Foundations of College Teaching "Quick Start" Workshop Series | Fall 2024

This workshop series offers hands-on workshops that introduce and provide guidance on high-priority teaching skills for college instruction at Cal Poly. They are offered just prior to the start of the fall term so that what is learned can be applied right away in Fall Quarter classes.

The workshops are designed for educators who have had modest amounts of mentoring or guidance on effective teaching. Workshops may be of special interest to faculty who are industry experts hired as lecturers with little or no prior college-level teaching experience, as well as to new PhDs from degree programs that offered few opportunities to develop teaching skills.

Any educator interested in updating and refreshing their teaching knowledge and skills is also welcome. 

Each workshop includes some hands-on work to put the recommended teaching practices into action. The workshops are also opportunities to learn with faculty colleagues through shared reflections, feedback exchanges, and discussions.

See the table below for workshops being offered.

Register for sessions here

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Workshop Descriptions

• Online sessions will be via Zoom, with the link provided at registration
• On-site workshops will be in Chase Hall 115/104 along with a zoom option for remote participation 

Title	Description/Topics	Dates/Times
Canvas: Introduction (1 hour)	The basics of Cal Poly Canvas’ login, navigation, tools, and menus; Intro to support resources, e.g., course templates, online self-paced courses, web resources, email, chat, and consultations	Friday, Sept 13, 9-10 am (Online/Zoom) Also recorded webinar on demand
Canvas: Assessment and Gradebook Setup (1 hour)	Overview of Canvas Assessments tools and when to use them; Settings and layout of Canvas Gradebook	Friday, Sept 13, 10-11 am (Online/Zoom) Also recorded webinar on demand
Quick Start Session 1: "Preparing To Start" (3.5 hours)	Elements of effective syllabi to engage and motivate students; Skills for accessible documents and Canvas pages; preparing a dynamic Day One; Working time to draft materials (Lunch included)	Friday Sept 13, 12-3:30 pm (Bldg. 115, Rm 104; with online/zoom option available)
Quick Start Session 2: "Preparing To Teach" (3.5 hours)	Equitable teaching practices; Fostering an inclusive class climate; Engaging students with active learning methods, Working time to draft materials (Coffee/tea, fruit, and pastries included)	Thurs Sept 19, 8:30 am-12 pm (Bldg. 115, Rm 104; with online/zoom option available)