching at Columbia: Looking to take your inclusive teaching practice to the next level? In 2017 the CTL released the Guide for Inclusive Teaching at Columbia. The guide offers five inclusive teaching principles derived from research and evidence-based practices, as well as practical, accessible, and usable strategies that instructors can use immediately.
Teaching Tips and Resources
Accessibility in Teaching and Learning: This resource provides instructors with an overview of accessibility in teaching and learning and general “getting started” strategies for making learning resources, tools, experiences, and opportunities accessible to all learners. Creating an accessible learning environment for your students is part of an inclusive practice. If you’re interested in learning more about inclusive teaching in general, please see the Guide for Inclusive Teaching at Columbia.
Blended Learning: What is blended learning? What are the benefits to a blended learning approach? What are some strategies for getting started? This resource helps instructors answer these questions by describing the elements of an effective, learner-centered “blend” derived from research and evidence-based practices. In addition, it offers questions that instructors can reflect on before designing their course and additional references and resources. This resource is particularly useful to faculty applying for the Provost’s Hybrid Learning Course Redesign and Delivery grant program and similar requests for proposals.
Case Method is an active learning approach to teaching and learning in which students apply course content and grapple with real or imagined scenarios. Case Method teaching can help students develop more complex skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. This resource provides an overview of the what, why and how of teaching with cases. Instructors new to case method teaching are introduced to different approaches to teaching with cases, where to find cases, and can explore examples of successful Case Method Teaching at Columbia University.
Contemplative Pedagogy: Contemplative Pedagogy is an approach to teaching and learning with the goal of encouraging deep learning through focused attention, reflection, and heightened awareness. Learners are encouraged to engage deeply with course material through contemplation and introspection. This resource provides strategies for helping instructors build in opportunities for students to develop deeper understandings of course material.
Digital Literacy Competency Calculator: Find connections between digital literacy competencies and the teaching and learning practices that produce them.
FAQ for Teaching Assistants: Browse our list of frequently asked questions, scenarios, and resources for graduate student instructors regarding classroom course management, accommodations, academic integrity, personal issues, logistics, teaching inspiration, and more.
Introduction to CourseWorks (Canvas) Online: Enroll in a self-paced training course that helps faculty, graduate students, staff, and other members of the Columbia teaching community learn about the various features offered by CourseWorks (Canvas).
Metacognition Resource: Metacognitive thinking skills are important for instructors and students alike. This resource provides instructors with an overview of the what and why of metacognition and general “getting started” strategies for teaching for and with metacognition.
Teaching with DIY Video: Learn best practices for producing videos that can help you create more active and engaging classroom experiences.
Additional Resources
CTL Knowledge Base: Visit the CTL Knowledge Base to browse a comprehensive set of FAQs related to various programs, services, and educational platforms.
Instructional Technology Projects: Looking for inspiration? See a list of past projects developed by Columbia faculty and the CTL to support and enrich students’ learning. Faculty can apply for funding for project development through the Office of the Provost’s Request for Proposals.
Teaching and Learning Reference Library: The CTL maintains a collection of reference books in Butler Room 212 for use by the Columbia teaching community. Stop by during our consultation hours.
LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning is an online training resource that offers videos on business skills, IT skills and desktop skills. The subscription for the Columbia community gives Faculty and Staff unlimited access to a vast library of high-quality, current and engaging videos tutorials taught by recognized industry experts. Once there, click on “Sign in” and select “Sign in with your organization account.” Type in your Columbia email address (UNI@columbia.edu) and you will be redirected to the UNI authentication page. If you are signed in with your personal LinkedIn account, sign out first.
The CTL researches and experiments.
The Columbia Center for Teaching and Learning provides an array of resources and tools for instructional activities.