University at Buffalo (UB)
Empowering Instructors | Supporting Excellence
The New Faculty Academy is a collaboration between the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, the Teaching Transformation Team from the Office of Curriculum, Assessment and Teaching Transformation (CATT) and the University Libraries. The Teaching Transformation Team collaborates on the Teaching and Learning track.
This collaboration aims to provide all new faculty members with support as they grow into effective educators and productive scholars. The fall semester track, led by learning designers from the Teaching Transformation team, focuses on vital course-building skills and how to incorporate best practices into their courses and foster student academic success. The spring semester track, led by librarians, concentrates on research and scholarship. New faculty members are encouraged to participate in either or both tracks.
Registration for the 2024 Teaching and Learning Track of the New Faculty Academy will be available beginning on August 1.
This session will get the New Faculty Academy started. Please join us as we meet each other and are welcomed by Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Robert Granfield. Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Tilman Baumstark, will also share some opening remarks and tell you about the project you’ll be working on throughout the semester.
In this workshop, participants will gain insights into the challenges of teaching at a large public research university. They will explore how research and scholarship contribute to effective teaching practices and begin elucidating their teaching philosophy. Participants will leave with a comprehensive understanding of their roles and responsibilities as faculty at the University at Buffalo and resources to refine their teaching philosophy.
In this workshop, participants will engage in insightful discussions to explore effective course design principles. They will focus on aligning learning outcomes, assessments and instructional materials for a cohesive and impactful learning experience. The workshop will also cover how to craft a learner-centered syllabus as additional support for student success and growth.
In this workshop, participants will critically analyze the fundamental principles of student-centered learning and explore its impact on student success. Special attention will be given to aligning learning outcomes, assessments and instructional strategies, all within the framework of cultivating inclusive learning environments.
In this workshop, participants will thoroughly examine the principles of effective assessment and feedback. The discussion will center around designing both formative and summative assessments while emphasizing the importance of timely and constructive feedback for students. By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to implement robust assessment strategies and provide valuable feedback that supports student growth and learning.
In this workshop, participants will refine their lecture delivery techniques, enhance their skills in large-class management and employ strategies for vibrant student engagement. The workshop also emphasizes addressing diverse learner needs for inclusive and equitable educational experiences. Participants will leave with an expanded teaching toolkit to meet the diverse needs of their students.
In this workshop, participants will deepen their understanding of active learning and collaborative learning pedagogies, comprehensively grasping their principles and practices. They will gain valuable insights into the design and seamless implementation of active learning activities that foster student collaboration and teamwork, nurturing a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
In this workshop, participants will explore the effective integration of technology into the teaching and learning process. By exploring the diverse array of educational technologies and tools available at the University at Buffalo, participants will understand how to leverage these resources effectively to promote active learning and encourage student engagement.
In this workshop, participants will explore the components of online and blended learning environments. They will learn research-based methods for designing effective online learning experiences and strategies for fostering student engagement through online discussions and collaboration. By the end, participants will gain valuable insights and techniques for creating impactful online and blended learning environments.
In this workshop, participants will reflect on the profound significance of critical thinking in higher education. The focus of the discussion will revolve around designing activities that effectively promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, participants will gain valuable insights into facilitating engaging class discussions that cultivate analytical thinking and promote the development of robust analytical skills.
In this workshop, participants will enrich their understanding of undergraduate students' diverse needs and backgrounds. Special emphasis will be placed on equipping participants with the knowledge and strategies to create inclusive and supportive learning environments that cater to the unique requirements of all students. Moreover, participants will explore effective approaches to enhance student motivation and foster active engagement in the learning process.