Fundamentals of Teaching Series
The Fundamentals of Teaching is a four-part workshop series for new TAs at the University of Chicago. Across weeks 2-5 of every quarter, participants consider how to apply key pedagogical concepts to the contexts of their own disciplines and classes.
The series aims to productively address the challenges and questions new graduate student teachers (e.g. TAs, CAs, interns) face in the first weeks of the quarter and to help them develop core competencies in teaching for facilitating and enhancing student learning. The core competencies are based on the constructive alignment framework and aim to translate these principles into concrete practices that new instructors can apply in their first teaching experiences. The Fundamentals sessions are led by CCTL Graduate Fellows who will draw on these ideas, their own experiences, and the insights of their participants, to cultivate a supportive learning community and empower participants to create supportive learning communities in their own classrooms.
There are two tracks in this series, a STEM track and an Arts/Humanities/Social Sciences track.
During the Fundamentals of Teaching Series, participants will be able to:
- Reflect on the practice of teaching by considering how different pedagogical practices can facilitate, enhance, or hinder student learning.
- Apply key pedagogical concepts and practices to the specific contexts of their own teaching.
- Experience a supportive community of fellow teachers with whom they can share their questions and concerns.
- Gain greater confidence in their ability to teach.
The Fundamentals of Teaching workshop series are offered in Weeks 2-5 of each quarter.
Autumn 2025 Workshop Series
Register Here
Registration for the Autumn Quarter offerings of the Fundamentals of Teaching Workshop series are now open. Please see the event details below:
- AHD/SSD: Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, & 28 | 11:00AM - 12:20PM | Wieboldt 310 D/E
- STEM: Wednesdays, October 8, 15, 22, & 29 | 3:00PM - 4:20PM | Location TBA