Future Prof Series (FPS)

This series of eLearning modules guides graduate students and postdocs through the process of drafting a teaching dossier, with particular focus on identifying and articulating your own philosophy of teaching. Participants will be added to the Brightspace course site on Monday, June 30th and have access to it until Wednesday, July 30th.

The Research on Teaching and Learning Symposium showcases research on teaching and learning projects being done here at Western. It also provides the opportunity for faculty members, librarians and archivists, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students who wish to learn more about research on teaching and learning or who have considered doing such scholarship to hear about colleagues' projects and ask questions.

Presenters: Multiple

Educators and learners alike are feeling the impacts of stressors and uncertainties in and beyond higher education. Because we come to our learning spaces as whole people, and do not shed our identities, goals, values, and experiences at the classroom door, these stressors may manifest in the classroom as difficult or disruptive conversations. In this session, we will reflect on our own experiences with difficult conversations, explore the ways that difficult conversations arise in the classroom, and identify proactive and reactive strategies for facilitating challenging, respectful, and caring conversations.

Presenter: Mandy Penney

This session will introduce participants to a problem-solution approach for integrating technology into teaching and learning. Participants will examine common pedagogical challenges and explore strategies for selecting appropriate technological tools that align with instructional goals. Through practical examples and guided discussions, participants will learn how to critically evaluate technology options to enhance engagement, collaboration, assessment, and accessibility in their teaching contexts.

Presenters: Cortney Hanna-Benson and Rim Zakaria

This session will provide a brief overview of two common approaches to Inclusive Teaching: Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Universal Design for Learning. Participants will have an opportunity to reflect on their own understanding of inclusive teaching by first considering their unique frames of references and positionality. We will then explore the underlying beliefs of both Universal Design for Learning and Culturally Relevant Teaching and discuss their benefits and limitations. Finally, participants will consider how a multi-lensed approach may increase experiences of inclusion and belonging in their classroom by examining different case studies.

Presenters: Dani Dilkes, Nassisse Solomon

In our increasingly interconnected world, effective communication across cultural boundaries is essential. This workshop introduces an intercultural praxis approach to communication, providing participants with tools and frameworks to better understand and engage with diverse perspectives. Throughout the session, we will explore how culture shapes interactions, communication, and meaning-making within the Canadian classroom. By integrating theory with practical exercises, participants will participate in hands-on activities that illustrate the complexity of intercultural exchanges in our classrooms. During this session, participants will reflect on their cultural backgrounds and communication styles to pinpoint areas for personal growth, delve into key concepts in intercultural communication and praxis, and identify strategies for overcoming barriers to cross-cultural communication within the Canadian classroom.

Presenter: Nassisse Solomon

The session will focus on the utility of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) as an educational approach to creating inclusive classrooms. This session will explore the value and application of CRP in the classroom, from lesson planning to assignment design. Discussions will focus on creating inclusive spaces where all voices and perspectives are acknowledged and respected. Participants will be guided to explore the intersections of culture, identity, and social context and examine how these factors influence engagement and learning within a university classroom context. By the end of this session, participants will have tools for developing inclusive content and strategies that acknowledge their learners' cultural diversity and lived experiences.

Presenters: Nassisse Solomon

Wondering how you can use AI to enhance pedagogy in your role as a graduate student or postdoctoral scholar? Whether you're new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, this workshop will equip you with the skills to navigate and leverage GenAI effectively in teaching and learning. Through guided activities, you will have the opportunity to gain practical strategies for integrating AI tools into your academic practice.

Presenters: Dani Dilkes, Jennifer Foley

This session will introduce participants to the basic principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), an approach to designing course content and assessments that acknowledges the diversity of learners and provides more options for engagement, representation, and action and expression. We will also discuss how UDL intersects with other anti-oppressive practices in education and can be used as one tool for creating more inclusive learning environments.

Presenters: Dani Dilkes, Jennifer Foley

Join our "Brainwaves and Boundaries" workshop to learn how to leverage boundary-setting towards creating a safer, more inclusive environment for students. Gain practical skills in neurobiology-informed approaches to trauma and strategies for being with others who are experiencing activations and triggers to ensure a supportive and respectful classroom culture.

Presenters: Nassisse Solomon, AnnaLise Trudell, Christian Ylagan

Supporting international students effectively requires understanding their unique challenges and providing practical strategies to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment. This session aims to address common barriers and challenges for undergraduate international students in the classroom, and review strategies you as a TA can use to build a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, enhancing their overall academic experience and success.

Presenter: Nassisse Solomon

Can multiple choice tests assess skills beyond memorization? This workshop says YES! Together, we will work through the basics of how to write multiple choice items before exploring ways that multiple choice items can be used to assess students’ ability to apply, analyze, and evaluate. By the end of our time together, you will have practiced improving flawed multiple-choice items and be ready to start writing your own!

Presenters: Menahal Latif and Ken Meadows

An unwritten expectation in higher education is that instructors and teaching assistants know how to teach research skills - without ever having been formally taught them. You do not have to do this work on your own: librarians have this training and expertise and are prepared to collaborate with you. This session introduces you to the teaching support, learning resources, and partnership opportunities available through Western Libraries.

Presenters: Jason Dyck and Heather Campbell

Does being in front of the classroom feel uncomfortable? Are you unsure about the skills that set you apart from other instructors? In this workshop, we will explore different types of teaching personas and will guide you in finding your own unique teaching style. We will discuss ways to alleviate the pressure of being the authority in the classroom, while also working through exercises to build your teaching confidence. The goal of this workshop is to leave participants feeling competent and comfortable about their role as an instructor and in fostering a positive relationship with their students.

Presenter: Menahal Latif

Do assessments always have to look like papers, reports, presentations, or exams? What skills can be built and demonstrated through social media posts, website design, or performance? This workshop explores the process of designing rigorous and engaging alternative assessments to help get your students excited about your course material, give them chances to develop a wider range of communication skills, and promote creative thinking.

Presenter: Lisa Aikman

Ever wonder how you might deal with a sudden eruption of tension or conflict in the classroom? This workshop will allow participants to explore the role of positionality in navigating challenging situations or scenarios in the classroom (e.g. conflicts, disruptive behavior), across disciplines. Through case studies and a survey of best practices informed by equitable and inclusive approaches to teaching and learning, participants will explore different kinds of 'hot moments' that take place in both in-person and online learning environments. Participants will develop strategies to respond to various kinds of hot moments and discuss the benefits and challenges involved in responding to difficult and unpredictable disruptions (e.g., calling in and calling out), in ways that promote equity and safety for both the student and instructor.

Presenters: Nassisse Solomon and Menahal Latif

This workshop will define positionality and invite participants to reflect on their own positionality (socio-historical location) in the classroom and its impact in shaping perspectives and interactions in the classroom, across all disciplines. Participants will have the opportunity to work through case studies through an exploration of how positionality affects interactions, decision-making, and biases. By the end of the session, participants will develop strategies for addressing and leveraging positionality in their teaching and cultivating a sense of belonging in the classroom.

Presenters: Nassisse Solomon and Menahal Latif