Whether you’re teaching during summer session, working on academic job materials, or taking some time away from the classroom, this summer offers an opportunity to reflect on the past academic year and plan for future instruction. Mark your calendars for our teaching development events coming up later this summer to explore new pedagogical approaches and connect with fellow instructors. Also, check out our Preparing to Teach resources for best practices and ideas to start planning your next course.
Making Your Course Accessible
The TLC and our campus partners are working to enhance digital accessibility resources to elevate all students’ learning and align with UCLA and UC commitments to inclusive excellence. As you plan your next classes, you may need to adjust course materials so that all students can access and understand them. Learn more about making your course accessible.
Schedule a Consultation
Instructors, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars can meet one-on-one with TLC staff about course development, student learning assessment, academic job market preparation, and classroom technologies. Meet with TLC staff.
News
Inaugural Teaching Symposium Explores Adapting Instruction in the Age of AI
The full-day event explored various and complex perspectives around how to practically, ethically, and responsibly navigate AI tools in collaboration with instructor colleagues. Read the story.
Scholarly Teaching Seminar Explores Adaptive Framework for Enhancing Student Success
Andrew Estrada Phuong’s talk walked through a scalable approach for identifying barriers to student success and enhancing engagement. Read the story.
Emerging Educators Celebration Spotlights Graduate and Postdoc Teaching Accomplishments
Over 120 UCLA graduate students and postdoctoral scholars were recently honored for their contributions to teaching and learning. Read the story.
Women’s Health VR Projects Pair Storytelling and Technology
Students created four distinct virtual reality worlds with TLC and BRIDGE Innovation Studio staff as part of the CHS 226 Women’s Health course. Read the Story.
Resources
Assessment
Data collected in recent Student Experiences of Teaching (SET) surveys can provide helpful information for developing future classes. The TLC Assessment Guides for Instructors and Departments provide suggestions for interpreting the data and encouraging student engagement.
Leveraging Self-Reflection to Improve Your Teaching
Summer is a good time to think about your instructional practices and educational philosophy. This teaching guide provides an overview of a data-informed process you can use to engage in targeted reflection that enhances your instruction.
Syllabus Guidelines
Starting to consider the structure of your next course? This teaching resource provides guidance on creating a syllabus that conveys important course information and establishes a respectful, collaborative classroom environment that supports student learning.
Developing a GenAI Syllabus Policy
Our teaching resource aims to support you in developing an informed position, grounded in research and critical reflection about the implications of using Generative AI tools. Find step-by-step guidance for crafting a policy suited to your course context that supports student learning.
Events
UCLA Extension Instructor Orientation
10 a.m– 3 p.m., August 22 | Extension Lindbrook Center 204 (subject to change)
This event is for UCLA Extension Instructors
The TLC and UCLA Extension invite new and returning Extension instructors to a Fall Orientation walking through onboarding information from HR and student support services. Topics will include resources on course design basics, engaging adult learners, accessibility training, navigating Canvas, and information on Extension-specific support pathways. Register here.
New Instructor Teaching Institute (NITI)
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., September 9 | Luskin Conference Center
9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., September 10 | Zoom
The TLC welcomes all instructors with three years of experience or less at UCLA to the New Instructor Teaching Institute (NITI). The program will orient instructors to campus, explore effective teaching practices, and connect with other new instructors, deans, and campus partners. Content will be distinct each day, and attendees are welcome to attend all or part of the Institute. Register here.
Course Refresh Clinics
10 a.m. – noon, September 11 | Powell 186
1 – 3 p.m., September 15 | Zoom
RSVP form to follow
The TLC’s Course Refresh Clinics will offer instructors targeted support for preparing, revising, or improving part of a course. The clinics will focus on course organization, learning goals, student engagement, assessment and feedback, accessibility, and Bruin Learn.
Digital Accessibility for Course Design Intensive Training
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., September 14 | Powell 186
9:30 a.m. – noon, September 15 | Powell 186
This intensive day-and-a-half training is designed to equip educators with the essential knowledge and skills to build accessible learning environments. Through hands-on sessions and practical guidance, participants will explore key topics including creating accessible course documents, designing inclusive presentation slides, and ensuring media content meets accessibility standards. Whether participants are just getting started with accessibility or looking to strengthen their existing practices, this intensive will offer actionable strategies and resources to remove barriers and foster a class experience where every student has an opportunity to succeed. Register here.
53rd Annual TA & Postdoc Teaching Conference
Friday, September 18 | Zoom
RSVP form to follow
This annual event will help graduate students and postdocs build the skills to start fall quarter strong and to develop advanced teaching practices that benefit a wide range of career trajectories. Learn more about the conference.
The conference also seeks proposals for flash talk sessions showcasing innovative teaching techniques. Read the full request for proposals.
From Our Campus Partners
CEILS Annual Faculty Workshop
8 a.m. – 5 p.m., August 25 | Hershey Hall 158
Hosted by the Center for Educational Innovation and Learning in the Sciences | Register here.