Fostering Engaged Teaching Graduate Students, Post-Doctoral Fellows and TAs
Teaching is more than just conveying knowledge—it's about sparking curiosity, fostering engagement, and creating a learning environment where students and instructors alike are motivated by a shared sense of discovery. As Graduate Teaching Fellows and Teaching Assistants at Queen’s University, you are at the forefront of shaping meaningful learning experiences, often while balancing your own research, academic responsibilities, and personal well-being.
This series is designed to help participants align their personal passion with their discipline for effective and inclusive teaching practices. Through a blend of self-reflection, collaborative activities, and practical skill-building, this workshop will equip participants with the tools to engage students more deeply, navigate common teaching challenges, and create a classroom atmosphere that inspires both instructors, teaching assistants, and learners.
Whether you are new to teaching or looking to reinvigorate your approach, this workshop offers a supportive space to explore how your passion can become a driving force in your pedagogy, while also nurturing your own personal and professional growth.
By the end of this series, participants will walk away with actionable strategies for creating engaging, inclusive lessons, along with new insights on how to foster a rewarding teaching experience for both you and your students.
Series Objectives
- Explore the intersection of personal passion and effective pedagogy.
- Equip GTFs and TAs with practical tools for engaging students.
- Build a community of practice for teaching development.
- Provide strategies for balancing personal interests with teaching practices to enhance student engagement.
Transforming Passion into Pedagogy: Igniting Creativity in the Classroom
Facilitator: Paul Akpomuje, Faculty of Education
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 4, 2024; 1:30 – 3:00pm
Location: Ellis Hall, Room 226
This Fall, join the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) for an exciting workshop aimed at helping graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and TAs at Queen’s, irrespective of discipline, as we collaboratively share ways to bring creativity and innovation into higher education classroom at Queen’s. You will learn how to infuse your personal passions into your pedagogy, transforming the classroom into a more dynamic and engaging space for students.
We will explore fresh, creative approaches to teaching that inspire curiosity and active learning. From innovative strategies for student engagement to practical tools, this workshop will provide everything you need to cultivate an environment where both you and your students thrive. We will walk through how your latent and active personal talents and interests can be incorporated into your teaching. In additional, you will have the opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded educators from across disciplines, exchanging ideas and building a supportive network focused on creative and impactful teaching.
Panel Discussion: Balancing Personal Interests with Teaching Practices
Moderator: Kim Hill-Tout, Department of Geography and Planning
Panelists: TBA
Date and Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Join the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) for the second session of our Passion and Pedagogy Workshop series, where we will delve into the essential balance between personal interests and teaching practices. This engaging panel discussion will feature experienced educators who will share their insights on how to incorporate personal passions into pedagogical approaches while building a course that promotes students’ engagement and achievement of disciplinary learning outcomes.
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and explore strategies for aligning personal interests with effective teaching methods. Whether you are looking to enhance your teaching style or seeking ways to authentically connect with your students, this session will provide valuable perspectives and actionable ideas to enrich your teaching journey.