Image source: L&S Instructional Design Collaborative

  Supporting First Year Students  


Whether you are new to teaching first-year students or looking for ideas to better support your students’ academic and social transition to college, read this brand-new article from the L&S Instructional Design Collaborative. They give evidence-based approaches and examples from L&S classrooms on what's effective in supporting new students, such as:

  1. Sharing Campus Resources
  2. Demystifying the Hidden Curriculum
  3. Encouraging Individual Connections

  Podcast: Reflections on Teaching and Learning  


L&S Teaching Assistant Daria Tennikova talks about her expansive teaching experience. From private piano lessons to group music theory and composition courses to a YouTube channel with thousands of subscribers, Daria brings a commitment to helping others enjoy learning. In this episode, she shares her approaches to teaching and provides insights into practice, feedback, and creativity that can be brought into any discipline.

Listen and discover curated resources on the episode page.

  Student Accommodations  

The goal of providing accommodations is access for students with disabilities. Accommodations do not ensure success in your class — they are not shortcuts or lowering the standards of the course. Accommodations provide equal opportunities to pursue learning.

Your lead instructor is a good resource if you have questions about student accommodations in your class.

Learn more in the McBurney Center Instructor Guide to Student Accommodations.

  Tips from Experienced TAs  

Teaching Mentors facilitate the annual Fall and Spring TA Training by L&S. Those selected to be Teaching Mentors have a proven track record of excellence as educators and a strong desire to mentor TAs.
 

Students in Distress with Laura Broman (Communication Arts Department)

"While students are often vaguely aware of the resources available to them through something like the Office of Student Assistance and Support, they may be hesitant to seek out those resources for themselves due to a sense of stigma around seeking mental health treatment or pressure from family to prioritize school above all else. As a TA, it’s not your job to act as a therapist for your students, but you can help them reorient their priorities away from perfect performance in school and towards their own wellbeing. Submitting a student of concern report through the Office of Student Assistance and Support is great because it means someone is going to reach out to them to offer help, so they don’t need to seek out help on their own if they’re scared to do so."

New Training for Instructors, TAs – Supporting Student Mental Health


University Health Services and the Division for Teaching and Learning are partnering to offer a new training on supporting student mental health that’s designed specifically for instructors and teaching assistants. The half-day, live training equips participants with the skills to identify signs and symptoms of potential mental health challenges, respond appropriately, and refer students to mental health professionals and other support services. Sign up for a course on February 9 or February 23. Looking for other mental health training opportunities? Explore the full suite of Recognize, Respond, Refer trainings and resources for students, faculty, and staff.

Teaching an Online Asynchronous Course This Summer?


The L&S LSA Course Design Jumpstart is a hands-on, in-person workshop that helps graduate student lecturers build their online asynchronous Summer 2026 course with confidence. In a collaborative setting, participants will plan their courses, develop inclusive teaching strategies, and create meaningful ways to connect with and support all students. For more information and to register, visit LSA Jumpstart.

L&S Spring TA Training Recap

Despite a weather-related delay to the start of Spring Training, TAs from L&S, CALS, and the School of Pharmacy participated in the New TA Training. Their enthusiasm and flexibility ensured a productive session despite the shortened schedule.

L&S Chinese Names Pronunciation Workshop Recap

Last Friday, we wrapped up the L&S Chinese Names Pronunciation Workshop. In total there were 10 graduate student teachers from a wide range of schools and disciplines, from SoHE to Astronomy. Thanks to everyone who came! This recurring workshop provides practical tips for TAs and LSAs navigating common Chinese names on campus and is offered each semester. Participants are encouraged to attend as many times as they’d like to sharpen their skills.

Missed us this time? You can find additional resources on our website.
 
 
Learning Forward is brought to you by the L&S TA Training & Support Team.