During winter break, the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) will be offering a four-day series of online sessions to help UMass Amherst faculty refresh course design and expand teaching techniques.

From Jan. 16-19, Spring into Teaching – Refresh and Expand will feature online group and individual session options via Zoom and on demand. Spark an idea in as little as 15 minutes by watching an Explore by Yourself on demand asynchronous session or attend Learn Together Zoom sessions and workshops all week. Faculty can also review their syllabus in a One-on-One meeting with a CTL consultant in the Syllabus Clinic.

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For a complete list of sessions, descriptions and registration, visit the Center for Teaching and Learning Events website.

Learn Together

Listen to Learn: Distracted Students

Tuesday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m., Zoom

It feels like students are more distracted than ever—can we reawaken their attention? Listen to Learn works like a book club, but with podcast episodes. Before the session, listen to the Tea for Teaching podcast episode “Distracted” with author and professor James Lang, and then join us for a discussion about the major ideas explored in the episode and implications for our teaching. Register here

One Look Back, Two Steps Forward: Learning Through Reflection

Wednesday, Jan. 17, 10 a.m., Zoom

In the classroom, reflective activities can help students better understand their thought process and monitor their own growth as learners. Join us for a workshop that explores the relationship between reflection, metacognition, and how we learn. In this session, facilitators share reflective activities that can be used in a variety of class contexts, from short activities to larger assignments. Register here

ChatGPT Use Among UMass Students

Thursday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m., Zoom

What do we do when we don’t know what to do? Panelists will share what they did when faced with the challenges of generative AI and what it would mean to their teaching. Three members of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Working Group engaged in scholarly inquiry to understand if, how, and why students were using—or not using—ChatGPT. Register here

Thriving Together: Enhancing Student Well-being in Larger Classes

Friday, 1/19, 10 a.m., Zoom

Student well-being and connection are critical for learning, growth, and achievement. Teaching larger classes, however, presents unique challenges in offering individualized support and fostering the deep, meaningful connections that are essential for student success. This interactive workshop is specially designed to equip faculty with diverse, inclusive strategies for creating student-centered learning environments. Register here

One-on-One

Syllabus Clinic

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Jan. 17-19, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., Zoom

Meet with a CTL consultant to review and discuss your syllabus, even if it’s still in draft form. Multiple but limited slots available. Register and submit draft syllabus by 12 p.m. the day before desired consultation slot. Sign up for a consultation here.

Explore by Yourself

Flash 15

Available on demand at any time Jan. 16-19. Fifteen-minute asynchronous sessions designed to introduce a new proven teaching technique. Register here for one or all sessions in the single registration form.