This month, the TLC has new resources and opportunities for instructors to help explore innovative teaching strategies. We are currently accepting proposals for all four tiers of Educational Innovation Grants. Learn more about changes to Transformation Grants (Tier 4)supporting academic units in pursuing innovations promoting student engagement and success.
As the middle of the term approaches, instructors also have a chance to check in with students. Our Teaching Guide on mid-quarter student feedback provides instructors with an overview of how to leverage feedback on their experiences to make course adjustments. Also, our recent Timely Teaching Resource provides recommendations for how to communicate about the Student Experiences of Teaching (SET) surveys to promote greater participation later on in the quarter. Between now and February 18, instructors can personalize their SET surveys by adding up to five supplemental questions. Access our detailed guide and weekly drop-in hours to find more support.
News
Question Personalization Now Available for SET Surveys
Through February 18, instructors can personalize their Student Experiences of Teaching (SET) surveys by adding up to five supplemental questions. Learn more
Distinguished Teaching Awards Now Accepting Nominations
This year, six awards will be presented per group to Senate Faculty, Non-Senate Faculty, and Teaching Assistants who inspire students and support learning. Learn more
Educational Innovation Grants Now Accepting Proposals
The TLC is accepting proposals for all four grant tiers to invest in instructors who are enhancing their teaching practices. Learn more
Community Health Sciences Course Showcases Student Engagement Projects
Students partnered with community health organizations to engage with local communities and earn experience as public health professionals. Learn more
Resources
Communicating with Students about SET Surveys
These recommendations for instructors and TAs examine how to communicate with students about the Student Experiences of Teaching (SET) surveys as well as encourage student feedback throughout the academic term.
Efficient Feedback Strategies
This guidance covers how instructors can integrate efficient feedback processes to be attentive to student needs while also protecting their time and resources.
Fostering Asynchronous Engagement for TAs
This overview for TAs walks through some of the more commonly used asynchronous platforms at UCLA with suggestions on how to use them.
Events
10 + 10 Pop-up Series
UCLA educational developers and designers offer a series of 10-minute virtual pop-up sessions on course design, teaching, learning, and learning assessment topics — each followed by 10 minutes of Q&A and interactive discussion. Join us on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. throughout the quarter. Visit the 10+10 Pop-up Series website page for the complete schedule.
AI in Teaching and Learning Events
Using Google NotebookLM as a Learning Tool
1–2 p.m., February 18 | Zoom
Part of the AI Tools for Teaching Workshop Series
The TLC will host a three-part AI Tools for Teaching Workshop Series to support instructors interested in thoughtfully exploring how to use Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in their teaching. The first workshop will explore how to use Google NotebookLM — an AI-powered notebook platform designed to help users organize, synthesize, and generate insights — to support their class learning goals. Register here
Instructors who complete all three workshops in the series may be eligible to receive $500 in seed funds for further experimentation with AI in teaching and learning.
Trust, but Verify: the GenAI – Human Connection
2–2:30 p.m., February 25 | Zoom
As generative AI usage expands across academic settings, educators must decide when AI outputs can be trusted and when they require verification. This 30-minute workshop introduces a “Trust, but Verify” framework that centers human judgment in working with AI-generated content. Through guided examples and discussion, participants will build shared language and critical awareness around evaluating AI outputs and exercising informed human oversight. Register here
Practice and Play with EdTech:
Exploring Productivity Potentials with Google Gemini
2–3:30 p.m., March 3 | Powell 190
The Practice and Play with EdTech series offers instructors a hands-on opportunity to explore teaching tools and strategies with TLC staff. Each session begins with a brief overview of a tool followed by a guided exercise and time to explore and apply the tool to participants’ own course.
In this session, participants will explore how to leverage AI to support aspects of their teaching workflow — from brainstorming lesson plans to drafting assessments or developing grading strategies. Participants will experiment with Google Gemini and practice crafting prompts to support their courses. The session will also include time to critically assess AI-generated responses for accuracy, relevance, and bias. Register here
Student Experiences of Teaching Weekly Drop-In Hours
Beginning Winter 2026, Student Experiences of Teaching (SET) will offer virtual drop-in hours with Cassidy Alvarado, Program Manager of Student Experience Initiatives.
Instructors, Teaching Assistants, and Evaluation Coordinators can get support navigating Blue (UCLA’s course feedback platform), accessing reports, and more.
Instructors and Teaching Assistants
- Mondays: 3-4 p.m.
- Fridays: noon-1 p.m.
Evaluation Coordinators and Department Staff
- Tuesdays: 2-3 p.m.
- Fridays: 9-10 a.m.
Catalyst Grant Information Sessions
Noon–12:45 p.m., February 11 | Register
1–1:45 p.m., February 19 | Register
1–1:45 p.m., February 23 | Register
Instructors of record for undergraduate, graduate, and professional student courses are eligible to propose Catalyst Grant projects.
These upcoming information sessions will provide prospective applicants with an overview of the newly revised requirements for the TLC’s Educational Innovation Grants program’sCatalyst Grants (Tier 3). Attendees will review best practices for successful proposals, see examples of successful applications, and have an opportunity to ask the TLC staff questions.
Trauma-Informed and Care-Centered Pedagogies
1–2 p.m., February 11 | Zoom
This session is open to all instructors, including faculty, TAs, as well as postdocs.
This workshop examines neuroscience and psychology-based research to answer questions on how trauma impacts student learning. Participants will explore the principles of trauma-informed and care-centered pedagogy before practicing how to apply a trauma-informed approach. They will then identify care-centered and compassionate teaching practices to support all students’ learning. Register here
Speaking Across Conflict
Noon–3 p.m., February 12 | Young Research Library 21570
This session is designed for TAs and Postdocs
The UCLA Dialogue across Difference Initiative (DaD) is offering this interactive workshop to provide graduate students and postdoctoral scholars with practical strategies to communicate across charged political differences in and out of the classroom. These skills are based on the methodology of Resetting the Table, a nationally-renowned organization dedicated to building honest and open communication. Lunch will be served. Register here
TLC Drop-In Hours at the Graduate Student Resource Center
Noon–1 p.m., February 24 | Student Activities Center 220 Westwood Plaza, Suite
B-11
Meet TLC staff at the Graduate Student Resource Center (GSRC)! Enjoy coffee and snacks while supplies last and chat with us about all of your TA training and other teaching-related professional development questions. Register Here
Mental Health Literacy in the American University System
A Practical Guide for Postdocs
11a.m.–1 p.m., February 27 | Strathmore Building Conference Room 200
Offered in collaboration with the Postdoctoral Association and award-winning mental health speaker and advocate Ross Szabo.
This professional development workshop provides a practical approach to help address common mental health challenges that can show up in classes, mentoring relationships, and office hours. The first portion lays out a common language for mental health that offers a baseline to navigate these issues, as well as how to frame mental health from a health education perspective. The second part offers guidelines for if participants choose to share their personal stories with mentees and students to help do so in ways that protect the boundaries of all parties and reinforce learning objectives. Lunch will be provided. Register here
Bring Your Own Syllabus Co-Working and Consultation Session
1–3 p.m., March 6 | Powell 190
This session is open to all instructors, TAs, and postdocs.
This co-working peer review session will cover syllabus design best practices. Participants will look at example syllabi, consider best practices for student-centered, inclusive, and digitally accessible design, and peer review each other’s materials. Light refreshments will be served. Register here