This quarter, we are launching new programs and resources to elevate teaching. We hope you join us at the UCLA Teaching Symposium: Adapting Instruction in the Age of AI on June 10. This full-day event’s programming will thoughtfully examine AI’s impact on teaching and explore strategies for promoting student learning. Learn more on the TLC website.
Instructors can find additional opportunities for support throughout the quarter. We’ve created resources around digital accessibility to elevate all students’ learning and align with campus commitments to inclusive excellence. We’re also currently accepting proposals for Seed Grants (Tier 1) through May 15 for courses taught in spring quarter. Sandbox Grants (Tier 2) are open through October 11 for courses taught fall quarter 2026. Looking ahead, instructors can explore effective teaching strategies through the Summer Institute on Evidence-Based Learning, a four-day event hosted this summer in collaboration with the Center for Education Innovation and Learning in the Sciences (CEILS). Learn more about how to apply on the TLC website.
UCLA Teaching Symposium: Adapting Instruction in the Age of AI
9 a.m.–4 p.m., June 10 | UCLA University Club, Morris Room
Register by May 27
Keynote Address by Terence Tao
Professor and the James and Carol Collins Chair in the UCLA College of Letters and Sciences
This full-day event will thoughtfully address AI’s evolving role and impact on teaching and learning. Panel discussions, flash talks, and a keynote address will bring together experts to explore practical, ethical, and equitable uses in instruction from a variety of perspectives. The day will close with a technology exposition to demonstrate various tools and opportunities for instructors interested in responsibly integrating AI into courses. Learn more and register for the event.
News
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Associate professor of teaching Jeff Maloy’s peer-based learning approach boosts student understanding through collaborative interaction. Read the story.
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Students observed court proceedings at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse that informed their interest in future law careers. Read the story.
Instructor Cooking Challenge Fosters Teaching Collaborations
Faculty and graduate student instructors honed their creative problem-solving skills in the kitchen as part of the TLC’s Instructor Wellbeing Initiative. Read the story.
Upcoming Deadlines
Summer Institute on Evidence-Based Teaching
Applications due May 8 | Program runs July 13–16
Co-facilitated by the TLC and the Center for Education Innovation and Learning in the Sciences (CEILS), this four-day learning opportunity guides instructors through exploring effective teaching strategies to improve student engagement and active learning. Learn more.
Information Sessions
April 15, 11 a.m.–noon | Powell Library and Zoom | Register
April 23, 11 a.m.–noon | Powell Library and Zoom | Register
Interested instructors are encouraged to attend one of the information sessions hosted in Powell 186 and over Zoom. Presentations will be the same for both sessions.
Educational Innovation Grants
Seed Grant Proposals due May 15 (for courses taught spring quarter 2026)
The TLC is accepting proposals for Seed Grants (Tier 1) to fund small-scale projects initiated by instructors to augment teaching. Learn more.
Events
10 + 10 Pop-up Series
Educational designers and developers offer a weekly series of brief learning sessions on teaching topics. Sessions will be held at 10 a.m. each Tuesday during the academic quarter, starting during Week 2. Visit the 10+10 Pop-up Series website page for the complete schedule.
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
- Fridays: 9-10 a.m.
- Tuesdays: 2-3 p.m.
AI in Teaching and Learning Events
Developing Professional Competencies with AI-Informed Assignments
10–11 a.m., April 17 | Young Research Library 21570
Part of the Human-Centered Assignment Design in the Age of AI series
This workshop series will prepare instructors to rethink the design of their assignments and learning goals in light of AI’s impact. In this workshop, participants will reflect on essential professional competencies in relation to how AI could be used in future workplaces. Participants will then revise an assignment to develop a set of goals and an assignment rubric targeting the development of career-ready skills. Register here
Dialoguing with your Instructional Team about AI
3–4 p.m., April 30 | Powell 190
1–2 p.m., May 11 | Zoom
Open to all instructors, including faculty, TAs, and postdocs
This workshop supports instructors in designing an AI policy for their courses. Participants will discuss the benefits and risks of GenAI use in education before exploring their own disciplinary and instructional perspectives. Then, participants will draft some guidelines on AI use for a potential future course. Register for the in-person or virtual session.
Nurturing Engaged and Ethical Learners with Critical AI Literacy
11 a.m.–noon, May 4 | DataX, Murphy Hall
Part of the Human-Centered Assignment Design in the Age of AI series and in collaboration with DataX. Attendees are encouraged to bring an existing assignment to use as part of an activity.
