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, you will find resources for creating a syllabus, designing a coherent course, designing online courses, and engaging students with active learning, as well as resources for managing the needs of difficult conversations, ones that foster understanding of the diverse classroom.
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 events and more sustained experiences with a cohort of colleagues: year-long Faculty Learning Communities and two-year certificates. The ALIT certificate is designed for faculty in CNMS and COEIT, and the INNOVATE certificate is designed for faculty in CAHSS and Social Work.
We welcome your feedback as you explore our resources.