EDC TA Training Schedule – Fall 2014
Training Outside of Carleton Central
The following types of training do not require registration in Carleton Central but should be kept in mind
as they are often better suited for the development of particular skills. Individuals interested in
participating in these forms of training should consult with their TA Mentor, their department, or the EDC.
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Peer Feedback: After the reviewer and reviewer have completed the necessary steps and made
arrangements, a peer attends an in-class teaching session to observe and provide feedback on areas
of strength and areas for growth.
a. NOTE: anyone wishing to conduct an observation for Peer Feedback must first complete the
1-hour online workshop “Conducting Peer Feedback.” No credit for hours is given until both the
online and live components have been completed.
b. Read the full description of this training option here.
Peer Mentoring: New teaching assistants are matched with experienced teaching assistants to help
advise them in their new roles, as well acclimatize them to the university. (Only available in
participating departments; max. 3 hours of paid training credit per year.)
a. Read the full description of this training option here.
TA Articles: Teaching assistants research, write, and submit a brief 1–2-page article on a teaching
methodology from their faculty or department, or a piece of wisdom they wish to share with other
teaching assistants at the university. Max. 2 per academic year.
a. NOTE: The final day to submit a TA Article for the 2014-15 year is February 13th, 2015.
b. Read the full description of this training option here.
Microteaching: This inclusive environment format of training seeks to improve the teaching and
presentation skills of teaching assistants and graduate students. Sessions are 3 hours long, max., and
can accommodate 4 (min.) to 6 (max.) individuals.
a. NOTE: Before a live microteaching session, participants must first 1) form a microteaching
group (need help finding a group? we can help!), 2) settle on a timeline for completion (include
your host!), and then 3) complete the online “Participating in a Microteach” session. No credit
for hours is given until both the online and live components have been completed.
b. Live Sessions: Live microteaching sessions are scheduled on demand. If you are hoping to
have the EDC host the session, be sure to contact morgan.rooney@carleton.ca well in advance.
TAs are credited hours for the time it takes to run the live microteach. Usually, it takes
approximately 30 minutes to go through the cycle with each participant.
c. Read the full description of this training option here.
Teaching Talks
Teaching Talks are inspirational and motivational talks by staff, faculty, and experienced teaching
assistants about their approach to teaching or their adoption of a particular method.
The goal is threefold:
1. To inspire and motivate our teaching assistants about the value of good teaching principles;
2. To demonstrate that Carleton’s faculty members care about teaching; and
3. To involve Carleton’s faculty in the educational and experiences of teaching assistants.
Registration: Teaching assistants register for these sessions in Carleton Central just as they would for
workshops and information sessions.
Teaching Talk: Curiosity is… (1 hr)
Claudia Buttera
An interactive discussion and exercise session aimed at identifying the role curiosity plays in learning, the
importance of exercising it in the undergraduate environment, the obstacles to exercising it, and how as
individuals playing an active role we can reignite intrinsic curiosity in our students, even about the most
‘boring’ of subjects.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Engaging students
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 20
Scheduling:
● Friday, September 12, 11am-12pm
● Location: 422 DT
Workshops
The following sessions are traditional workshops ranging in length from 1.5–3 hours that involve a limited
amount of presentation and a variety of activities, including discussion, presentations, games,
worksheets, etc.
Registration: Teaching assistants register for these sessions in Carleton Central just as they would for
information sessions and Teaching Talks.
