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