GRD 630: Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Frameworks and Practices

This course is designed for graduate students seeking to build their knowledge and skills in effective teaching practices as a teaching assistant or independent instructor.  An introduction to evidence-based pedagogies and practices in higher education, this course is appropriate for all graduate students interested in college and university teaching.
Together, we will look at frameworks and models of learning, specific practices for implementing such frameworks, and the research that supports them. Our focus throughout the course will be on how students may apply their learning in their current or future teaching positions.  Some of the topics that we?ll address include: Course design models; informal and formal assessment; active learning strategies; teaching inclusively; arts-based teaching practices; and using technology effectively in teaching.
While this course is predominantly an interdisciplinary exploration of fundamental practices and pedagogies, students will complete at least one assignment exploring teaching in their own discipline and will be encouraged to follow their own interests throughout.
Student learning goals:
Become familiar with and engage the research on Teaching and Learning and identify sources for scholarly research on teaching in your discipline.
Be able to identify key differences across several frameworks and models of learning, specific practices that might be used to implement each framework, and the associated supporting research.
Build practical skills in planning and implementing active learning strategies, formal and informal assessment of student learning, and promoting an inclusive classroom for all students.
Become familiar with arts-based teaching practices that promote creative and critical thinking and considerations for teaching effectively with technology.
Reflect on and assess your own teaching and plan for your future development as a teacher.