Not sure where to start? Our programming is designed for maximum flexibility. You can take any seminar, in any order, picking and choosing the topics which are relevant to your teaching. If you're looking for a suggestion of how to get started Classroom Assessment Strategies, Accessibility in Teaching & Learning, and either Increasing Student Participation Online or Video Made Easy is a great introductory trio providing a strong foundation of best teaching practices relevant to any classroom.

SEMINARS

Classroom Assessment Strategies
Do you ever feel that you are receiving blank stares from your students? Are you looking for a way to gauge their understanding that can be completed during class time? Join us for an upcoming seminar series that will provide techniques and useful discussions for Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs). By the end of the seminar series you will develop the tools to measure students' comprehension in real time.

Dates:
January 20, 2020 - 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)
February 3, 2020 - 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)
March 2, 2020 - 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)

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Get HIP with Experiential Learning! Critical Reflection as Assessment in High Impact Practice (HIP)

Interested in integrating experiential learning (EL) into your teaching but have questions such as: How do I add EL to my course? How do I assess learning through reflection? How do I write good reflection questions? Join this seminar to gain a deeper understanding of experiential learning and how to assess students’ higher-order learning through critical reflection as High Impact Practice (HIP). We will examine a number of reflection frameworks, draft reflection assignments and explore ideas and resources for adding experiential learning into your course.

Dates:
January 29, 2020 – 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Mills Library, Community Room, L304)
February 12, 2020 - 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (MacPherson Boardroom; L516 Mills Library)
March 11, 2020 - 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (MacPherson Boardroom; L516 Mills Library)

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Teaching and Assessment in Large Classes
As enrollment increases many instructors find themselves teaching to a great number of students each year. In this three-part seminar, we will discuss techniques for 'scaling up' classroom activities, assessment strategies which are practical for large groups, and maintaining academic rigour.

Dates:
February 7, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)
February 14, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)
March 20, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)

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Accessibility in Teaching & Learning
Apply principles of universal design to create accessible learning opportunities. (Note: this seminar does not follow the 3 session format. It is a singular 2 hour session.)

Date:
March 4, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)

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Teaching Portfolios at McMaster
Designed to complement McMaster’s teaching portfolio requirements (described in SPS B2), in this seminar participants will have the opportunity to explore their values and beliefs about teaching, draft and obtain peer feedback on their teaching philosophy statement, and map out other essential sections of their portfolios.

Dates:
March 13, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)
April 17, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)
May 1, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)

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Teaching Contentious Topics
Increasing international political and ideological polarization has revived questions about academic freedom and freedom of expression in Canadian universities. This seminar provides an overview of how these issues apply to the McMaster context and suggests strategies for teaching topics that may elicit strong responses or contentious opinions from students. In particular, we will consider instructional techniques for encouraging students to explore unexamined assumptions, for using the tools of their disciplines to engage with each other as intellectual peers, and for creating classroom spaces that balance inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge with the institutional and pedagogical responsibility to provide a safe and secure learning environment.

Dates:
March 23, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)
April 20, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)
April 27, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)

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Use Design Thinking to Spark Your Creative Confidence in the Classroom
Educators! Build your creative confidence through this interactive introduction to the design mindset. By redesigning an existing lesson, you will explore ways to offer a transformative, student-centered learning experience. This seminar will focus on thinking past curricular and disciplinary content by asking, “How Might We” questions, building empathy, finding opportunities in challenges, embracing ambiguity and believing in your ability and the abilities of your students to practice creative confidence. Note this seminar will take place in ETB 539.

Dates:

April 15, 2020 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (ETB 539)

April 22, 2020 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (ETB 539)

May 20, 2020 - 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. (ETB 539)

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Video Made Easy
Online video accounts for 74% of all online traffic. Video is increasingly a part of our everyday lives, both in and out of the classroom. Using basic principles taught by seasoned professionals, this workshop will explore simple tools and techniques to create engaging videos. No experience necessary. Requires access to a phone with a camera and a laptop.

