There are many cultural references to decode when instructors interact with undergraduates; however, this is intensified when their prior classroom experiences differ significantly from those of your students. In this workshop, participants will examine who typical UCR undergraduates are, the expectations and educational experiences they bring with them, and the cultural norms instructors can expect to encounter as a TA at UCR. Join us to investigate who are UCR’s students and how you can be the best TA for them. Registration is required.

“I love grading!” said nobody ever. Grading may well be one of the more strenuous tasks that we undertake as teachers and TAs, and the mental load that it carries grows significantly when faced with increasingly grade-motivated students. While you may never love grading, this workshop is designed to help make grading less laborious. Accordingly, we will discuss characteristics of efficient and effective feedback, reflecting on the grading strategies that you have used thus far, and identifying ways to make your grading more systematic and your grading sessions more productive. Finally, we will create collaboratively an action plan that targets how to improve your grading practices for midterm season. Join us to learn how to manage your time and the endless stack of grading by learning new, effective strategies. Registration required.

Teaching can be tough and at this time of year with midterms and the end coming close, it can be difficult to continue to have an asset-based mindset and not feel burnt out. This workshop seeks to help you understand what does an asset-based mindset even mean? How can it benefit your students? And, what benefits can it have for you? Join us to enhance student engagement and performance by creating an asset-based mindset. Registration required.

The quarter is almost done, your teaching duties are almost over for the fall, BUT don't let the past 9 weeks go to waste! This workshops will give you the space to reflect on what went well, what could be improved upon, and what evidence to collect for teaching philosophy statement, portfolios, and other material needed for the job market. Join us to reflect on your teaching and collect evidence of your teaching strengths.