With the academic year still fresh in people’s minds, May is the perfect time for those who contribute to teaching and learning at Queen’s to reflect on their work and think about new approaches to consider for the fall. Teaching and Learning Month at Queen’s, a new initiative sponsored by the Office of the Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning, aims to help people across campus do just that through a series of events focused on sharing ideas and discussing pedagogical methods. Events run throughout May and are open to faculty, instructors, post-doctoral fellows, support staff, graduate teaching assistants, and others.

“May has always been a time when units across campus hold their own workshops on teaching and learning, but there has never been a central forum that brings these discussions together so people across the university can learn from and support each other,” says Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning Gavan Watson. “Teaching and Learning Month fills this gap and aims to foster a culture of excellence in student learning on campus.”

The Centre for Teaching and Learning kicks off the series of events with the Showcase of Teaching and Learning at Queen’s on May 2, which highlights learning innovations and initiatives at the university. Some of the topics covered will be strategies for large courses, anti-racism at the university, and leveraging technology in the classroom.

The keynote events of the month address using psychological principles to help students focus and learn. These talks will be delivered by Joe Kim, Associate Professor of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University, who is actively involved in the science of teaching and learning. Dr. Kim will give three presentations over May 28 and May 29: “Psychology of Focusing on What Really Matters,” “Using Cognitive Principles to Motivate Durable Learning in Students,” and “Science of Delivering Powerful Presentations.”

Other units across campus, including Smith Engineering, Queen’s Health Sciences, and the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, are hosting events as well.

“Teaching and Learning Month will illuminate the diverse efforts across the university that contribute to enhancing teaching and learning,” says Vice-Provost Watson. “It’s also a celebration that aims to build awareness of the contributions we make to supporting the learning environment and to inspire the Queen’s community to continue seeking innovative ways to enhance the educational experience for our students.”

Learn more on the Centre for Teaching and Learning website.