The Art of Teaching

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning

Seminar Series

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Teaching & Learning Resources

Important Dates

The Art of Teaching Lunchtime Seminar Series

The Art of Teaching Lunchtime Seminar Series features inspiring faculty from across the disciplines sharing their thoughts and strategies about the art and science of teaching and learning. We welcome new faculty, new stories, and new ways of thinking about the art of teaching. Join us via Zoom on the first Thursdays of the month from 12 pm to 1 pm.

I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist . . . Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. (John Steinbeck)

Session Date and Time: February 6, 2025 at 12-1 (via Zoom)

Canvas Catalog and Professional Learning

Gary Hecht(Gies)

During 2023 and 2024, Gies College of Business delivered a hybrid course to Caterpillar, Inc. employees. Specifically, the course was designed for Caterpillar’s global accounting and finance professionals to develop and improve business analytics skills. The 2023 pilot involved 50 learners; the 2024 offering expanded to include 200 learners split between introductory and advanced courses. Course content was delivered within the Canvas Catalog platform, complemented only by Microsoft Teams used to deliver live class sessions. In this presentation, Gary Hecht (Gies) will describe the use of Canvas Catalog to deliver these hybrid-remote courses to outside (i.e., non-Illinois-student), professional learners. Registration is required.

THE ART OF TEACHING SERIES

The Art of Teaching Lunchtime Seminar Series has been inspiring instructors and building connections since 2021.

In Spring 2021, we showcased CITL Faculty Fellows and some of the research they have been doing on their teaching.
In Fall 2021, we featured faculty who are early in their careers sharing tools and strategies they are still developing.
In Spring 2022, we looked at alternative approaches to teaching and learning that included social justice, game-based pedagogy, and newer approaches to assessment.
In Fall 2022, we returned to the theme of faculty research with exemplary presenters sharing how they are conducting research on their teaching or using research to inform their teaching.
In Spring 2023, we heard from faculty who used innovative methods and resources to support students online and learned how to engage in the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Stay tuned to learn more about our plans for Spring 2024!

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Previous Art of Teaching Presentations

Pedagogy of (dis)comfort

Deana McDonagh (FAA and Beckman)

This session will explore the 'pedagogy of (dis)comfort' as an educational tool that supports the student in developing a deeper empathic understanding of others. Empathic modeling and mood boards offer an extension to existing teaching tools.

Session Recording
Beyond the Lesson Plan: Addressing Classroom Conflict with Confidence

Mardia Bishop and Deja Rollins

November 7th, 12-1pm via Zoom

Tired of freezing up when a student challenges your authority or questions the course content? What about when microaggressions rear their ugly head, leaving you at a loss for words? Imagine having the confidence and skills to handle these moments with poise and clarity. Join us for an interactive workshop that will empower you with practical strategies and hands-on practice to address difficult comments and actions in your classroom. Let's work together to ensure your classroom remains a dynamic, inclusive space where every voice is respected.

Session Recording
The Art of Training Graduate Teaching Assistants

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Anna Wright (LAS)

In this presentation, Anna Wright will share what skills and resources she uses to train graduate teaching assistants to be ready to teach through her training program. She will share resources and strategies and welcomes participation and discussion from participants.

View the Recording

Art of Training TAs (PowerPoint)

Example TA Orientation Agenda (Word Document)
Creating an Engaging Classroom with Student Support Services

September 5, 2024

Creating an Engaging Classroom with Student Support Services

Reba Daniels (FAA)

Reba Daniels (FAA) will share the ways she collaborates with different student support services and how, with even 5 minutes, anyone can encourage these connections. No class is too small or too large to form connections as she showcases tips and tricks from leading classes of 20 to 400 + students.

View the Recording
Early Findings from the Hybrid Teaching Pilot Program

May 2, 2024

Early Findings from the Hybrid Teaching Pilot Program

Simona Buetti and Alejandro Lleras (PSYCH)

The Hybrid Teaching and Learning Pilot, which launched in Fall 2023, was developed to explore the specific challenges of delivering instruction to students who are both in the classroom and attending remotely. Key aspects of the investigation include classroom design and technology--including room set up, cameras, microphones, and tech support, as well as classroom management strategies--including content delivery, engagement strategies, and learning outcomes. Small stipends are available to faculty who are interested in participating in the investigation.

In this presentation, Simona Buetti and Alejandro Lleras (PSYCH) will describe their experiences transitioning a large enrollment lecture-based class into a hybrid format. They will share survey data comparing online students who attended remotely with in-person students and describe some of the challenges they encountered with classroom technology, ensuring that online students feel included, and learning how to adapt to the hybrid teaching format.
Anti-Oppressive: Addressing Power and Inequality through Syllabi Redesign
March 7, 2024

In this presentation, Melissa Iverson (Social Work) (Communication) explores the crucial role of anti-oppressive teaching in academia. Emphasizing the responsibility of educators, this presentation underscores the importance of revising course syllabi to combat oppressive practices, promoting diversity, and fostering a welcoming environment.
Creating a Mutually Inclusive and Respectful Classroom Environment
March 7, 2024

Mardia J Bishop, Shaimaa Khanam, and Monét Tchamdjoci (Communication) focus on creating and maintaining a mutually respectful classroom environment for students and instructors of diverse backgrounds and social identities.
View the Art of Teaching Playlist of Previous Presentations
We are pleased to announce the release of the Art of Teaching Lunchtime Series playlist of previous presentations. This curated collection features diverse insights from seasoned educators and experts, covering a broad spectrum of educational themes, from instructional design to student motivation.