Dates:
April 29, 2020 - 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)
May 27, 2020 - 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)
June 10, 2020 - 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)

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Increasing Student Participation Online
Enabling and managing online student participation is an evolving and important part of teaching. This workshop focuses on how to effectively plan and manage online discussions and collaborative work. Together we will explore learning spaces, content and tool options that can increase efficiency and keep students involved and engaged.

Dates:
June 3, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)
Session #2 (2 hours) – To be determined by participants at a mutually agreed upon time
Session #3 (1 hour) – To be determined by participants at a mutually agreed upon time

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Introduction to Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL)
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about different conceptions, frameworks, and methodologies that inform the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) in higher education and explore examples of SoTL within their own disciplines.

Dates:
June 8, 2020 - 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)
June 29, 2020 - 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)
July 20, 2020 - 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)

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Course Refinement
A Course Refinement is a process where one or two MacPherson staff come to your class to anonymously collect honest, useful, personalized, formative, and timely student mid-term feedback. The feedback is consolidated and returned directly to the instructor, along with consultation and discussion regarding possible enhancements or suggestions. Please submit your request via the MacPherson Support Request Form by January 17th for Winter 2020 term courses.

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Peer Observation of Teaching
This seminar is an opportunity for faculty to gain new insight into their teaching through a process of reciprocal classroom observation and self-reflection. Participants in this seminar will practice observing teaching as well as giving and receiving feedback on. This seminar will culminate in a 90-minute follow-up meeting where participants can reflect on what they observed and the feedback that they received from their peers in their teaching square.

Dates:
By Request

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ADVANCED PRACTICUM OPPORTUNITIES

Instructional Skills Workshops (ISW)
The ISW is designed to enhance the teaching effectiveness of both new and experienced educators. Participants review basic ideas about teaching, check current practices, and try new strategies and techniques. During the 3-day workshop, participants design and conduct three 10-minute lessons and receive verbal, written and video feedback from other workshop participants.

May 2020 - SOLD OUT, but Waitlist Available by clicking "Register"
Tuesday, May 5th 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 6th 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 7th 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

August 2020
Tuesday, August 18th 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 19th 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 20th 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

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Course (re)Design Workshop (CrDW)
The Course (re)Design Workshop aims to engage and support academic staff in the design or redesign of a course. The workshop includes facilitated sessions on course design topics, including constructive alignment, learning outcomes, and assessment; the workshop also includes dedicated time for individual work, peer feedback, and consultation time. Save the Date! Registration will open early 2020.

Dates:
Monday, May 11th 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)
Tuesday, May 12th 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)
Wednesday, May 13th 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (alternate location) – Optional

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Assessment Development Workshop (ADW)
The 2-day Assessment Development Workshop provides an opportunity for individual instructors or instructional teams to focus on the enhancement of a new or existing assessment in their course(s). Through peer feedback and guided work time, informed by facilitated sessions on topics such as rubrics, and assessing group work, this workshop helps instructors implement meaningful assessments that support student learning. Save the Date! Registration will open early 2020.

Dates:
Tuesday, May 19th 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)
Thursday, May 21st 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. MacPherson Classroom; L508/L509 Mills Library)

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Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Project or Independent Project
Participants will engage in a self-directed study on a teaching and learning topic of their choice, selecting either a project with a research focus (e.g., literature review, research proposal, grant proposal), or an applied focus (e.g., develop and distribute a resource). The work will be supported via consultations and feedback from a MacPherson Institute Educational Developer and may involve consultation with the McMaster library staff such as the Research and Advanced Studies Librarian. Participants will be expected to identify a venue through which they will share their work.

Dates: As requested. Please contact Kris Knorr (knorrk@mcmaster.ca)

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Note: Programming for the 2020/2021 academic year will be posted in summer 2020.