1. Developing a Framework for Teaching (1.5 hrs)
Dr. Anthony Marini, Educational Development Centre
This session presents participants with a framework to help design their presentations. The model assists
the instructor in identifying key learning objectives, enhance student participation, and explore strategies
for embedding assessment techniques in their presentations designed to inform both the instructor and
the student as to the impact of the instruction. The benefits of the model to focus instruction and help
instructors become more efficient in their teaching preparation will also be highlighted.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Engaging students, planning lessons
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: New TAs, max. enrolment of 20
Scheduling:
● Tuesday, September 9th, 1-2:30pm
● Location: 422 DT
2. Incorporating Activities in Discussion Groups (1.5 hrs)
Dr. Morgan Rooney, Educational Development Centre
After a while, even the most lively discussion group can become stagnant. At this point, it’s time to get
creative! This workshop will demonstrate a number of different teaching techniques that can be
customized to your discussion group, including small group activities, games, and worksheets.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Managing a classroom, facilitating a discussion, incorporating and
managing activities
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 20
Scheduling:
● Wednesday, September 10th, 2014, 1-2:30pm
● Location: 422 DT
3. An Introduction to cuLearn (2.0 hrs)
Kirk Davies, Educational Development Centre
cuLearn is Carleton’s learning management system (LMS) where students can access course content,
interact with other members of the class, and submit work for assessment. This training session will
introduce teaching assistants to the basics of using the system from a TAs perspective. The main tasks to
be covered are communicating with other participants, grading assignments, and inputting grades.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Using your learning management system, online teaching
EDC Credit?: No.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 25
Scheduling:
● Thursday, September 11th, 1-3pm
● Location: 422 DT
4. Art of Conversation: Facilitating a Discussion Group (1.5 hrs)
Dr. Chris Brown, Public Affairs
This interactive workshop will focus on facilitating live, in-person discussion groups. Why hold discussion
groups in the first place? How should you prepare for them? What are some common problems
encountered? What are some strategies for addressing these problems? The workshop is intended for
FASS and FPA TAs who are currently leading in-person discussion groups, especially those who are
relatively new to the role.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Facilitating a discussion, managing a classroom
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: New FASS & FPA TAs only, max. enrolment of 20
Scheduling:
● Friday, September 12, 1-2:30pm
● Location: 422 DT
5. First Impressions: Standards, Attitudes, and Guidance (1.5 hrs)
Dr. Samah Sabra, Educational Development Centre
Engaging with students in the classroom can be a challenging experience. This session will explore four
tips for nurturing and motivating students, as well as creating an inspiring learning environment. Sample
discussion will include addressing attitudes to learning, and exploring the reception of course material.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Managing a classroom, engaging students
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: New TAs, max. enrolment of 25
Scheduling:
● Monday, September 15, 10-11:30am
● Location: 422 DT
6. Preparing for the First Day of Class (1.5 hrs)
Dr. Samah Sabra, Educational Development Centre
Although the first day of class can be a source of anxiety, it can also provide a great opportunity to set
your expectations for the semester. In this workshop, we will discuss strategies for preparing for the first
day of class and possible activities to do with students to set shared expectations.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Managing a classroom
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: New TAs, max. enrolment of 25
Scheduling:
● Tuesday, September 16, 10-11:30am
● Location: 422 DT
7. An Introduction to cuLearn (2.0 hrs)
Kirk Davies, Educational Development Centre
cuLearn is Carleton’s learning management system (LMS) where students can access course content,
interact with other members of the class, and submit work for assessment. This training session will
introduce teaching assistants to the basics of using the system from a TAs perspective. The main tasks to
be covered are communicating with other participants, grading assignments, and inputting grades.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Using your learning management system, online teaching
EDC Credit?: No.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 25
Scheduling:
● Wednesday, September 17, 10am-12pm
● Location: 422 DT
8. Improving Your Teaching through Feedback (1.5 hrs)
Dr. Morgan Rooney, Educational Development Centre
Teacher-scholars recognize the fundamental importance of timely, constructive feedback in helping their
students progress and in developing their own scholarship, and yet they often overlook taking advantage
of feedback for improving their teaching. In this workshop, we will explore some common misperceptions
toward student and peer feedback, its many tangible benefits for both students and teachers, and the
various means you can use to solicit it.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Managing a classroom, soliciting and incorporating feedback
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 20
Scheduling:
● Wednesday, September 17th, 2014, 1-2:30pm
● Location: 422 DT
9. Art of Conversation: Facilitating a Discussion Group (1.5 hrs)
Dr. Chris Brown, Public Affairs
This interactive workshop will focus on facilitating live, in-person discussion groups. Why hold discussion
groups in the first place? How should you prepare for them? What are some common problems
encountered? What are some strategies for addressing these problems? The workshop is intended for
FASS and FPA TAs who are currently leading in-person discussion groups, especially those who are
relatively new to the role.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Facilitating a discussion, managing a classroom
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: New FASS & FPA TAs only, max. enrolment of 20
Scheduling:
● Wednesday, September 17, 3-4:30pm
● Location: 422 DT
10. Teaching New Dogs Old Tricks: Engaging Students in Library Research (1.5 hrs)
Martha Attridge Bufton, Carleton University Library
Generation Y students like search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo—so much so that googling is
now a verb. So how do we get these students into the library, either in person or “on the cloud”? Martha
Attridge Bufton, a subject specialist at the Carleton University Library, will share some of the teaching
strategies she uses to raise awareness of the need to use library resources in order to find “good”
information when delivering in-class workshops to large groups; it’s all about filter bubbles, Youtube, and
peer instruction.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Engaging students, managing a classroom
EDC Credit: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: FASS and FPA TAs only, max. enrolment of 25
Scheduling:
● Thursday, September 18th, 10-11:30am
● Location: 422 DT
11. Kinàmàgawin: Aboriginal Issues in the Classroom (1.5 hrs)
Mallory Whiteduck & Naomi Sarazin, Centre for Aboriginal Culture and Education
How do you talk about Aboriginal issues in your class? Often times, discussions surrounding Indigenous
issues can leave students and TAs feeling uncomfortable, angry and/or alienated. In this workshop we will
explore some of the difficulties that can arise when discussing these issues in the classroom. Through
interactive activities and discussions, you will learn techniques to enhance your facilitation skills that will
enable an inclusive, safe, productive and professional classroom environment.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Managing a classroom, creating an inclusive learning environment
EDC Credit: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 25
Scheduling:
● Thursday, September 18th, 1-2:30pm
● Location: 422 DT
12. Grading in cuLearn (2.0 hrs)
Ziyad Muslat, Educational Development Centre
This basic session will cover working with grade book. Topics to be covered include creating a simple
grade book, learning how to get cuLearn aggregate the course total using the "weighted mean” and "sum
of grades” methods, importing/exporting grades to/from grade book, grading online assignments, and
returning feedback to students on their online assignments.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Using your learning management system, online teaching
EDC Credit?: No.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 25
Scheduling:
● Monday, September 22nd, 1-3pm
● Location: 422 DT
13. Dealing with Emotions (3.0 hrs)
Manuela Popovici, School of Social Work
This workshop is designed to give Carleton University’s TAs several conceptual and practical tools to use in
emotionally charged work situations. Through discussions, case studies, and group activities, we will
practice applying those tools to several common scenarios. Objectives:
● Present several conceptual frameworks that can help you build a nuanced understanding of
emotions.
