New! (Re)Designing Your Course: A Self-Guided Mini-Course for STEM Instructors
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
6/20/24 10:00 am - 6/20/24 12:00 pm Communicating Expectations at the Beginning of the Semester

Session Format: Remote synchronous (Zoom)

Intended Audience: Graduate Students, Faculty, Postdocs

Facilitator(s): Martha Epperson

Session Abstract: Get a head start on your fall planning by thinking about your course expectations for students. In this interactive remote workshop, participants will first reflect on the relationship between transparency and classroom rapport. Instructors will consider why and how they communicate the purpose, tasks, and criteria for their course to students. Ultimately, participants will leave with a draft plan for communicating their expectations while simultaneously laying the foundation for a supportive classroom community in the first weeks of the fall semester.

GTC eligible? Yes, B2

6/26/24 10:00 am - 6/26/24 12:00 pm Exploring Alternative Grading Strategies

Session Format: Remote synchronous (Zoom)

Intended Audience: Faculty, Graduate Students, Postdocs, Admin/Staff

Facilitator(s): Hayley Heaton

Session Abstract: Methods of assessing student performance have a profound effect on students’ learning experience and instructors’ time commitments. This interactive remote workshop will introduce several alternatives to traditional grading, such as contract grading and ungrading. Through individual reflection and conversations with other instructors, participants will explore alternative grading practices and consider how those practices might align with instructors’ course goals. Special attention will be given to how alternative grading methods can help instructors practice equity-focused teaching. This introductory workshop is targeted toward all instructors who are looking to advance their teaching toolkit around assessment of student learning

GTC eligible? Yes, B2 

7/10/24 12:00 pm - 7/10/24 2:00 pm Developing a Plan for Addressing GenAI in your Classroom this Fall

Session Format: Remote synchronous (Zoom)

Intended Audience: Faculty, Graduate Students, Postdocs

Facilitator(s): Anoff Nicholas Cobblah

Session Abstract: In this interactive remote workshop, participants will begin to develop their own plan for responding to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in the Fall semester. Through reflection and small group discussions, participants will begin to draft/revise syllabus statements, reconsider assignment prompts, and reflect on how to talk to students about GenAI. Although approaches to these activities should be informed by school/college specific policies and practices, this session will offer insights on how to proactively and inclusively address the use of GenAI in your classroom.

GTC eligible? Yes, B2

7/16/24 10:00 am - 7/16/24 12:00 pm Facilitating Discussions of Research Literature in STEM

Session Format: In-person

Intended Audience: Faculty, Graduate Students, Postdocs

Facilitator(s): Sarah Zelner and Waleed Helweh

Session Abstract: This workshop provides an opportunity for instructors in STEM courses to discuss evidence-based practices that can promote more effective discussions of research literature. Through a series of group-based activities, instructors will consider methods for helping students effectively engage with readings ahead of class and facilitate productive discussions that include all students. This workshop will be most helpful to instructors who plan to mostly discuss research literature in class and less useful to those running textbook-based or problem-based courses.

GTC eligible? Yes, B2