CETL Workshops
Applying Motivation Science to Engage Students in Courses
Tuesday, March 18
2:00-3:30 p.m.
Torgersen 3310 Classroom (4th Floor Newman Library)
OR
Friday, March 28
10:00-11:30 a.m.
Torgersen 3310 Classroom (4th Floor Newman Library)
What can you do to improve student motivation and engagement in your courses? In this workshop, you will learn how you can use motivation science to make changes in your classes, activities, and assignments that will lead to increased student motivation and learning. This practical workshop will help instructors connect motivation research to practical teaching strategies by answering questions such as: What principles of motivation science can be used in college courses? What specific strategies can be used to motivate and engage students? How can instructors assess students’ motivation? What can I do in my courses to motivate and engage students?
While teaching this semester is a not a requirement for attendance, participants that are, will be encouraged to, and supported with, implementing the MUSIC Model Survey prior to attending one of the in-person sessions.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to better:
- Explain principles from motivation science that apply to college courses
- Describe teaching strategies that they can use to motivate their students
- Assess student motivation in their courses to make data-driven instructional decisions
PBL Power-Up: Revolutionize Your Classroom with Project & Problem-Based Learning
Wednesday, April 2
1:30-4:00 p.m.
Torgersen 3310 (4th Floor Newman Library)
A conduit to student growth, as well as contributing to success in future professional endeavors, project- & problem-based learning (PBL) are critical pedagogies to include in academic curricula. Come join CETL and the Academy of Experiential Learning for a PBL workshop to learn why this pedagogy is becoming increasingly critical to every curriculum. In this workshop, we will discuss the similarities and differences between problem and project-based learning and compare both to traditional teaching approaches. We will also provide the fundamental elements and explain the processes to develop and implement PBL in your courses. Whether transitioning a course from the traditional learning approach to one containing elements of PBL or comprised entirely of PBL, this session is for you.
Global Education Workshop Series - Assessing Global Learning and Intercultural Competencies: Strategies and Tools
April 7
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Virtual
Fostering global and intercultural learning is essential for preparing students to navigate multicultural environments. This workshop explores strategies for assessing global and intercultural learning outcomes in academic programs, study abroad experiences, and Global Virtual Collaborations. Participants will engage with evidence-based practices, tools, and frameworks, such as AAC&U’s VALUE rubrics and intercultural development models, to effectively measure student growth and program impact. The workshop emphasizes creating culturally responsive assessment methods aligned with institutional goals and course objectives. This hands-on session is ideal for faculty, staff, and administrators committed to advancing global and intercultural learning on campus and abroad.
By the end of this workshop, participants will:
- Understand the role of assessment data in enhancing global learning curriculum design, informing teaching practices, and documenting program effectiveness for institutional reporting.
- Develop measurable and meaningful learning outcomes that align with global and intercultural learning goals for courses and programs using the AAC&U’s VALUE rubrics.
Distilling Your Message for Teaching and Outreach: Brief and Compelling Interactions with the People You Need to Talk to
Monday, April 14
12:30-2:20 p.m.
Virtual
Effective teaching begins with effective communication. Public outreach requires shaping one’s message for new audiences. Collaboration occurs only when collaborators can find a common language. In this interactive and experiential learning-based workshop facilitated by faculty from Virginia Tech’s Center for Communicating Science, participants will build their communication skills through engaging in exercises that help them move from “information overload” to engaging, clear, and simple communication. We will introduce the 5 W’s of clear communication and learn about the curse of knowledge. Participants will begin to translate their research findings or other complex information into messages that inspire curiosity and engagement. For this interactive Zoom workshop, please plan to have your cameras on and to be in a location where you feel comfortable speaking and moving.
How to Use S**T Results to Improve Teaching and How to Improve SPOT Results
Monday, February 3
3:00–4:00 p.m.
Newman 207A Classroom
In this short workshop, we will examine results from the Student Perceptions of Teaching (SPOT) evaluation. In this examination, we will discuss how to interpret and use the results from the survey to improve teaching and learning. We will also discuss strategies to improve SPOT results by improving the teaching and learning in our courses. Join us in learning more about everyone’s favorite form of evaluating instructors.
Global Education Workshop Series – Facilitating Global Learning Abroad: An Introduction to Planning and Leading Study Abroad Programs
Thursday, February 6
2:00–3:30 p.m.
Torgersen 3310 (4th Floor Newman Library)
Are you a faculty member interested in leading a study abroad program? Join the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and the Global Education Office for an engaging and informative workshop designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to plan and lead successful study abroad experiences. This workshop will provide an introduction to the key aspects of facilitating global learning abroad.
What You'll Learn:
- Course Design: Learn how to create impactful and engaging courses that maximize the educational value of studying abroad.
- Partnerships and Third-Party Providers: Explore strategies for selecting and collaborating with international partners and third-party providers to enhance your program and support program logistics.
- Intercultural Learning: Gain insights into fostering intercultural understanding and creating meaningful cross-cultural experiences for your students.
- Program Proposal: Understand the process of proposing your study abroad program to the Global Education Approval Committee, including key considerations and best practices.
Whether you're new to study abroad programs or looking to refine your approach, this workshop will provide valuable guidance and support. Join us to enhance your ability to create transformative global learning opportunities for your students.
The Educator-Student Partnership: Defining Roles in Higher Education
Tuesday, February 11
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Virtual
In this short workshop, we will explore the roles that both educators and students play in higher education and how they differ from secondary education. We will discuss strategies to create a supportive and respectful relationship between educators and students that emphasizes engagement, accountability, communication, and feedback. Join us in learning more about establishing expectations for instructors and students in the process of teaching and learning.
Developing and Delivering Interactive Lectures to Promote Student Engagement
Thursday, February 27
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Virtual
Lectures are a common and efficient way to convey information, but they also run the risk of inviting students to be passive learners. This workshop will focus on how to prepare and deliver an interactive lecture that includes active learning strategies to promote deeper learning and active listening. This session will cover a range of strategies that can be used in any discipline.
How People Learn
Tuesday, March 4
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Virtual
There are many different teaching and studying methods, but not all of them are equally effective. Join us as we examine what neuroscience has taught us about how people learn and discuss strategies to promote learning in your courses.
Global Education Workshop Series - Incorporating Global Learning in Your Course Design: A Faculty Panel
March 17
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Virtual
Global learning is essential in preparing students for the interconnected world of today and tomorrow. Join the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and the Global Education Office for an engaging faculty panel discussion on Incorporating Global Learning in Your Course Design. This workshop will explore innovative strategies for bringing global perspectives into your classroom through Global Virtual Collaborations (including Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)), and curriculum internationalization.
Learn how colleagues have successfully integrated global learning into their courses, leveraging partnerships with international institutions and using technology to connect students across borders. Gain practical insights into designing globally-infused curricula that foster intercultural, enhance critical thinking, and prepare students to navigate diverse global challenges.
This workshop is ideal for faculty members across disciplines seeking to:
- Develop or enhance Global Virtual Collaborations (including Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)).
- Embed global perspectives in course content and assignments.
- Create equitable, inclusive opportunities for global engagement.
Join us for an opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and network with colleagues who are passionate about global teaching and learning.