The FDC supports instructors in using evidence-based, inclusive teaching practices designed to help all UMBC students learn and succeed. We offer a range of research-informed ideas for teaching that allow faculty to choose options designed to address both personal and disciplinary priorities in their goals for student learning. Knowing that faculty are busy people, whether they are full-time or part-time at UMBC, we strive to help all instructors achieve their aims for their students not only effectively, but efficiently.
Teaching is a Multi-faceted Endeavor
Instructors’ goals often include supporting not only students’ cognitive development and understanding of the discipline but also their affective skills and social development and ability to work for a better world. These objectives mean that the classroom, whether physical, virtual, community-based, or experiential, can be a complex, and sometimes messy, place. As you peruse our webpages using the menu at the left, you will find resources for designing a syllabus, a coherent course (face-to-face or virtual), and activities for student engagement, as well as for managing the needs and difficulties of challenging conversations, ones that foster understanding of a diverse society.
In February 2022, the FDC hosted a session entitled Essentials of Effective Teaching for Busy Faculty during which four teaching award winners shared valuable insights about teaching. We captured highlights and key points from those shared at the session in the latest tipsheet in our Faculty to Faculty series: the Essentials of Effective Teaching for Busy Faculty Tipsheet.
Teaching Need Not be a Solitary Endeavor
The FDC offers communities of practice to provide faculty with collegial support and an ongoing conversation around teaching and learning. These opportunities include both our regular workshops and more sustained experiences with a cohort of colleagues: year-long Faculty Learning Communities and two-year certificates designed either for faculty in CNMS and COEIT or CAHSS and Social Work.
We welcome your feedback as you explore our resources.