With the fall quarter in full swing, the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) continues to offer support for instructors. The middle of the term provides an opportunity to check in with students on their experiences, as well as identify what adjustments will better support their learning and wellbeing. Our Mid-Quarter Survey Guide offers example questions instructors can use to have students reflect on the course, while our maintaining instructional continuity resources provide insight on managing an effective learning environment during disruptions. Also, be sure to check out our Timely Teaching Resources for additional instructional support throughout the quarter.
News
52nd Annual Teaching Conference Connects TAs and Postdocs to Instructional Strategies
This year’s two-day conference offered presentations, workshops, and panel discussions showcasing innovative teaching strategies and campus resources for both incoming and returning TAs and postdocs. Read the Story
Dialogue across Difference Faculty Fellows Program Welcomes Second Cohort
Participants will work throughout the academic year to build a community committed to developing teaching practices that reflect the values of intellectual engagement, curiosity, empathy, active listening, and critical thinking. Read the Story
Instructor Wellbeing Initiative Offers Practical Support During Challenging Times
The Initiative will host a series of programs and provide resources to help the instructional community pause, reflect, and support their wellbeing as both individuals and professionals. Read the story
Resources
General Guidance for Handling Classroom Disruptions
This resource provides general information for assessing whether an activity unreasonably disrupts the classroom under free expression rights and offers guidance for responding to disruption of classroom instruction during these instances. Instructors may also consider printing these resources to have with them in their classrooms. Additionally, the TLC’s maintaining instructional continuity resources provide insight on managing disruptions.
New Teaching Guide: Active Learning
Active learning engages students in meaningful experiences to promote their involvement in the learning process. This teaching guide outlines the benefits and methods behind active learning and provides several sample activities instructors can use to support student reflection.
New Resource: Pivot to Zoom Teaching
Emergency pivots to remote instruction allow instructors to continue engaging students using online tools like Zoom. This teaching bulletin guides instructors and TAs to support a quick transition to teaching remotely because of disruptions.
Teaching Resource Index
Our comprehensive index provides a sortable overview of all teaching and learning resources at the TLC based on topic and resource type. Discover bulletins, guides, and other resources by topic to help elevate your teaching.
Educational Innovation Grants Now Accepting Applications
Tier 1 Seed Grants: Applications close November 30
Support small-scale, short-term projects that augment instruction. Instructors of record for undergraduate, graduate, and professional student courses at UCLA are eligible to request up to $1,000 per academic year. Learn more
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis within two instructional weeks of submission.
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. starting Week 2 this fall quarter. Visit the 10+10 Pop-up Series website page for the complete schedule.
Preparing to Teach: Active Learning
2–3 p.m., October 23 | Powell Library 190
This session is designed for Instructors, TAs, and Postdocs
Active learning is a tried-and-true approach to inclusively engage students in their learning. After reviewing the benefits and principles of active learning, this training will explore classroom activities and tools suitable for a range of disciplines, course sizes, and modalities. Following a demonstration of in-class strategies, participants will identify active learning strategies suitable for their context and consider equity and accessibility considerations for their implementation. Register here
From Postdoc to Professor: A Teaching Readiness Intensive
10 a.m.–2 p.m., October 24 | Powell Library 190
Developing Your Teaching Philosophy (session led by TLC staff)
Course Design Fundamentals (session led by TLC and CIRTL staff)
This multi-session program supports postdoctoral scholars preparing for teaching-focused academic careers. Participants will deepen their understanding of evidence-based, student-centered, and inclusive teaching practices; gain experience with core elements of course design; and develop materials such as a teaching philosophy. This program also creates opportunities to connect with peers and mentors committed to teaching excellence and is part of UCLA’s annual Postdoctober recognition month. Participants can attend one or both sessions. Lunch will be served. Register here
Speaking Across Conflict
Noon–3 p.m., October 28 | 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
Preparing to Teach: Efficient Grading
1–2 p.m., October 28 | Powell Library 190
This session is designed for Instructors, TAs, and Postdocs
Join us for a workshop on time-saving strategies for grading courses with many students. Along with a walkthrough of how to leverage feedback tools, we will discuss the differences between assessment and grading, as well as how you can establish feedback loops with your class without having to give detailed comments on every student submission. Participants will have the opportunity to brainstorm with colleagues and leave prepared to integrate a new strategy or tool into their course. Register here
TA and Postdoc Drop-In Hours
2–4 p.m., November 6 | Powell Library 190
This session is designed for TAs and Postdocs
Consult with the Graduate Student Postdoctoral Scholar Engagement team on teaching-related professional development topics over light snacks and refreshments. Topics include: course design, instructional technology, strategizing for the academic job market, and support with ongoing teaching commitments. Learn more
Taking Off the Rose-Colored Glasses
Justice-centered science curricula for pre-health undergraduates
10–11 a.m., November 12 | Pritzker 1531 and Zoom
Brie Tripp, Associate Professor of Teaching at UC Davis, will explore how undergraduate science education can play a role in addressing persistent health disparities rooted in systemic oppression and implicit bias through justice-centered curricula. The seminar will examine how a community-informed curriculum in an upper-division human physiology course can empower educators to cultivate socially-responsive healthcare professionals and scientists prepared to confront inequities. Register here
A Pedagogy of Unwellness
dear elia Book Discussion
3–4 p.m., November 13 | Powell 190
As part of the Instructor Wellbeing Initiative, the TLC will facilitate a book club for dear elia: letters from the Asian American abyss by Mimi Khúc. A copy of the book will be provided for the first 10 registrants.
Open to all instructors, including graduate students and postdocs. Register here
Self-Care as a Journey
Mission-Driven Approaches to Navigating Wellbeing
3–4 p.m., November 18 | Young Research Library 21570
This session is designed for instructors of record
Facilitated by Drea Letamendi, Ph.D., Director of UCLA Compassionate Response Program (CORE)
This workshop delivers evidence-based strategies from the psychology field for deepening resilience, cultivating belonging, and affirming purpose in one’s teaching and research. Rooted in authentic storytelling frameworks, this training offers strategies to prevent burnout and restore one’s capacity for engaged, compassionate teaching. From improving interpersonal effectiveness to mitigating stressors, these skills will help instructors reflect on their unique journeys and lived experiences to align their professional practices with their personal values. Register here
Explaining Complex Concepts Effectively in Your Teaching
3–4 p.m., November 19 | Powell 190
This event is designed for international graduate students and postdocs as part of International Education Week
This interactive workshop will equip instructors with strategies to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively in their courses. Participants will address the unique challenges international instructors face, as well as learn practical techniques for breaking down difficult material. Leave with a concrete action plan and renewed confidence in your teaching. No prior teaching experience is required. Light refreshments will be served. Register here
From Our Campus Partners
Supporting Neurodivergent Students in STEM Courses
3–4:30 p.m., October 16 | Zoom
Hosted by the Center for Education Innovation & Learning in the Sciences (CEILS) Register here
Assignments and Grading for TAs
3–4 p.m., October 21 | Zoom
Hosted by the Bruin Learn Center for Excellence (CoE) Register here
Introduction to Document Accessibility
11 a.m.–noon, October 23 | Zoom
Hosted by the Disabilities and Computing Program (DCP) Register here
Between Currents and Stories
Using blended education to foster inclusivity and interdisciplinary discovery
2 p.m., October 22 | Zoom
Hosted by the UC Teaching Professor Network (TPN) Register here
Top 10 Accessibility Tips
11 a.m–noon, October 30 | Zoom
Hosted by the Disabilities and Computing Program (DCP) Register here