How is your class going? Get feedback from your students.  

Gathering feedback during the semester can help you:
  1. learn about  students' class experiences
  2. get feedback on a new approach
  3. invite students to reflect on their learning
One simple way to ask for feedback is to use a survey. For sample survey instruments, question guidance, and tips on responding to feedback, check out this article from the L&S Instructional Design Collaborative.
Mid-Semester Feedback

  Inclusive Teaching Strategies 

Instructors want their students to learn, and inclusive teaching strategies can help!  
  • Make personal connections with students
  • Structure your course
  • Diversify your course materials
  • Incorporate bounded flexibility
Find more details—including supportive research and examples from L&S instructors—in this new article from the Instructional Design Collaborative.

  TA Award Nominations Open through Nov 18   

The Campus-Wide Teaching Assistant Awards recognize outstanding graduate student teaching in four categories. Nominations for TA Awards are due Monday, Nov. 18.
Roundtable with TA Award Winners
 

  Teaching Tips from Experienced TAs  

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

This Week's Teaching Mentor:

Levi Sherman is a PhD student in Art History.

"Mid-Semester Feedback" with Levi Sherman

"While official course evaluations can help improve your teaching for future semesters, mid-semester feedback is a great way to check in while there’s still time to make changes. I keep mine anonymous (I’ve used index cards and Google forms) but invite students to include their name if they have individual concerns I should address. Even when the feedback is not immediately actionable, the process shows that you are listening and willing to make changes to improve the course. It also invites students to reflect on their own learning and situate themselves in the semester before the crunch of finals."
 

Navigating Classroom Dynamics & Disruptions

A new guide from the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Mentoring provides guidance on proactive strategies to build trust and address conflict effectively and advice for responding to challenging situations that may arise during class. Learn Proactive Strategies and how to Respond in the Moment.

Connect & Learn with the Teaching Academy

The Teaching Academy cares about good teaching, and would love to hear your stories at their events throughout the year. The mission of the Academy is to promote, recognize and support excellence in teaching and learning among faculty, staff and students across campus and beyond. It is made up of approximately 500 Fellows, Future Faculty Partners, and Affiliates from a wide range of campus departments and programs. Graduate students are eligible to become members.
Learning Forward is brought to you by the L&S TA Training & Support Team.

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