The TLC promotes the value and practice of excellent teaching, teaching that facilitates student learning and growth. The TLC provides programs and resources designed to promote teaching methods that are consistent with the research on how people learn. The TLC provides opportunities for faculty and TAs to reflect on their work, and to share, and learn, from the experience and expertise of their colleagues. The TLC also aims to promote this reflection in the form of assessment and scholarly research into teaching and learning. By supporting faculty in their work as teachers, our ultimate aim is to support the success of Temple’s richly diverse student body and the development of our students as scholars and citizens.
We mainly serve Temple University Faculty and Graduate Teaching Assistants through both campus-wide events and department specific workshops.
Faculty
Throughout the year, the TLC hosts events and programs for all Temple University faculty. In 2008-2009, faculty can expect more opportunities to join semester-long teaching circles and book groups that build teaching community and allow for participants to fully develop ideas and strategies for facilitating student learning. In spring 2008, TLC initiated its first teaching circle on course design, and kicked off its book group with discussions of Ken Bain’s What the Best College Teachers Do.
“Faculty Fieldwork” will also take place in fall 2008. This program, initiated in fall 2007, invites faculty to observe colleagues teaching large classes in innovative ways.
The Winter Faculty conference is always a popular and beneficial event. In January 2008, we held our first two-day conference, featuring nationally renowned experts in the field: Sylvia Hurtado, Executive Director of Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA and Dee Fink, author of Creating Significant Learning Experiences. In January 2007, Barbara Walvoord shared ideas on “Teaching What We Test, Testing What We Teach: Tools for Effective Assessment and Grading.” In 2009, we will host a winter faculty conference on main campus, but also a summer faculty conference, addressing issues of graduate and clinical teaching, on the Health Science Campus.
Graduate Students
Designed specifically for future professors, TLC TA programs will prepare you to engage your students, set expectations, and achieve rewarding results. An experienced TA and Ph.D candidate in Education, TLC TA Coordinator Shubhada Menon leads group seminars and consultations designed specifically for Teaching Assistants.
Every year in August, the TLC starts off the new school year with an essential Teaching Assistant orientation program. We guide you through the basics, from effectively dealing with first-day jitters to using Blackboard®. You will be introduced to Temple University policies and procedures, and experienced TAs will be on-hand to field your questions and give you advice. Day two is a conferene on a host of teaching topics, such as course and assignment design, classroom management, discussion leading, and fair grading.
At the Resource Fair, you will find information on filling out the necessary Human Resources forms and have the opportunity to view dozens of current research projects.
Departments
While TLC campus-wide events address issues common to all disciplines, we understand your department faces unique challenges. We will tailor seminars for your needs upon request. Contact us to schedule a department workshop.
