Talking About Teaching

Voices from the CTSI Network

“Working with CTSI [through the University of Toronto Teaching Fellowship] enabled me to realize a first-ever survey of faculty and internationalization initiatives in the classroom at U of T, develop a proposal to pilot a series of Global Classrooms and create an online knowledge hub that gathers resources for faculty interested in designing their own Global Classroom. One of the most important outcomes of this fellowship was realizing a university-wide, in-depth assessment of the internationalization activities faculty have developed and implemented within their classrooms, while examining existing barriers and opportunities to scale international teaching using a “Global Classrooms” pedagogy.”

Teresa Kramarz, Director, Munk One, Munk School of Public Affairs

“I’m grateful I had the opportunity to attend the 2017 CTSI Teaching & Learning Symposium. It was terrific to hear about the innovative teaching strategies being used across the University and I was able to garner new ideas from colleagues and the keynote presentation about ways in which I can improve my own teaching.”

Ashley Stirling, Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education

“I cannot speak highly enough about how participating in the Partnering for Academic Student Success (PASS) program laid the foundation for my own personal growth in teaching and learning. CTSI introduced me to evidence-based teaching practises and included many opportunities to fine-tune my understanding and application.”

Tim Neufeldt, Instructional Librarian, Music Library

“This one day symposium is a great opportunity to take the time that is needed to reflect on one’s teaching practice. It is incredibly energizing to share ideas with like-minded educators at U of T!”

Aarthi Ashok, Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, Biological Sciences, UTSC

“I took part in [the Peer-2-Peer Faculty Mentoring for Teaching] pilot project designed to facilitate a structured mentorship environment around the teaching endeavour. Being a mentor-coach in this pilot project allowed me to solidify a number of pedagogical practices as well as learn from a peer in a discipline unrelated to my field.”

Johann Bayer, Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, Physics and Astrophysics, UTSC

“Working with CTSI in the Peer-2-Peer Faculty Mentoring for Teaching Pilot Program has been a tremendous honour and opportunity for personal growth. The exposure to the various models of mentoring, their application across disciplines, and the opportunity to provide and receive peer-to-peer feedback offered incredibly rich learning in an environment that was supportive for both the mentee and the mentor.”

Sharon Switzer-McIntyre, Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine

“Seeking advice on improving my teaching could have compounded my already difficult feelings, but [the CTSI staff] made it a very satisfying experience–full of optimism and hope. Being able to take a positive action to grow in my teaching has been very rewarding and re-energizing. I feel so much clearer and confident now about my own on-going professional development.”

Veronica Ellis, Instructor, Department of Curriculum, Teaching & Learning, OISE

“CTSI designed and delivered an Introduction to Blackboard workshop for the Genetic Counselling Program that was extremely well received. Armed with an enhanced understanding of the functionalities of Blackboard, course coordinators are excited to create online activities/material for a more engaged and collaborative learning experience for our students.”

Riyana Babul-Hirij, Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Genetics

“I came to the [Course Design/Redesign] Institute with a new course, a joint grad/undergrad seminar on Queer and Trans Oral History. The Institute provided me with a range of tools, from concept maps to assessment design, to help me design my course in a more intentional, structurally cohesive manner. I came away with an understanding of the tremendous support that CTSI offers for my ongoing pedagogical efforts and experimentations. As a result, I feel much less “alone” on the pedagogical side of my work, and look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with CTSI on becoming a more skillful instructor.”

Elspeth Brown, Associate Professor Historical Studies, UTM

“I [attended the Course Redesign/Design Institute] to learn more about how I can successfully modify this course that I have taught many times face-to-face into a new format. However, I have learned much more than just the transformation of one course. In fact, I am using many of the ideas to rethink the design of other courses that I am teaching.”

Gerhard Trippen, Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, Management, UTM

“Attending CTSI events, I always benefit from the cross-disciplinary, cross-divisional sharing of excellent teaching in support of student learning. The Course Design/Redesign Institute was no exception. It was extremely helpful to focus on intentionality at the outset of designing a new graduate course. Working with colleagues and “learning out loud” together helped to clarify my goals and learning outcomes.”

Kathy Broad, Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, OISE

“I benefitted from the welcoming approach, deep engagement, and pedagogical insight Carol Rolheiser and Gregory Hum at the CTSI provided me when I was putting together my teaching dossier for promotion. Their feedback enabled me to prepare a dossier that adequately represented my pedagogical commitment and accomplishments. Most importantly, the critical, reflective aspects of our exchange helped me resolve issues that had troubled me for many years. For this unexpected bonus, I’m sincerely grateful!”

Ping-Chun Hsiung, Professor, Sociology, UTSC