● Introduce you to several practical tools you can use to deal with emotionally charged situations.
● Provide opportunities for you to bring in your own experience and interests.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Managing a classroom, facilitating group discussions
EDC Credit: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 20
Scheduling:
● Tuesday, September 23, 1-4pm
● Location: 422 DT
14. Providing Feedback to Enhance Student Learning and Engagement (1.5 hrs)
Dr. Anthony Marini, Educational Development Centre
A critical step in the assessment process involves providing students with effective feedback which both
enhances their understanding and guides their learning. The workshop will examine the various
techniques for providing timely and constructive feedback across a number of assessment formats and
disciplines. Techniques will focus on the “language” of effective feedback and will explore how
assessment tools can address the time demands involved.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Providing effective feedback
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions: New TAs, max. enrolment of 20
Scheduling:
● Wednesday, September 24th, 1-2:30pm
● Location: 422 DT
15. Facilitating Online Discussions (1.5 hrs)
Dr. Morgan Rooney, Educational Development Centre
Creating a safe, engaging, productive classroom environment is already a big challenge for live teaching,
so how do you do it if you’re asked to teach in an online environment where online discussion forums are
often your main point of contact with students? In this session, we’ll discuss strategies for facilitating
online discussions and consider just how much overlap there is between best practices for live and online
teaching.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Engaging students, teaching online
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 25
Scheduling:
● Thursday, September 25th, 2014, 10-11:30am
● Location: 422 DT
16. Supporting and Accommodating Students with Disabilities (1.5 hrs)
Boris Vukovic & Sonia Tanguay, Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities
This workshop will provide an overview of the services available through the Paul Menton Centre (PMC)
for Students with Disabilities at Carleton. PMC coordinators will cover the basics of the accommodation
process, including a background on relevant legislations, disability statistics, documentation standards
and requirements, accommodation procedures, and available resources. The second part of the workshop
will be open for discussion of issues specific to the work of TAs, and you will be invited to present cases,
questions, or scenarios to the PMC coordinators for feedback and advice.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Managing a classroom, adopting institutional standards and procedures
EDC Credit?: No.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 25
Scheduling:
● Thursday, September 25th, 1pm-2:30pm
● Location: 422 DT
● Looking for more?: check out the PMC’s “Accessible Learning,” scheduled to run on
Wednesday, October 15th, 9:30am-12pm, and Thursday, November 13th, 1-3:30pm. For more
information, click here; to register, click here.
17. Dealing with Emergencies in the Classroom (1.5 hrs)
Richard Sabourin, Department of University Safety
In this session, you will be provided with basic information on what to do in response to a variety of
emergency situations that could occur in your classroom. You will receive some tips on how to be better
prepared for a classroom emergency and what to do in the event of one, and you will have an opportunity
to ask questions about any safety-related concerns you may have. In addition, information will also be
provided on the various services and programs offered by the Department of University Safety.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Managing a classroom
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 25
Scheduling:
● Monday, September 29th, 10-11:30am
● Location: 422 DT
18. Motivating Students in Online and Blended Learning Environments (1.5 hrs)
Maristela Petrovic-Dzerdz, Educational Development Centre
What do students report as main obstacles for success in online and blended learning environments?
