Graduate Teaching Toolkit, or "GTA Toolkit" is a series of monthly workshops offered throughout the fall and spring semesters, led by graduate students for graduate students. Workshops cover a range of topics meant to reinforce or deepen graduate students’ understanding of teaching and learning strategies they can immediately apply to practice. Toolkit workshops are also an opportunity for graduate students to learn from each other and build community around a culture of teaching at Ohio State.
GTA Toolkit workshops are designed by graduate students for graduate students. They aim to support participants’ professional development, engage them in reflection and discussion and build community among graduate instructors who are passionate about improving their teaching.
All graduate students, regardless of teaching appointment or experience, are welcome to attend.
Autumn 2026 GTA Toolkit: Universal Design for Learning
Regardless of their teaching appointments, graduate student instructors work with a wide range of learners who differ in their motivation, skillsets, background, and disability status. This fall, Graduate Teaching Toolkit will explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework designed to support student learning across these differences. The UDL framework advocates for flexibility along three dimensions: how we motivate and engage students, how we represent course content, and how our assignments and activities allow students to express what they have learned.
UDL strategies are relevant across a wide range of TA roles—you do not need to be an independent instructor or have complete control over course design for UDL to make a meaningful difference. Even small choices in how you facilitate activities, communicate expectations and feedback, and present content can improve access for all students.
September: Fostering Student Engagement with Universal Design for Learning
September 22, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Ohio Union, Interfaith Room
In this workshop, we will explore the first principle of Universal Design for Learning: Engagement, which focuses on the affective aspects of student motivation, emotion and belonging. Participants will be introduced to strategies to recruit and sustain student interest, foster an inclusive classroom environment and support students' emotional capacity.
Buffet lunch provided
Fostering Student Engagement with UDL
October: Accessible Course Content with Universal Design for Learning
October 20, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Ohio Union, Interfaith Room
In this workshop, we will explore the second principle of Universal Design for Learning: Representation. Given that learners differ in the ways they perceive and make meaning of information, representing course content in multiple ways helps learners access information regardless of sensory, linguistic or cognitive differences. Participants will be introduced to strategies to foster a flexible and accessible classroom and activate students’ prior knowledge to promote deep learning.
Buffet lunch provided
Accessible Course Content with UDL
November: Creating Flexible Assignments and Activities with Universal Design for Learning
November 17, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Ohio Union, Barbie Tootle Room
In this workshop, we will explore the third principle of Universal Design for Learning: Action and Expression. Learners differ in the ways they navigate a learning environment, approach the learning process and express what they know. Providing multiple means of action and expression is essential for students to demonstrate their learning.
Buffet lunch provided
Creating Flexible Assignments and Activities with UDL
Who facilitates the workshops?
All GTA Toolkit workshops are developed and facilitated by Drake Institute Graduate Consultants, advanced graduate students at Ohio State who have demonstrated exemplary instruction and a commitment to advancing teaching and learning.