Asynchronous Workshop Information

All asynchronous workshops take place in the CPI Teaching and Learning Brightspace site.

Once you have registered for the workshop you will automatically be added to the Brightspace site ahead of the workshop start date. You can then work through the content and activities at your own pace.

If you have any questions please reach out to the Educational Development team at [email protected]

Ongoing Availability

Brightspace for TAs (Not Eligible for a TA Credit)

In this workshop, TAs will get to interact with and explore various tools in the Brightspace environment. The workshop explores the ways that tools within Brightspace support teaching and learning activities such as assessment and evaluation, discussion, and communications with students. 

Monthly Workshops

Available September 8 through September 29

Supporting Students Critical Reading

The ability to read beyond comprehension is a skill that we tend to take for granted all students are equipped with. In this asynchronous online workshop, we will discuss strategies that TAs can use to encourage students to engage in critical reading and to promote deep learning.   

Building and Online Learning Community

Cultivating a classroom community for learning is an ongoing process across a course. Join us in this workshop to discuss strategies and approaches to develop and maintain a classroom community that is productive, inclusive, safe, and effective for your learners. 

Available October 1 through October 30

Introduction to Open Educational Resources

Open Educational Resources (OERs) can enhance student learning and engagement when incorporated into teaching. This workshop provides TAs with a baseline of understanding what OERs are, how to integrate them into their (future) teaching, and what supports are available at Brock University for OER adoption, adaptation, and creation. This workshop will consist of key learnings and resources to equip participants with the information they need to achieve their goals for teaching with OERs. 

Generative AI for Teaching Assistants (Two Possible Credits)

This introductory session is designed to help Teaching Assistants build a foundational understanding of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) and its relevance to supporting student learning and instructional tasks at Brock. The workshop explores the basic concepts of Gen AI, its historical development and it highlights its capabilities and limitations in education. The workshop also discusses some basic features of Gen AI and accessibility and provides guidance on how TAs can use Gen AI responsibly within their roles at Brock. 

Available November 2 through November 30

Reflecting on a Semester of Teaching

After a semester of teaching, what questions do you still have? Have you answered some of the questions you began with? Have your questions changed?  TAs will have opportunities to ask, share and reflect individually and with each other.   

Grading and Feedback

Providing feedback and grading is an important part of end of term practices. This workshop will focus on providing effective feedback that supports learning and formative review for learners. It will provide options in terms of different types of feedback that can be provided for different types of assignments.

Relationship Building in Higher Education

This workshop will explore the dynamics of the relationships in the classroom with a focus on TAs and students. We work in academic spaces that are demanding and require high-level skill sets. How do we value the complex relationships we encounter and must navigate in the classroom and beyond?    

Saturday Workshop Information

All of our Saturday TA workshops will take place synchronously on Microsoft Teams.

Teams meeting links are available when you register on
ExperienceBU
and will be shared with registrants again ahead of the workshop.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Educational Development team at
[email protected].

DEVELOPING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS, September 12, 2026

Developing Relationships on a Teaching Team (10:00–10:50am)

We work in academic spaces that are demanding and require high-level skill sets. Join us and explore the dynamics of the relationships between TAs and professors and TAs to TAs, with reference to the relationship with oneself. How do we value the complex relationships we encounter and must navigate in the classroom and beyond?

This is the first TA workshop in the Developing Positive Relationships series. Each session is standalone, and subsequent attendance is welcome but not required.

Cultivating TA–Student Relationships (11:00–11:50am)

This workshop will explore the dynamics of classroom relationships, focusing on the TA and students. We work in academic spaces that are demanding and require high-level skill sets. How do we value the complex relationships we encounter and navigate in teaching and learning?

This is the second TA workshop in the Developing Positive Relationships series. Each session is standalone, and prior attendance is not required. Key ideas from earlier workshops will be summarized for context.

Classroom Dynamics (12:00–12:50pm)

This workshop will explore strategies for navigating classroom participation and engagement. We will consider power dynamics, interactions with overachievers and silent students, and approaches to addressing common challenges. How do we foster inclusive and effective classroom environments through intentional participation and engagement?

This is the third TA workshop in the Developing Positive Relationships series. Each session is standalone, and prior attendance is not required. Key ideas from earlier workshops will be summarized for context.

BUILDING CLASSROOM COMMUNITIES, September 26, 2026

Creating a Classroom Learning Community (10:00–10:50am)

Cultivating a classroom community for learning is an ongoing process across a course. Join us in this workshop to discuss strategies and approaches to develop and maintain a classroom community that is productive, inclusive, safe, and effective for your learners.

