Check out the latest on the faculty development front from the UTLC.
Check out the latest on the faculty development front from the UTLC.

Small Steps, Big Impact Podcast

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are our core values as an institution, but we must continue the conversations about how to do this important work on a daily basis. That’s the goal of our Small Steps, Big Impact podcast: on-going conversations about EDI in our classrooms.
This week's conversation with Dr. Laura Pipe, Director of the Teaching Innovations Office and Associate Director of the UTLC, focuses on the importance of Indigenous pedagogy and the role of storytelling. Click the button below to listen to the full episode and review the resources.
Listen to Episode #3 - Indigenous Pedagogy

Teaching Tips

This section is full of timely and evidence-based practices to apply in your teaching. In honor of International Education Week being celebrated at UNCG from November 1-5, this week's teaching tips focus on the benefits of having international students on campus, the challenges they face, and some ways to facilitate their learning and success.
  • Tip #1: Language. For many international students English may be their second, third, or even fourth language. There are several minor modifications instructors can make to scaffold the learning of language and core concepts for English Language Learners, and can actually help to benefit all students.  Adjustments include slowing speech, using “plain English, and limiting the use of metaphors and idiomatic expressions, which can often cause confusion when translated literally. More information about adjusting language for English Language Learners is available in this resource under "Instructor Presentation/Performance."
  • Tip #2 Rules of the Academic Game. Rules for academic integrity differ greatly across nations. For example, in some cultures working closely with another student, sharing information and both turning in the same essay is perfectly acceptable. Regurgitating what a professor says or writes without paraphrasing or citing is also acceptable and is a sign of respect and admiration for said professor. Faculty can help to ensure that students in their class understand expectations and integrity rules at UNCG by opening space for a discussion during class or in office hours if any of these topics are unclear. If you would like to read more here is a link to an article entitled “Academic Dishonesty: An International Student Perspective” (Simpson, 2016). We also recommend our past Teach'n Tips Academic Integrity Podcast from 2019.
  • Tip #3 Campus Resources. While international students receive information about campus resources, the volume of new information they receive upon arrival can be overwhelming. They may also feel reluctant or embarrassed to seek out certain resources as it may be seen as admitting failure or showing weakness in their cultural context. If you have a student that is struggling, try to have a conversation with them and listen to their perspective. This can help identify barriers to accessing different resources. The International Programs Center supports incoming and current international students and has many useful resources listed on their website including the writing center, the speaking center, the student success center (for help with academic skills, tutoring etc), counseling, health, and more.

UTLC CoffeeHouses

There are just two more CoffeeHouses remaining for Fall 2021 taking place this Thursday, November 4 and Wednesday, November 17 at 9am in the Faculty Center. Save the dates via our Events Calendar. We hope to see you there!
Connect with the UTLC
Request a consultation with TIO
Upcoming Programs and Events
Visit the UTLC
UTLC Offices
TIO Website Button
URSCO Button
RCO button
On-Demand Resources

Minerva Mentions

Minerva Mentions Presentation

We are pleased to announce the next Minerva Mentions nominee, Dr. Bonnie Canziani! This segment features instructors who exemplify excellence and innovation in teaching. Click the image above to read the nominee's "Words of Wisdom" including what they love about teaching, a favorite tip to share, and a helpful resource to consider. 


If you would like to nominate yourself or a colleague, please complete the form available at go.uncg.edu/minerva-mentions.

International Education Week

Events for Faculty

IEW Event IEW Event
Click here to view all events for International Education Week and to add these events to your calendar.
Today, Tuesday Nov. 2 at noon | Our Experiences at UNCG - International Student Panel Discussion | via Zoom (passcode: Pathway) | Listen in on the experiences of international students from different countries who are studying in various graduate programs at UNCG! They will share their successes, challenges, and insights. Additionally, they will share their suggestions with faculty and staff on how to best support international students during their time at UNCG.
Tomorrow, Wednesday Nov. 3 at noon | International Faculty and Staff Network Lunch and Learn | via ZoomUNCG’s much awaited International Faculty and Staff Network was finally launched this semester and we invite you to join us for a virtual drink/lunch to find out more about what we are planning and to simply chat and get to know each other! All faculty and staff are welcome. We look forward to "meeting" you!

Other Announcements

URSCO CUREs Conversation #2: Planning for Spring. November 9 @ 12:30-1:30 PM
Faculty Center with a Virtual Option (in person limited to 20). Please register in advance. The goal of this session is to continue our exploration of Course based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) and to help faculty brainstorm about how they can conduct a CURE in their class.  We will discuss different models of CUREs for different class levels and sizes to assist those who might wish to create a CURE for their course in Spring 2022 or AY 2022/2023.

ITS: Learning Technology Drop-Ins. To prepare faculty for finals week, ITS: Learning Technology staff will be on-hand to answer your questions about Canvas, Zoom, Panopto, Respondus, or anything tech-related. We’ll also be focusing our attention on accessibility, proctoring alternatives, and providing objective feedback on your Online exam.  No need to register, just hop on Zoom during our two sessions, and we will be happy to help!
Upcoming Workshops
  • Online Proctoring Options (Zoom). Tuesday, November 23 at 11:00 - Register here.
  • Teaching the MAC Health & Wellness competency, November 15, 2021 | Noon – 12:40 p.m. Head to go.uncg.edu/macmondays to RSVP and view prior Fall 2021 MAC Monday webinar recordings. 
  • Applying the Quality Matters Rubric (Zoom). Friday, January 21 and Friday, January 28 at 9:30 - Register here.
In Case You Missed It
  • Web Accessibility 101: Level One is now available in Canvas! This asynchronous, self-paced course is the first of three levels that focuses on the fundamentals of making online content accessible for everyone. If you create content that is posted or shared on a web page, in a course, in an email, through social media or other modes of online communication, then this course is for you! You can enroll in Level One now!
  • Using the Canvas gradebook can create efficiency for you while helping students track their progress in your course, but it can be intimidating if you're not sure how it works. ITS Learning Technology's Gradebook Math video provides a behind the scenes look at the math behind grade calculations in Canvas as well as a tutorial that demonstrates how to set it up so you can feel empowered to use it.
  • The International Faculty and Staff Network is a newly formed group at UNCG open to all professional members of UNCG including faculty/instructors, staff, and visiting international scholars.To get involved in the community, please join the network on Canvas to meet other members, receive updates about future events and meetings, and contribute your ideas!

We want to hear from you!

Want to highlight excellent teaching? Have a resource or announcement to share? Hope to see more teaching tips related to a specific topic? Click the button below to send your suggestions. We're excited to hear from you!

UTLC Logo
powered by emma
Subscribe to our email list.