Let’s get together and talk about teaching
“Conversation is the central location of pedagogy for the democratic educator.
– bell hooks, “Democratic Education” (2003)
Whether you are looking to explore an opportunity, fix a problem or talk about teaching and learning, CTLM staff members are available to connect with anyone teaching at UW–Madison (faculty, staff, and graduate students). We can partner with you as you think through and update the design and delivery of your courses, labs, and other teaching engagements at UW-Madison. We can also connect you with support from within your school/college and other campus partners. Below are just some of the ways we can help.
We can work with you to...
Design teaching materials
Instructional materials provide much of the information that students will experience, learn, and apply during a course. We can help you consider learner-centered approaches and inclusive strategies in designing your syllabus, lectures, assignments, course media, and other materials.
Structure units, modules, labs, courses
Course content and materials are most effective when students can easily find them. We can help you organize the elements of your course so they are easy for students to navigate, understand and use.
Strengthen teaching skills
Effective, inclusive and equitable teaching matters. We can help you consider evidence-based course design, delivery, and assessment strategies to deepen learning, build community, and save you time. We can also visit your course (in person and virtual) to observe and provide supportive feedback. Request a classroom observation.
Support students
In academic contexts, instructors can use health-promoting pedagogies, identify challenges to student well-being, normalize help-seeking behaviors, and offer resources to help students thrive. We can help you consider ways to support students and provide flexibility while maintaining academic standards and promoting student achievement.
Pursue departmental goals
Working collaboratively with schools, colleges, departments, and academic programs in pursuit of their teaching and learning priorities is core to CTLM’s mission. We partner with departments, schools, and colleges on diverse projects, including curriculum revisions, course (re)design, and tailored professional development opportunities (department meetings, retreats, etc.) Contact us for a discovery meeting and we can help your unit pursue its teaching and learning priorities.
Success stories
A warm welcome for new instructors
For new instructors, getting acclimated to the UW–Madison campus and teaching expectations can be a bit overwhelming. CTLM provides onboarding help to support the teaching and learning community and make the experience more comfortable.
Large class, no large lectures
CTLM is working with instructors in the Department of Kinesiology on a plan to transform a large introductory physiology course, Kinesiology 335, by eliminating large lectures.
The core group learning component will be a biweekly “laboratory workshop” designed to give students the opportunity to apply the concepts they’re learning through experiments, case studies and group-based question-and-answer sessions.
Students come to this course with varying levels of experience and knowledge – this approach provides more opportunity for differentiated instruction as well as a more holistic, meaningful understanding of physiology.
Check out these additional resources
Campus-wide
Learn@UW
DoIT Academic Technology oversees the Learn@UW suite of supported learning technologies, including Canvas, Kaltura MediaSpace, HelioCampus AC, Top Hat and more.
Libraries
Need help with your instructional materials or supporting your students’ research? The Libraries are prepared to support instructors with robust modes of instruction throughout the academic year, while also providing exceptional research guidance to students.
Writing Across the Curriculum
Helps instructors find creative and effective ways to incorporate writing and speaking assignments into courses at all levels and in all disciplines.
School/College-specific
Collaborative for Engineering Education and Teaching Effectiveness (CEETE)
Partners with faculty, instructional staff, administration, and other areas on campus to support and continuously improve teaching, learning, and the student experience in the College of Engineering.
L&S Instructional Design Collaborative
Collaborates with instructors, staff, and departments in the College of Letters & Science to create modern and effective learning experiences using established course design principles and technical expertise.
Media, Education Resources, and Information Technology (MERIT)
Provides library resources, instructional design, and technology support to the School of Education and community partners.
Wisconsin School of Business Teaching and Learning Support
Collaborates with faculty and instructional staff in the Wisconsin School of Business to implement evidence-based teaching practices for effective learning experiences and leverage learning technologies effectively.