What can we do to improve student motivation in these new modes of learning? What is the role TA can
play in this effort and how can it, in return, help TAs in their teaching assignments? In this interactive
workshop, we will explore the basic motivational states and strategies for improving students’ level of
confidence and satisfaction, which are the essential factors of success in learning.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Engaging students, online teaching
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 20
Scheduling:
● Monday, September 29, 1-2:30pm
● Location: 422 DT
19. Art of Conversation: Facilitating a Discussion Group (1.5 hrs)
Dr. Chris Brown, Public Affairs
This interactive workshop will focus on facilitating live, in-person discussion groups. Why hold discussion
groups in the first place? How should you prepare for them? What are some common problems
encountered? What are some strategies for addressing these problems? The workshop is intended for
FASS and FPA TAs who are currently leading in-person discussion groups, especially those who are
relatively new to the role.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Facilitating a discussion, managing a classroom
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: New FASS & FPA TAs only, max. enrolment of 20
Scheduling:
● Friday, Oct. 3, 2-3:30pm
● Location: 422 DT
20. Managing Challenging Teaching Situations (1.5 hrs)
Smita Bharadia, Equity Services; Boris Vukovic, Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities; and
Maria Walt, International Student Services Office
In this hands-on, case-based training session, participants will work in groups to strategize effective ways
for managing challenging teaching situations inside and outside the classroom. A panel of experts with
representatives from the Paul Menton Centre, Equity Services, and the International Student Services
Office will be on hand to guide teams on the principles of creating safe, inclusive, fair teaching practices
when faced with a range of challenging situations.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Managing a classroom, fostering an inclusive learning environment
EDC Credit? Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 20
Scheduling:
● Monday, Oct. 6, 10-11:30am
● Location: 422 DT
21. Dealing with Emergencies in the Classroom (1.5 hrs)
Richard Sabourin, Department of University Safety
In this session, you will be provided with basic information on what to do in response to a variety of
emergency situations that could occur in your classroom. You will receive some tips on how to be better
prepared for a classroom emergency and what to do in the event of one, and you will have an opportunity
to ask questions about any safety-related concerns you may have. In addition, information will also be
provided on the various services and programs offered by the Department of University Safety.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Managing a classroom
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 25
Scheduling:
● Monday, October 6th, 1-2:30pm
● Location: 422 DT
22. Giving Effective Presentations: The Experience of Two Nerds (1.5 hrs)
Matt Sorley & Chris Motz, Department of Psychology
We all end up giving presentations, but these do not have to be bad nor do they have to cause us undue
anxiety. This interactive workshop will examine good and bad presentation techniques in a variety of
contexts, and will offer guidance for making this a rewarding experience for both the class or audience as
well as the presenter.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Giving presentations
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 20
Scheduling:
● Tuesday, October 7th, 1-2:30pm
● Location: 422 DT
23. Equity and Human Rights (1.5 hrs)
Smita Bharadia & Carrolyn Johnston, Equity Services
Carleton University has a great deal of diversity in its staff, faculty, and student populations, all of whom
deserve the same treatment and response. In order to help prepare you for interactions with all types of
individuals, join Equity services for this case-study based workshop that will provide insight on Carleton's
human rights policy. Topics include harassment, discrimination, and a student’s right to accommodation.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Managing a classroom, adopting institutional standards and procedures
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 25
Scheduling:
● Wednesday, October 8th, 10-11:30am
● Location: 422 DT
24. Fostering Student Engagement Online (2.0 hrs)
Kirk Davies, Educational Development Centre
Communicating online and developing online learning communities is a growing area of teaching and
learning, concerned primarily with improving the interactions that the student will experience during the
course. This session will cover some of the main principles for encouraging online interaction that will lead
to the formation of a stronger learning community in your course.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Engaging students, online teaching
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: All TAs, max. enrolment of 20
Scheduling:
● Thursday, October 9th, 1-3pm RE-SCHEDULED: Thursday, October 16th, 1-3pm
● Location: 422 DT
25. Engineering TAs and Writing: Strategies for Helping Your Student with Their Writing-Related Issues
(1.5 hrs)
Samantha Shortt, Writing Tutorial Service; Burak Gunay, Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering and TA Mentor; and Alex Craig, Department of Systems and Computer Engineering and TA
Mentor
Jointly offered by two Engineering TAs and a TA working as a writing tutor with the Writing Tutorial
Service, this workshop provides TAs with an overview of the writing process and common errors students
make, as well as the technical aspects of writing within the discipline of engineering. TAs will learn what to
look for when grading engineering papers and other writing assignments as well as better assist their
students with writing-related questions.
Skills/Knowledge Developed: Teaching and marking writing
EDC Credit?: Yes.
Restrictions/Limitations: Engineering TAs only, max. enrolment of 25
Scheduling:
 Tuesday, October 21st, 2-3:30pm
 Location: 422 DT.