This is the first TA workshop in the Building Classroom Communities series. Each session is standalone, and subsequent attendance is welcome but not required.

MORE THAN JUST INTRODUCTIONS! Icebreakers and the Classroom Community (11:00–11:50am)

Fostering ongoing connections using activities in the classroom. This workshop guides TAs to implement weekly icebreaker-type activities with the objective of ongoing community-building strategies that help expand interaction, collaboration, and active learning.

This is the second TA workshop in the Building Classroom Communities series. Each session is standalone, and prior attendance is not required. Key ideas from earlier workshops will be summarized for context.

Fishbowl Conversations & Structured Discussions FOR CRITICAL DIALOGUE (12:00–12:50pm)

This workshop will examine how structured discussion formats, particularly fishbowl conversations, can be used to foster critical dialogue and reflection in the classroom. The session will provide practical guidance for TAs on implementing strategies to support respectful exchange of ideas and help students engage more deeply with complex issues.

This is the third TA workshop in the Building Classroom Communities series. Each session is standalone, and prior attendance is not required. Key ideas from earlier workshops will be summarized for context.

MANAGING INCLUSIVITY, October 24, 2026

Navigating Difficult Conversations (10:00–10:50am)

Difficult conversations on challenging topics are often uncomfortable for educators and students. However, they can improve critical thinking skills and foster a more inclusive educational environment. This workshop explores the potential of engaging students in challenging conversations and discusses pedagogical approaches for addressing complex topics.

This is the first TA workshop in the Managing Inclusivity series. Each session is standalone, and subsequent attendance is welcome but not required.

Microaggressions in the Classroom — Introduction to RAVEN (11:00–11:50am)

In this workshop, participants will be introduced to the concept of microaggressions, defined as pervasive, intentional or unintentional, brief acts of discrimination that are often rooted in bias and systems of power.

This is the second TA workshop in the Managing Inclusivity series. Each session is standalone, and prior attendance is not required. Key ideas from earlier workshops will be summarized for context.

Microaggressions & Hot Moments (12:00–12:50pm)

Participants will engage in practical strategies for responding to “hot moments” in the classroom, using the RAVEN framework as a guide. Through discussion and scenario-based examples, this session helps TAs build confidence and skills to address difficult moments with empathy, clarity, and effectiveness.

This is the third TA workshop in the Managing Inclusivity series. Each session is standalone, and prior attendance is not required. Key ideas from earlier workshops will be summarized for context.

INTERPRET, ASSESS, AND CONCLUDE ON A HIGH NOTE, November 14, 2026

Preparing Students to Give and Receive Feedback (10:00–10:50am)

In this workshop, we will explore the why and how of preparing your students to give and receive feedback. We will examine a variety of methods and contexts for feedback in teaching and learning, with a focus on cultivating an environment of effective feedback.

This is the first TA workshop in the Interpret, Assess, and Conclude on a High Note! series. Each session is standalone, and subsequent attendance is welcome but not required.

READING STUDENT FEEDBACK (11:00–11:50am)

Receiving feedback on your teaching can be a challenging experience. In this workshop we will discuss the various ways you might receive student feedback as a TA and explore strategies to approach the reading of this feedback in a way that supports your development as an educator.    

 This is the second TA workshop in the Interpret, Assess, and Conclude on a High Note! series. Each session is standalone, and prior attendance is not required. Key ideas from earlier workshops will be summarized for context.  

ESSAYS, EXAMSM AND BEYOND: END-OF-SEMESTER GRADING STRATEGIES (12:00–12:50Pm)

Anticipating a pile of exams to grade? A stack of papers to read and provide feedback on? Join us to discuss grading strategies to help you work through your end-of-term grading.   

This is the third TA workshop in the Interpret, Assess, and Conclude on a High Note! series. Each session is standalone, and prior attendance is not required. Key ideas from earlier workshops will be summarized for context.    

Weekday Workshop Information

Weekday workshops will take place either in-person (in the CPI Active Learning classroom, ST103 – near the Market Eatery) or online via Microsoft Teams. The location of each workshop is listed below.

You can register for our weekday workshops by visiting the

Centre for Pedagogical Innovation’s ExperienceBU page
.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Educational Development team at
[email protected].

SEPTEMBER WORKSHOPS: FOUNDATIONS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

What It Means to Be a Teacher

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 — 10:00–10:50am (ST103)

Many teaching assistants begin their roles thinking that teaching is primarily about explaining content, grading assignments, or leading tutorials. While these tasks are important, teaching is fundamentally about supporting learning. In this workshop, we will explore the meaning of teaching as a TA and how we can embrace this role.

