SCHOLARSHIP OF PEDAGOGY AND APPLICATION OF RESEARCH KNOWLEDGE - ENGINEERING TEACHING ASSISTANT INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAM (SPARK-ENG TA)
The SPARK-ENG TA Instructional Support Program is intended to enhance effective instruction, student interaction, assessment, and understanding of educational practice as it relates to the laboratory/seminar environment in the Faculty of Engineering.
Based on the foundation of situated learning and a framework of building communities of practice, the program promotes practical strategies of instruction based on active participation, collaboration, and reflection across the career-span, and is grounded in evidence-based approaches in higher education and STEM education.
Program Objectives
- To enhance teaching and learning in undergraduate engineering laboratories and seminars through evidence-based practices
- To develop learner-centred instructional strategies for knowledge, skills, and attitudes
- o mentor graduate students by modelling active, relevant and engaging pedagogical approaches to laboratory/seminar coursework
- To showcase examples of exceptional local teaching
- To foster communities of practice as Educators of Engineers
Structure
The program consists of ten modules organized into four themes, delivered over
one academic term, either Fall Term (September - December) or Winter Term (January - April). Each module provides focused reading, reflection and activities related to one aspect of teaching and learning over a one week time period (3-4 hours per week).
The program is led by an Instructional Coach who supports participants in their instructional practice by facilitating the weekly in-person community of practice meetings, observing and providing guidance on lab and seminar teaching practice, and by giving non-evaluative feedback of workplace learning tasks.
THEME | MODULE |
Philosophy of Teaching and Learning | Nature of Learners |
Nature of Learning Pt. A | |
Nature of Learning Pt. B | |
EDI for Teaching | |
Fostering Learning Opportunities | Interactive Lectures |
Classroom Discourse | |
Empowering Students to Learn | |
Designing Courses for Learning | Assessment Practices |
Problem-Based Learning & Team-Based Learning | |
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning | Forming an Identity as an Educator |
Program Features
- Opportunity to practice new and practical approaches to teaching and learning in a collegial environment supported by the guidance and mentorship of an experienced SPARK-ENG Instructional Coach.
- Online self-paced learning: readings, case studies, video content, and reflection questions.
- Community of Practice meeting: a weekly small-group discussion of concepts from the module and an opportunity to practice pedagogical strategies applicable to laboratory and instructional experiences.
- Participant Honorarium and Professional Development credit.
Audience
- Open to all and any graduate students that are interested in developing their teaching practice.
- Recommended for all Lab Instructors and Teaching Assistants as a concurrent resource in their working term.
- No previous teaching or instructional experience is required.
Contact Us
Duncan Buchanan - Instructional Coach SPARK-ENG
dbuchana@ualberta.ca
ETLC 6-011
General Email
sparkeng@ualberta.ca