Documentation:CTLT programs/ISW Faculty

Program Description

This 3-day Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW), which focuses on teaching groups of students, is designed to enhance the teaching effectiveness of both new and experienced educators. In a supportive atmosphere, you will have a chance to try new teaching approaches and to sharpen existing skills. During the workshop, you will design and conduct three “mini-lessons” and receive verbal, written, and video feedback from your peers. In addition, you will reflect on your own teaching practices. The success of this program relies on the active participation and collaboration of all participants who, as a team, work together to support each other in enhancing their teaching effectiveness. A certificate of completion will be awarded to each participant.

Who can apply?

We use the term “faculty” to mean that:

• You teach a credit course
• You coordinate programs for students enrolled in credit courses
• You lead or design teaching and learning events, not mentioned above, that are for, or otherwise support, students enrolled in credit courses

What past participants have said about ISWs

"I will recommend this to colleagues without hesitation."

"[The ISW] changed the way I think about teaching for the better!"

"[Taking the ISW] was a wonderful experience, both personally and professionally. It exceeded my expectations."

"I would love to take it again."

"[I get] tips I can apply from both peers and facilitators."

Program goals

By the end of this workshop participants should be able to:

• Use learning objectives to organize teaching and to help students consider what they are expected to learn
• Write a useful, practical lesson plan
• Incorporate active learning strategies
• Consider students’ differing learning needs
• Use simple techniques during lessons to test learning
• Use common instructional aids effectively
• Use good questioning techniques during a classroom session
• Give constructive feedback
• Increase confidence and competence in the classroom

A typical ISW includes:

• A review of important concepts in group teaching situations, such as planning a lesson, increasing participatory learning, and providing feedback to students
• The opportunity to teach three short lessons in a group setting, and to receive constructive feedback from a facilitator and peers
• Sessions on a variety of teaching and learning topics such as learning styles, questioning skills, classroom activities, and evaluation of student learning
• Role modelling of teaching styles by workshop facilitators

It is an opportunity to:

• Work closely with peers and facilitators from across disciplines to reflect upon and improve your teaching
• Practise a variety of instructional techniques in a supportive atmosphere
• Receive valuable feedback immediately following your teaching
• “Recharge your batteries”

This workshop may be for you if:

• You are interested in practising teaching skills and sharing goals and reflections in a supportive, peer-based atmosphere
• You are available for the full three days of the workshop, 8:15 am – 5:00 pm each day

ISW Dates in 2017

• May 15, 16, 17
• July 11, 12, 13
• August 22, 23, 24
• December 12, 13, 14

Registration for each workshop opens 4-6 weeks prior.

For more information about ISWs for faculty, please contact Lucas Wright or Julia Levasseur.