This series will prepare instructors to rethink the design of their assignments and learning goals in light of AI’s impact. In this workshop, participants will reflect on their professional and instructional values, using the Live Your Values card deck to consider ethical AI use in their disciplines. Participants will then revise an existing assignment that can support students in developing their own values and revise their learning objectives to foster students’ caring, curiosity, and community. Register here.
Delivering Meaningful Feedback Quickly and at Scale
3–3:30 p.m., April 16 | Zoom
This interactive session will explore why specific, criteria-aligned feedback supports learners, as well as highlight practical strategies for efficiently delivering high-quality feedback. Participants will consider evidence-based feedback principles before viewing a brief demonstration of scalable grading practices in Gradescope. This session may be especially useful for instructors teaching large classes or courses with limited grading support. Register here.
Speaking Across Conflict
Noon–3 p.m., April 14 |
Young Research Library 21570
This session is designed for TAs and Postdocs
UCLA’s Dialogue across Difference Initiative (DaD) will 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.
Giving Feedback
3–4 p.m., April 21 | Powell 190
10-11 a.m., May 22 | Zoom
Open to all instructors, including faculty, TAs, and postdocs
This foundational workshop explores how to give effective feedback to students, whether for a large lecture course or a small discussion section. Instructors will examine equity-minded practices to support students in developing a growth-mindset and feedback literacy, as well as how to foster a classroom culture that values feedback. Register for the in-person or virtual session.
Practice and Play with EdTech: Grading and Feedback at Scale with Gradescope
3:30–5 p.m., April 23 | Powell 186
Part of the Practice and Play with EdTech series. This session is designed for graduate students, TAs, and postdocs, though it is open to all instructors.
The Practice and Play with EdTech series offers instructors a hands-on opportunity to explore teaching tools and strategies with TLC and Bruin Learn Center of Excellence (CoE) staff. This session will explore how Gradescope supports efficient and meaningful feedback at scale to aid courses with limited grading resources. Participants will practice using Gradescope’s rubric tools and AI-assisted answer grouping to deliver high-quality feedback while managing workload constraints. Register here.
Fostering Wellbeing with Mindful Play
1–3 p.m., April 24 | Powell 186
This session is open to all instructors, including faculty, TAs, and postdocs.
Join the TLC and Logan Juliano, a continuing lecturer in UCLA Writing Programs, for a session about mindful play, a pedagogical intervention that combines active learning with improvisation, contemplative awareness, and reflection. Participants will have the opportunity to play and leave with strategies for classroom implementation. Register here.
Accessibility and Universal Design in Post-Pandemic Higher Education Classrooms
1–2 p.m., May 14 | Pritzker 1531
While the learners, technologies, and policies educators must consider in a post-pandemic setting may seem overwhelming, they also offer instructors new opportunities to review, reflect, and restock their pedagogical toolkit. This workshop will present key findings on the post-COVID students in higher education. Using these data, participants will discuss case studies and consider a range of practical, evidence-based practices to engage learners. Topics will include digital accessibility (including current requirements) and Universal Design for Learning. Register here.
From PhD to Professor Program
The TLC’s new programming pathway includes an evolving suite of workshops and self-paced resources for doctoral students and postdocs. Join the series kickoff at upcoming sessions focused on preparing to teach as a lead instructor and preparing for academic jobs. Register for one or both events.
From PhD to Professor is geared toward doctoral students and postdocs, but interested master’s and professional students are welcome to register.
Course Design Fundamentals (Session 1)
10–11:30 a.m., May 1 | Powell 190
Learn how to apply the backward design approach to create an impactful course, and how to tailor course plans to various teaching contexts–at and beyond UCLA.
Build Your Own Syllabus (Session 2)
3–4:30 p.m., May 7 | Powell 190
Learn how to plan student workload, pace assignments, and present course policies in ways that align with your values as well as set you and your students up for success.
From Our Campus Partners
Assignments and Grading
2–3 p.m., April 7 | Zoom
Hosted by the Bruin Learn Center for Excellence (CoE) | Register here.
Teaching-Focused Faculty as Builders of Institutional Capacity for Educational Change
2–3 p.m., April 9 | Young Hall 4222
Hosted by the UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry | Learn More.
Pedagogical Essentials: Supporting Your Students in Learning How to Study for your Course
10–11:15 a.m., April 17 | Zoom
Hosted by the Center for Educational Innovation & Learning in the Sciences (CEILS) | Register here.