Instructional development is a priority for the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation. CPI is available for individual consultations, facilitated gatherings, and workshops.
Communities of Practice (CoPs) are gatherings of practitioners who “share a passion for something they know how to do and who interact regularly to learn how to do it better” (Wenger, 2015).
CPI is dedicated to facilitating a variety of communities of practice, providing space for teachers with common passions, interests, and concerns to learn from each other. Connect with us if you would like to start or join a CoP.
CUPE 4207-1 Paid Professional Development
As of May 1, 2023, members of CUPE 4207-1 with an active contract are eligible to receive 5 hours of paid professional development from CPI. Register and complete any 5 CPI workshops on experienceBU. Payment will come via the Office of People and Culture quarterly based on whether you have completed 5 credits and you have an active contract. You can view how many credits you have received through the CPI Teaching and Learning Brightspace site, under the Awards tab.
Whether you are new or experienced, developing a teaching dossier is essential to your professional development as an instructor in higher education. In addition to the practical aspect of maintaining a comprehensive account of your teaching career, a teaching dossier also allows you to reflect on your personal growth as a teacher and articulate a theory of practice.
Reach out to our Educational Development team for assistance in editing or creating your dossier.
Theory and Practice of University Teaching and Service-Learning Graduate Courses
The Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and the Faculty of Graduate Studies are pleased to offer the following non-credit grad level course.
The Theory and Practice of University Teaching (GRST 5P01)
The credit course explores the theories and practices of teaching in the post-secondary environment. Students will engage in experiential approaches to course planning, instructional methods, evaluation and assessment, and reflective practice. For additional information contact a member of the Educational Development team at eddev@brocku.ca.
This course can be found in the Graduate Calendar.
The Graduate Teaching Assistant Practicum is a self-directed program of professional development in university teaching. The practicum consists of a number of components that together reflect growth as a facilitator of student learning. The practicum is documented within a teaching dossier. For more details, visit the Graduate TA Practicum page.
The Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) is a 30-year-old, peer-based, experiential instructional development program and is one of the most successful approaches to pedagogy in post secondary institutions. Held over three days, the ISW is designed to enhance the teaching effectiveness of both new and veteran instructors. Online Submission of Intent to register now available.
The Instructor Certificate Program in University Teaching and Learning is a program of professional development available for Brock instructors. The program is designed to offer flexible and varied opportunities for instructors to engage in pedagogical development through exploration and dialogue with colleagues from across the university in five domains: inclusive teaching, instructional design, assessment and evaluation, educational technologies, and reflective practice.
Each year, CPI hosts a series of events to bring together members of the campus community to share and celebrate practices in teaching and learning at Brock.
Each December, CPI hosts Tribute to Teaching to celebrate the accomplishments of award winning teachers at Brock University. In the Winter term, the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning is celebrated at an event featuring Brock Chancellor’s Chairs for Teaching Excellence. Every September, CPI hosts Teaching Day to kick off the new year.
CPI offers certificate programs for TAs interested in participating in a series of workshops, which kick off in early September with Teaching Day and culminate in April with the Teaching Assistant Reception to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Brock’s TAs, including the conferral of the annual TA Awards and Certificates.
Although all Brock TAs are invited to attend any of the workshops offered throughout the year, only TAs who complete any of the Certification Programs, are presented with their certificates at the TA Reception, hosted by the Vice President Academic and the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation at the end of the academic year. TAs earning the Advanced Certificate are also invited to participate in faculty workshops.
Teaching Squares are designed to enhance teaching and learning practices and build community connections through peer observations, self-reflection, and group discussion.