Teaching and Learning at the University of Alberta
Whether you’re preparing your first course at the University of Alberta or refining an established practice, this page can help you find what you need. Explore practical guidance, institutional expectations, professional learning, and support from across the University.
Effective teaching begins with thoughtful choices about course design, assessment, accessibility, technology, and the relationships that shape learning. At the University of Alberta, those choices are also informed by our commitments to student success, reconciliation, responsible use of artificial intelligence, and ongoing reflection.
Frequently used resources:
New to the University of Alberta?
Start with the essentials for preparing your course, understanding your responsibilities, using University teaching technologies, and finding the people and services that can help.
Learner-Centered Course Design
Thoughtful design creates the conditions for meaningful learning. The choices you make about outcomes, assessments, activities, course materials, and technology shape how students experience a course and demonstrate what they have learned. Use these resources to develop a new course or strengthen an existing one.
Shared Understanding of Effective Teaching
The University of Alberta’s Framework for Effective Teaching describes the practices and commitments that support meaningful student learning. Use it to inform course design, reflect on teaching choices, and consider how your approach supports diverse learners and learning contexts.
I want to…
Ready to work on your course?
CTL’s Course (Re)Design Labs offer dedicated time, collegial collaboration, and practical guidance to help you make meaningful progress on a course. Bring your syllabus, Canvas course, assessments, learning activities, or course materials.
Support Student Learning
Students bring different experiences, strengths, needs, and goals to their learning. Clear expectations, accessible course design, meaningful participation, and timely support can reduce barriers and help students engage more fully in their courses.
I want to…
- Reduce barriers to learning
- Strengthen belonging and inclusion
- Direct students to the support they need
- Participate in the Wellness in the Classroom Support for Instructors (WCSI) Program
- Find support for developing students' AI literacy
- Connect students with library and information-literacy support
Teaching Responsibilities
The University’s policies and processes establish shared expectations for fair, consistent, and transparent teaching. Use these resources to understand key requirements and respond to common situations.
Policies and Requirements
- Teaching and Learning Evaluation Policy
- Assessment and Grading Policy
- Copyright in the Classroom
- Student Perspectives of Teaching
- Student Conduct
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Reflect and Grow
Teaching develops through reflection, feedback, experimentation, and learning with others. Over time, instructors build their practice by examining evidence, exchanging ideas with colleagues, and contributing what they have learned.
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Learn and collaborate with CTL
Work with the Centre for Teaching and Learning to develop your teaching, courses, curricula, and educational initiatives. Through consultations, collaborative design, programming, peer-to-peer learning, and university-wide events, instructors and faculties can explore new approaches, share their expertise, and learn with colleagues.
Your teaching and learning support network
A network of expertise across the University supports teaching and learning. The Centre for Teaching and Learning works alongside colleagues across campus to support course design, educational technologies, accessibility, student success, academic processes, library services, and professional learning.
| I need help with… | Connect with… |
|---|---|
| Designing or enhancing your teaching, assessment, Canvas course, or use of generative AI in teaching and learning | Centre for Teaching and Learning |
| Resolving technical issues with teaching technologies or classroom technologies | Information Services and Technology |
| Finding course readings, support with copyright, open education resources, information literacy, or library collections | University of Alberta Library |
| Connecting students with academic, accessibility, wellbeing and other campus services | Student Success and Experience |
| Resources and support to help instructors respond to safety concerns, manage emergencies, and contribute to safe learning environments on campus. | Campus Safety + Security |