This self-paced Canvas mini-course will guide you through the fundamentals of learner-centered backward course design. You can begin at any time and proceed at your own pace over the summer (June 5 – August 30, 2024). To get started, follow this link to self-enroll in the Canvas course: https://umich.instructure.com/enroll/6L4XPM
| Dates | Title | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 9/17/24 1:00 pm - 9/17/24 2:30 pm | It's Time for Action: Incorporating Active Learning Techniques in Your STEM Class | Session Format: Remote synchronous (Zoom) Intended Audience: Graduate Students, UG Instructional Assistants Facilitator(s): Engineering Teaching Consultants Session Abstract: Creating a plan to engage students in active learning can be challenging. In this workshop, you will learn about a variety of active learning techniques, and then begin to formulate a plan for implementing active learning in your own course. GTC eligible? Yes - B2 |
| 9/18/24 6:00 pm - 9/18/24 7:30 pm | Equity Focused Teaching for IAs | Session Format: Remote synchronous (Zoom) Intended Audience: UG Instructional Aides Facilitator: Audra Baleisis Session Abstract: The importance of DEI in the engineering discipline is well established, yet little has been done to promote and explain equity. In this workshop participants will explore the history of engineering, be introduced to an equity-focused teaching definition, and explore how their social identities and those of their students affect their approaches to teaching and learning. Finally, participants will develop actionable strategies to recognize and disrupt patterns of systemic inequities and become agents of change in their classes. |
| 9/19/24 6:00 pm - 9/19/24 7:30 pm | Equity Focused Teaching for IAs | Session Format: Remote synchronous (Zoom) Intended Audience: UG Instructional Aides Facilitator: Audra Baleisis Session Abstract: The importance of DEI in the engineering discipline is well established, yet little has been done to promote and explain equity. In this workshop participants will explore the history of engineering, be introduced to an equity-focused teaching definition, and explore how their social identities and those of their students affect their approaches to teaching and learning. Finally, participants will develop actionable strategies to recognize and disrupt patterns of systemic inequities and become agents of change in their classes. |
| 9/25/24 10:00 am - 9/25/24 11:30 am | Strategies for Leading Office Hours in Engineering Courses | Session Format: Remote synchronous (Zoom) Intended Audience: Graduate Students, UG Instructional Assistants Facilitator(s): Engineering Teaching Consultants Session Abstract: Office Hours for any course provide crucial, one-on-one or small group, settings for students to get help with course concerns, from homework, to reviewing course content, and discussing grades. Setting the tone for Office Hours at the start of the semester can help both instructors and students get the most out of their time together. In this workshop, you will learn about how to set up Office Hours as well as get practice supporting students in developing problem-solving skills. You will also have the chance to brainstorm solutions to concerns you have about the engineering Office Hours you have already held. GTC eligible? Yes - B2 |
| 9/27/24 10:00 am - 9/27/24 11:30 am | The Role of Empathy in Equity-focused Engineering Classroom | Session Format: Remote synchronous (Zoom) Intended Audience: Admin/Staff, UG Instructional Assistants, Postdocs, Graduate Students, Faculty Facilitator(s): Linjue Wang Session Abstract: Engineering education research shows that empathy is crucial to building positive faculty/GSI-student relationships both inside the classroom and beyond. Participants will learn about empathy as a vehicle to promote equity-focused teaching in engineering. They will engage in faculty/GSI role-playing scenarios, self-reflection, and discussions that will include concrete examples of how an instructor can approach students with empathy in an equity-centered classroom. GTC eligible? Yes - B2-DEI |
| 10/7/24 6:00 pm - 10/7/24 7:30 pm | Promoting Successful Teamwork in STEM Classes | Session Format: Remote synchronous (Zoom) Intended Audience: Graduate Students, UG Instructional Assistants Facilitator(s): Engineering Teaching Consultants Session Abstract: Effective use of teams in a course can increase student learning and enhance students' problem solving abilities, if instructors ensure that all students are engaged and included. In this session, participants will explore research-based methods for enhancing teamwork skills, engaging students, increasing cooperative learning, and supporting dysfunctional teams. GTC eligible? Yes - B2 |
| 10/16/24 12:00 pm - 10/16/24 1:30 pm | Teaching in Tumultuous Times | Session Format: Remote synchronous (Zoom) Intended Audience: Faculty, Postdocs, Admin/Staff Facilitator(s): Patricia Jaimes, Tershia Pinder-Grover Session Abstract: Global crises, political divisiveness, and social unrest take an emotional and cognitive toll on students and instructors, impacting teaching and learning. Research shows that instructor acknowledgment and recognition of these events positively impact student learning and their sense of well-being. At the same time, instructors also need to be mindful of their own mental and emotional state during these times. In this workshop, engineering faculty will be able to think and work through several strategies for engaging with students about emerging events and learn about resources and approaches to support their well-being. GTC eligible? No |
| 10/28/24 1:30 pm - 10/28/24 3:00 pm | The Importance of Embracing Failure in Learning | Session Format: Remote synchronous (Zoom) Intended Audience: Admin/Staff, UG Instructional Assistants, Postdocs, Graduate Students, Faculty Facilitator(s): Deborah Litchi, Rhonda Holton, Audra Baleisis Session Abstract: Failure is a vital part of conducting research and thinking about design in STEM disciplines. However, STEM students do not often view failure, or challenges, as integral to learning. In this interactive session, participants will reflect on the many roles (both positive and negative) of failure in the college classroom, and learn about strategies for mitigating fear of failure. We will consider the dangers of stereotype threat and impostor syndrome, and the power of fostering a growth mindset for instructors and students. (Note: this workshop is based on the Stereotype Threat, Impostor Syndrome and Growth Mindset Workshop that has been offered for the past 4 years. If you have attended that, much of the material will be familiar to you.) GTC eligible? Yes - B2-DEI |
