Teaching Toolkit Topics
FacDev's Teaching Toolkit is a self-paced resource packed with evidence-based resources, tips and strategies on effective teaching that are evolving to support faculty both in and out of the classroom.
CSUN Faculty Sharing their Strategies
One key source of evidence based teaching in this resource are the innovative techniques that our CSUN faculty are already doing in the classroom! Explore the perspectives of CSUN faculty in our Teaching Tips Video Series and one-pager active learning Tips from CSUN Faculty.
Teaching Strategies to Explore
Other Teaching Resources
Unconscious Bias
The first step in eradicating unconscious bias is acknowledging that it exists. In this workshop, small groups will explore how and where bias might show up in the teaching and learning process, as well as on our campus and determine how to minimize and ultimately eliminate the impact. We encourage you to check out our self-paced Get Up to Speed with Unconscious Bias first and determine a topic from the program you would want workshop on.
Equity-Minded Grading
Did you know there can be bias in your grading practices? Are you considering changing your grading approach but don't know where to start? This two-part virtual workshop series will examine the ideas and assumptions of traditional grading and describe the impact of equitable grading on student learning. We will review how to implement equitable grading strategies and identify opportunities to reduce bias in grading, cultivate effective feedback, and promote authentic assessments.
Equity-Minded Syllabus
In this two-part workshop series, participants will be introduced to foundational information about becoming an equity-minded college instructor, as well as some of the ways unconscious bias can present itself in higher education and in the classroom. Finally, participants will gain ideas for creating a syllabus that interrupts bias and creates an equity-minded environment using the Center for Urban Education’s Equity-Minded Syllabus Review.
Learner-Centered Syllabus
Does your syllabus follow the newly approved CSUN policies? Have you considered creative ways to visually enhance your syllabus for students? Is your syllabus focused on the learner or the content? This syllabus redesign workshop will introduce the 2014 POD Network Award-winning syllabus rubric by Palmer, Bach, & Streifer. Palmer notes, “the rubric provides qualitative descriptions of components that distinguish learning-focused syllabi and uses a quantitative scoring system that places syllabi on a spectrum from content-focused to learning-focused. It is flexible enough to accommodate a diverse range of levels, disciplines, institutions, and learning environments yet nuanced enough to provide summative information.”
Promoting Academic Honesty
A collaboration with Academic First Year Experiences. Come with your faculty colleagues to learn more about how you can promote academic honesty and prevent plagiarism and cheating in your classes. Topics will be discussed such as pedagogical prevention, cool technology, understanding what is taught in freshmen writing courses, and dishonesty consequences.
Responding to Student Writing
A former collaboration with Academic First Year Experiences, responding to student writing is much more than giving a grade. Research on the teaching of writing strongly shows the benefits of providing timely and actionable feedback on student writing. This workshop will provide participants with effective and efficient strategies for commenting on student written work and for aligning feedback on student writing to course learning goals and objectives.
Research Productivity on CSUN Teaching Load
Teaching a full load (4-4) in the CSU while managing an active scholarship plan can seem overwhelming at times. And let’s not forget how serving our campus and community, while rewarding can completely consume. Developing strategies such as time management, goal planning, and building social capital will be discussed leading to a better balance of our faculty roles.
Internal Grant Opportunities
Fortunately, CSUN offers various low-hanging fruit in terms of grants and/or release time to support your success at CSUN. How can you best increase your chances of securing one of these grants on your way to seeking larger, national, or federal grants? This workshop can discuss strategies for successfully funded grant proposals to consider as you begin seeking grants to further your research agenda. Check out our webpage on Scholarship Resources for CSUN Faculty.
Service Explained & Explored
Did you know that roughly 20% of our professor responsibility is time expected in the form of service to the community? One of CSUN’s often unexplored and misunderstood opportunities is the best place to engage in this service. How can your service contribute to and enhance your teaching and/or scholarship? How can your service create opportunities for leadership? And perhaps most importantly, it is important to explore how your service can be both engaging and fulfilling. This workshop will pull back the veil on various service committees, discuss a trajectory of service across all levels (department, college, and university), and encourage an intentional path of service during your time at CSUN.
We have developed some helpful guides about service for new faculty in our New Faculty Handbook in a dedicated module called Navigating Service and Committee Work. You can also access similar tips on this resource page. Review these materials and consider which aspect you would want us to focus on.
