Graduate Teaching Toolkit

Topic 1 description.

After this workshop participants will be able to:

• LO 1
• LO 2
• LO 3

Have you ever asked a question in class only to be met with blank stares and uncomfortable silence? Not sure how to facilitate discussions that are effective and purposeful? Here, we put these topics into practice. This workshop introduces participants to skills, strategies, and best practices in facilitating effective discussions. Alongside other graduate instructors, participants will experiment with crafting discussion questions and building classroom environments that spark real conversation - all in a relaxed, supportive setting.   

After this workshop participants will be able to:

• Identify the benefits and challenges of classroom discussions
• Write engaging discussion questions
• Choose effective discussion structures and formats
• Manage discussions in a way that promotes balanced participation

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How can we grade fairly and quickly without sacrificing student learning? This workshop introduces participants to skills, strategies, and best practices in grading student work. Participants will have the opportunity to practice designing rubrics and developing grading practices and alternatives to grading in an informal and supportive learning environment with other members of the graduate student community.   

After this workshop participants will be able to:

• Develop confidence in implementing fair grading practices
• Utilize rubrics as a transparent and efficient way to provide feedback and help improve learning
• Explore different grading practices and structures, including alternatives to traditional grading, to help students meet pedagogical aims 

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Group work often sparks groans and dread, but it doesn’t have to. With the right strategies, groups can be genuinely collaborative communities instead of just siloed teams. In this Graduate Teaching Toolkit, instructors will learn strategies for facilitating effective group work in their courses.  All graduate students, regardless of teaching experience, are welcome to attend.

After this workshop participants will be able to:

• Identify the benefits of group work within and beyond the classroom
• Gain confidence crafting a variety of group work activities that reflect course goals
• Explore strategies to identify and manage challenges related to group work
• Reflect on methods to conclude and assess group work

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