Active Learning Playground
Jan 12, 2026 01:30 PM
to
03:00 PM
Registration Deadline: Jan 12, 2026 11:30 AM
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Want to try out active learning strategies in a fun and collegial space? This dynamic, hands-on workshop introduces Teaching Assistants (TAs) to active learning techniques that foster student engagement and deeper understanding in their respective classroom environments. Grounded in Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle, participants will experience, reflect, conceptualize, and plan active learning strategies they can immediately apply in tutorials, labs, and discussion sessions. Working in collaborative teams, participants will explore a variety of low and medium prep activities, with high-impact that are adaptable to diverse classroom settings, while building confidence in facilitating interactive learning. Participants are also invited to contact the workshop facilitator in advance of the session of there is an active learning strategy /idea that they wish to try out.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Define active learning and explain its benefits for student engagement and retention.
- Experience and analyze at least three active learning strategies (e.g., Think-Pair-Share, Fishbowl, Concept Mapping, Buzz groups).
- Adapt techniques to their own teaching contexts and constraints.
- Develop an action plan for integrating active learning into their next TA session.
Presenters: Nassisse Solomon & Mandy Penney
Note: Registration closes by 11:30AM January 12th, 2026.
This session qualifies as a Future Prof credit towards the Western Certificate in University Teaching & Learning.
Future Prof Series Description
These interactive seminars for future professors and professionals provide valuable insight into teaching and career-strategies across the disciplines. The workshops in this series are constantly evolving to meet the current interests of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
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