University crest - white letter W on a red background surrounded by a golden oval. Teaching at UW. News from the Center for Teaching, Learning & Mentoring.
October 2026
Our mission: Improve learning for all students by advancing the craft of teaching

Evaluating student learning in the age of AI
The rapid spread of generative AI is leading instructors to try both new and newly-rediscovered strategies for assessing student learning, from blue book and oral exams to process models that evaluate how students work through drafts and explain their decision-making.

On Oct. 22, join the AI in Academia Coffee Hour for a conversation on "How do we evaluate student learning?" featuring:
Students view a lecture slide labeled Quizzes and Exams describing assessments in the course
  • Clinton Castro, Assistant Professor, Information School
  • Sarah Zurawski, Clinical Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Program
  • Megan Schmid, Associate Vice Provost for Teaching & Learning and Director, Center for Teaching, Learning & Mentoring
The AI in Academia Coffee Hour is a series of in-person events that is part of the UW–Madison Year of AI Readiness and Competency. Learn more about the Coffee Hour.

Are you and your students ready for election season?

  • Share a non-partisan BadgersVote slide to educate students about how they can exercise their right to vote.
  • For courses that engage with current events, explore strategies for facilitating class discussion.
Awards & Recognition
Congratulations to Nick J. Balster (left, Soil and Environmental Sciences) and Scott Mobley (right, Political Science), who are 2026 recipients of the James R. Underkofler Excellence in Teaching awards, funded by an endowment from the Alliant Energy Foundation.
Nick J. Balster, left, and Scott Mobley, right

Calls for nominations:

  • James R. Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Awards – Deadline Dec. 1
  • Academic Staff Excellence Awards – Deadline Dec. 1
  • Distinguished Teaching Awards – Deadline Nov. 15.
Events

During a time of AI disruption, he has ideas for a way forward
Lance Eaton
On Nov. 6, hear from Lance Eaton, an award-winning educational leader and nationally recognized speaker on generative AI and its impacts on teaching.

Eaton is Senior Associate Director of AI in Teaching and Learning at Northeastern University. In his talk "The Messy Middle," he'll share insights about where we might be headed and provide instructors with strategies for navigating this “messy middle” period. Register now.
Teaching at UW: Community-based Learning (Oct. 30) – Community-based learning (CBL) courses integrate meaningful community service to enhance students’ understanding of course content. This session will share strategies for designing undergraduate CBL courses (200–400 level, non-capstone) that create meaningful partnerships and impactful student experiences. Co-hosted by the Morgridge Center Engaged Scholars Series.

The Discussion Project (January and February) – In-person and virtual professional learning for faculty, academic staff, and teaching assistants sharing research-based techniques to design and implement equitable, inclusive, and engaging classroom discussion.
Resources

Call for applications: Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars

Faculty and academic staff/clinical instructors are invited to apply to the 2027-28 Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars program, which offers the opportunity to collaborate with other exceptional teachers while completing a project involving scholarship of teaching and learning. Participants receive a $4,000 summer stipend and travel support as well as $500 for supplies & expenses

TAs and Postdocs: Build Your Career as a WISCIENCE Fellow

Interested in STEM careers involving teaching or community engagement? WISCIENCE offers three immersive, year-long Fellows Programs that equip you with career-ready skills and experience, including a hands-on, mentored practicum.

Stay informed – connect with CTLM on LinkedIn!
 
 
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