Key Highlights:
- Broad Spectrum: Explore a variety of educational themes presented by accomplished educators, scholars, and professionals.
- Renowned Speakers: Gain valuable insights from individuals with significant experience and innovation in the field.
- Practical Wisdom: Acquire actionable strategies to enhance your teaching toolkit.
Access the Playlist.

Join us in this intellectual journey and make the Art of Teaching a cornerstone of your professional development. Stay tuned for additional sessions to further enrich your educator's journey.
Hidden Gems: Recognizing, Understanding, and Supporting First Gen Students in the Classroom
February 4, 2024

Presenter: Kristine McCoskey (I-Promise)

Kristine McCoskey (I-Promise) and first-gen students discuss their experiences at the University of Illinois for the Art of Teaching Lunchtime Seminar Series. As first gen and FGLI (first-gen, low/limited income) numbers increase on campus, how can we understand their academic challenges and how do external factors directly affect scholastic performance and tenacity?
- View the Webinar recording.
Experiential Learning
December 7, 2023

Presenter: Toni Marie Gist (FSHN) and Justine Karduck (FSHN)

Dr. Justine Karduck and Mrs. Toni Gist – award-winning faculty from the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition – showcased tips and tricks for implementing new practices in your class to keep students engaged and connected.
- View the webinar recording.
The Stu/dio: Innovations in Student-Driven Development & Serious Games-Learning through Play
November 2, 2023

Presenters: Daniel Cermak (Informatics) and Katryna Starks (Game Studies and Design)

Daniel Cermak discussed the STU/DIO, a student-driven initiative brings process to the combination of high-end student skills and the creative direction provided by campus faculty.

Later, Katryna Starks explored games that further the understanding of history, language, culture, and the ways that entertainment games integrate serious content, promoting a lifetime of learning.
- View the webinar recording.
A Small but Meaningful Mindset for Improving Your Teaching
October 5, 2023

Presenter: Amy Lynette Clay (French & Italian)

What small but meaningful practices can you adopt to improve teaching and learning in your courses? Amy shared how she adopted a small but meaningful approach to improve courses in her program while balancing other professional responsibilities.
- Download the presentation PDF.
- View the webinar recording.
Islands in the Stream: Fluidity in Teaching: Adapting to a Constantly Changing Teaching Environment
September 7, 2023

Presenter: Andrea Faber Taylor (Crop Sciences)

Andrea Faber Taylor (Crop Sciences) shared ideas for: Adapting your course to engage students in a variety of settings; incorporating supportive and restorative activities for students; and investing in yourself to consistently be your best self.
- Download the presentation PDF.
- View the webinar recording.
Dos, Don’ts, and Time-Saving Practices
April 1st, 2021

Presenter: Lawrence Angrave (CS)

Students may present a wide range of hidden and non-hidden physical, emotional, and learning disabilities. Lawrence will highlight principles of universal design, and offer effective strategies for making your classroom and course materials accessible and welcoming to all types of learners.
Group Projects that Deepen Learning
November 5th, 2021

Presenter: Leon Liebenberg (MechSE)

Concerned by a growing sense of emotional disconnect among his students online, Leon responded by developing a series of scaffolded mini-projects as a way to encourage higher engagement and self-directed learning.
Harnessing the Profound Connection Between Emotion and Learning to Enhance the Success of All Students
March 4, 2021

Presenter: Shelly Schmidt (FSHN)

Shelly will describe her work on the impactful connections between emotion and learning, and discuss ways to make our college classrooms a safe and authentic place for students to learn and grow, and where they can feel empowered to do their best work.
Effective and Efficient Teaching for Student Success
February 4th, 2021

Presenter: Emily Knox (iSchool)

Teaching is a skill acquired over time, often through the development of tacit knowledge, and can be difficult to articulate. Emily will tease apart this process and describe a variety of techniques for making teaching more effective, and helping students be more successful.
An Exploration of Multi-Modal Assignments
May 6th, 2021

Presenter: Faculty Panel

Senior Associate Director Robert Baird will moderate a panel discussion on using multi-modal assignments in teaching. See inspiring examples of faculty who successfully encouraged students to demonstrate content mastery through AR, graphic novels, games, portfolios, and other media.
Immersion and Engagement: Teaching through Games & Simulations
December 3rd, 2020

Presenters: Judith Pintar (iSchool) & Dan Steward (Sociology)

Judith and Dan will discuss the ways they use games to enhance learning, including table top role-playing to teach about propaganda and media interference, and "Sociopoly" to teach about social inequality
- Read the story on Pintar & Steward's use of play-based learning.
- View the webinar recording.

SEMINAR SERIES RESOURCES

Speaker Slide Presentations

Presentation Video Recordings

All sessions will continue to be recorded and presenter materials gathered. For more information, or to suggest a speaker for the series, please contact Jordan Leising at jleising @illinois.edu.

Canvas Catalog and Professional Learning

Gary Hecht(Gies)

THE ART OF TEACHING SERIES

Previous Art of Teaching Presentations

Deana McDonagh (FAA and Beckman)

Mardia Bishop and Deja Rollins

Anna Wright (LAS)

Creating an Engaging Classroom with Student Support Services

Reba Daniels (FAA)

Early Findings from the Hybrid Teaching Pilot Program

Simona Buetti and Alejandro Lleras (PSYCH)

SEMINAR SERIES RESOURCES