It’s February already, and Winter semester is in full swing. This month, the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) is continuing its Engaged Teaching Series, beginning a series on Classroom Assessment Techniques, and coordinating a variety of workshops on the Faculty Evaluation System. You can register for all workshops at www.grcc.edu/ctereg . Looking for something else? The CTE, Distance Learning and Instructional Technologies, and the other departments within Instructional Support would be happy to custom-tailor faculty development to your needs as a department, group, or individual. Simply email CTE@grcc.edu to start the process. Below are the details on our workshops. You can view the descriptions by clicking the name of the workshop on our calendar page at www.grcc.edu/ctecalendar .
“Classroom Observation Training”
Tuesday, February 3, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM & Tuesday, February 24, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM in 347 Main
Observations are an important component of the evaluation system but how do you perform effective observations that result in constructive feedback? This session explains the behaviors that characterize effective instruction and assists faculty in using those behaviors as benchmarks for effective and appropriate peer evaluation. It also covers the documentation associated with observations in the Faculty Evaluation System. The session covers information on observation of both face to face and online courses. NOTE: Completion of this session is required before faculty will be permitted to complete observations of peers.
“Building Instructor-Student Relationships”
Friday, February 6, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM in 347 Main
How can I build and maintain classroom rapport? There is ample research proving that positive rapport between instructors and their students play a significant role in teaching and learning. Participants will discover why classroom rapport is important for effective student learning as well as how to develop rapport-building and rapport-maintaining strategies.
“Completing FPE Reports”
Monday, February 9, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM in 347 Main
This session will provide information on the reports that must be completed each year by full-time faculty as part of the Faculty Evaluation System. After completing this session participants should be able to: 1) Outline the general expectations for an effective FPE report, 2) Describe the appropriate documentation required for each section of the FPE report, 3) Explain the characteristics of the specific sections for the FPE report, and 4) Explain the approval process and due dates for the FPE report.
“Classroom Assessment Techniques I”
Thursday, February 19, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM in 347 Main
Designing your own assessments that provide context-and teacher-specific feedback can help you adapt and improve your teaching. This session addresses CATs (Classroom Assessment Techniques), with a focus on CATs that assess learner attitudes, values, and self-awareness. After completing the session, participants should be able to: 1) describe the importance of assessing learner attitudes, values, and self-awareness, 2) experience at least three CATs, 3) identify at least one new CAT to be used in their classes.
“Managing Engaged Classrooms”
Friday, February 20, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM in 347 Main
Establishing a climate for learning is one of the most challenging aspects of teaching, and one of the most difficult skills to master. For those new to the profession, failure to set the right tone will greatly hinder your effectiveness as a teacher. Indeed, even experienced faculty may sometimes feel frustrated by classroom management issues. This training will highlight the 10 effective classroom management techniques every faculty member should know for creating a positive learning environment — whether you’re a seasoned educator or someone who’s just starting out.
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