Facilitators: Anne Readhead, Mario Guerrero

Teaching for the First Time

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 — 11:00–11:50am (ST103)

Teaching assistants play a critical role in student learning. While many TAs possess strong disciplinary knowledge, teaching requires additional skills such as communication, lesson planning, classroom management, assessment, and student engagement. This workshop introduces practical, evidence-based strategies that help first-time TAs begin teaching with confidence.

Facilitators: Anne Readhead, Mario Guerrero

Building Community Agreements

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 — 2:00pm (Online)

Community agreements are collaboratively developed expectations that help establish a respectful, inclusive, and productive learning environment. This workshop looks at why community agreements matter and discusses how you can facilitate the process of creating one in your next class.

Facilitator: Anne Readhead

Boost Student Success

Thursday, September 24, 2026 — 1:00–1:50pm (Online)

This workshop provides TAs with tips and strategies to implement in their classroom to foster the success of student learning.

Facilitator: Anne Readhead

Creating Inclusive and Accessible Learning Spaces

Thursday, September 24, 2026 — 2:00–2:50pm (Online)

This workshop explores pedagogical strategies to support inclusion and accessibility in learning spaces, both on-campus and online. Participants will be provided with examples of inclusive practices applicable to different disciplines and scenarios.

Facilitator: Ann Gagné

Supporting Student Mental Health: Practical Skills for Teaching Assistants

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 — 11:00–11:50am (ST103)

This workshop helps TAs build practical skills and feel more confident when responding to students who are having a hard time. We will explore how stress, mental health, and other challenges can impact students’ learning and behaviour. Participants will learn about mental health and wellness services available at Brock and develop strategies for supporting students while maintaining professional boundaries.

Facilitators: Julie Fennell, Anne Readhead

OCTOBER WORKSHOPS: GEN AI ASSESSMENT AND CHANGING TEACHING LANDSCAPE

Teaching in the Age of GenAI (Part I)

Monday, October 5, 2026 — 1:00pm (Online)

This workshop introduces participants to the foundations of Generative AI (GenAI) and its growing role in higher education. We explore the history, types, and core functions of GenAI, and analyze how GenAI intersects with academic integrity at Brock. Through guided discussion and reflection, we consider the opportunities and challenges GenAI presents for teaching, learning, and assessment.

Facilitators: Mario Guerrero, Gareth Seymour

Feedback in Higher Education

Monday, October 5, 2026 — 2:00pm (Online)

This workshop explores the role of feedback in post-secondary education, focusing on how feedback literacy and histories influence student engagement. Participants will develop an understanding of feedback as a collaborative process and practice composing effective feedback statements.

Facilitator: Natalie Currie-Patterson

Providing Effective Feedback Using a Strength-Based Approach

Thursday, October 1, 2026 — 11:00–11:50am (Online)

This student-centered method fosters learning experiences that help students of diverse backgrounds identify and apply their unique knowledge and skill sets. We explore this pedagogy from theoretical, philosophical, and practical perspectives.

Facilitator: Anne Readhead

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Strategies for Assessment Using Open Educational Resources (OERs)

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 — 11:00–11:50am (Online)

This workshop supports participants in applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in assessment facilitation and activity design. Examples of activities and projects using Open Educational Resources (OERs) will be provided to support engagement and community building.

Facilitators: Kosar Dakhilalian, Ann Gagné

NOVEMBER WORKSHOPS

Reflecting on Teaching Mid‑Semester

Thursday, November 5, 2026 — 11:00–11:50am (Online)

What is reflective practice and why is it important? After a semester of teaching, what went well? What are you still wondering about? How can you reflect upon your work as a TA? This workshop provides time and space for TAs to ask, share, and reflect.

Facilitator: Anne Readhead

Understanding Our Teaching: Reflecting on Bias, Beliefs, and Values

Wednesday, November 18, 2026 — 10:00am (ST103)

This interactive workshop invites participants to examine the beliefs, values, and assumptions that shape their teaching. Through guided activities and reflection, we explore how identity, positionality, and hidden curriculum influence classroom dynamics and instructional choices.

Facilitator: Mario Guerrero

Navigating Difficult Conversations

Wednesday, November 18, 2026 — 11:00–11:50am (ST103)

Difficult conversations will happen in educational environments both on campus and online. This workshop explores how to engage in difficult conversations in learning spaces and provides trauma-informed and holistic strategies applicable to different contexts.

Facilitators: Ann Gagné, Kosar Dakhilalian