Eek! I can’t believe the summer is already almost over. I feel like my hair is on fire! I have so many questions about what to do before the fall semester starts. Can you help me answer some of my most-pressing questions RIGHT NOW?!
Signed, Losing-my-cool
Dear Losing-my-cool,
Stay calm! You’re not the only one with questions this time of year; that’s why we offer over 40 topics during our Keep Calm and Teach On program. Visit the Sessions page to skim descriptions for each session or see events in chronological order on the Schedule page. Registration has advantages: a guaranteed seat in popular sessions and a friendly email reminder before the event, though walk-ins are welcome as space allows.
We built the schedule to answer questions just like yours! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that we get, and the answers that will help you start the semester off right.
I’m teaching on controversial topics. What can I do to make class discussions effective and on-topic?
A high quality classroom discussion is one that engages many different voices and perspectives, regardless of how many students do or do not raise their hands to speak. Getting students talking can take a little bit of work in the beginning, and should be purposefully integrated into your course design in order to be most effective. But even then, there are times when students need to find another way to express themselves. That’s when a well designed (and easy to grade!) writing assignments comes in handy. There are several KCTO sessions, applicable to all disciplines, that can help you create and sustain meaningful conversations in your classes.
- August 15, 1:30-2:15pm | Generating Quality Discussion in Your Classroom | Rose Muravchick
- August 13, 2:15-3:00pm | Grading Writing Assignments: Thinking Outside the Box | Michael McCamley
