As part of the Brock University Academic Plan Action 1.b: Invest in the development of robust professional development opportunities for faculty, academic staff, and graduate students, including in the design of effective learning experiences and assessments across all course delivery modes, CPI invited feedback in June 2024.
CPI invited instructional staff (faculty, TAs, librarians, course coordinators, marker-graders) to share their professional learning needs for 2024-25. We received a total of 80 responses (79 instructors, 1 librarian) from all six faculties.Forty respondents identified themselves as being from Applied Health Sciences (6); Education (6); Goodman School of Business (5); Humanities (9); Social Sciences (8); Math & Sciences (5); Other (1).
Respondents identified a need for more resources on the CPI website on a wide variety of topics. In response, CPI has added new teaching resources related to:
- Student Engagement
- Generative AI
- Using Brightspace
- Teaching Large Classes
- Working with Teaching Assistants
- Assessment and Grading Strategies (with and without TAs)
- Strategies for Accommodations and Accessibility
- More voices from Brock faculty (Faculty Spotlight)
Respondents indicated that current workshop timings during the week, and some availability in the evenings across all modalities, were preferred. CPI Workshops are posted on experienceBU, including online drop-ins.
Respondents indicated they wanted to know more, now that they are familiar with Brightspace. Advanced Workshops on topics were offered this fall and more are planned. Instructors are welcome to review the recordings.
Certificate Programs for Instructors
- Instructor Certificate Program in University Teaching and Learning is a program of professional development available for Brock instructors.
- Teaching Squares are designed to enhance teaching and learning practices and build community connections through peer observations, self-reflection, and group discussion.
Certificate Programs for Teaching Assistants
CPI offers a workshop program which allows TAs to complete the following certificates:
- Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (8 credits),
- Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (16 credits and a statement of teaching philosophy), and
- The Graduate Teaching Assistant Practicum (a self-directed program of professional development whose components together reflect growth as a facilitator of student learning, documented through a teaching dossier).
Being better prepared to use Brock’s classrooms and Classroom Technology
- As funds are available, feedback from this survey and other sources are being directed towards planning for renovations to spaces, like TH325
- ORES and CPI collaborated on updating the Campus Portal for room and scheduling information to include current pictures and accurate descriptions