Teaching “Boring” Required Courses Without Giving Up
Content
This workshop is for anyone who has been tasked with teaching a required, “boring” class and is struggling to engage students who expect boredom. UMass grad student Busra Karkili shares what happened when her vision of lively classroom discussions met the reality of teaching a required course. Join our workshop to explore ideas for building relevance and participation, with empathy and flexibility.
Part of the Teaching Academy, a series of pedagogical workshops for ALL UMass grad students and postdocs!
Busra Karkili (she/her) is a fifth-year PhD candidate in Operations Management at the Isenberg School of Management, UMass Amherst. Over the past three years, she has taught a wide range of courses, including technical, hands-on, required, and electives, teaching students at different stages of their undergraduate education, from early-year students to graduating seniors. Before leading her own courses, she worked as a teaching assistant for engineering and business students during her master’s and PhD programs. As an undergraduate, she also volunteered as a tutor in her hometown, supporting students from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Busra’s research focuses on not-for-profit operations, particularly social welfare and subsidy voucher programs. She is committed to growing as both a researcher and educator, and she regularly reflects on her teaching, using student feedback and classroom experience to guide her development.
Online with OPD!
