September 2008

Unless otherwise indicated, sessions occur in the Learning and Teaching Centre (LTC) Classroom in the Harry Hickman Building (HHB) Room 128.

If the register buttons are not working, please contact us by email.

Clear Communication Tutorials: Academic Conversation
What is it?
This is a pilot program that will be offered in the fall 2008 semester. The tutorials are for UVic instructors and TAs who perceive that their spoken English may impede their ability to communicate clearly. These tutorials are free, but participants must pre-register.

How does it work?
Each 45-minute tutorial is held once a week; there are ten tutorials provided in the fall 2008 semester, beginning in late September.  In a tutorial the tutor will provide practice with spoken academic English in a conversation-style setting. Of course, participants are encouraged to make suggestions to the tutor as to what they need more work on. There is a maximum of three participants per tutorial.

The tutorials will be held in the CW Lui Learning Commons, main floor of the McPherson Library, in Room 135G.

How do I participate?
Contact the Writing Centre Coordinator, Laurie Waye, at 853-3675 or by email at TWCcoor@uvic.ca.
TWC Seminar and Workshop Information

HHB AV and Classroom Safety Orientation
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
9:30 AM ~ 11:30 AM, HHB Lobby
Are you familiar with how the AV equipment works or what to do in case of an emergency in your classroom? If you will be teaching in the Harry Hickman Building in the Fall term, you will not want to miss this informative session led by Audio Visual Services and Occupational Health and Safety.

Fall Teaching Assistant (TA) Conference
Saturday, September 13, 2008
9:00 AM ~ 3:30 PM
HHB Lobby, 105, 110, 116, 120 and 128
The TA conference is a one-day event designed to help you improve your teaching skills. We have invited experienced UVic TAs and faculty to present workshops covering a wide spectrum of topics, including TA Basics, Grading, Labs in the Physical Sciences, Student Motivation, Mentoring, and Facilitating Discussion.

The conference is a great opportunity to connect and share your ideas and experiences with graduate students in other faculties, and for professional and personal development. The conference is FREE for all graduate students, new and returning teaching and academic assistants, and instructors. Pre-registration required.
TA ProD Series Information

Lost in Translation?: Working with EAL (English as an Additional Language) Students
Thursday, September 18, 2008
11:30 AM ~ 12:50 PM, Cunningham 146
Facilitator: Dr. Li-Shih Huang, Department of Linguistics

Managing Your Thesis or Dissertation (for Graduate Students)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
10:00 AM ~ 12:00 PM, HHB 128
Facilitator: Laurie Waye, The Writing Centre (TWC) Coordinator
Is your research, writing, thesis or dissertation out of control? This hands-on workshop will help you map out your project, and understand what you need to do, when, and how, by applying project management concepts to the process of writing academic work. This session is open to all members of the UVic community who are working on a graduate-level, large-scale academic research or writing project. Those in the depths of dissertation despair are especially welcome.

To register, email Laurie Waye at TWCcoor@uvic.ca. Spaces are limited as the workshop will have a high facilitator-to-participant ratio. Participants can bring their notes, research logs, books, coffee, snacks - whatever they need to focus on getting their projects outlined on paper.
TWC Seminar and Workshop Information

Wonder Twin Powers Activate! Being Part of an Instructional Team: Working Effectively with Your Course Instructor
[PLEASE NOTE: DATE HAS CHANGED TO OCTOBER 2, 2008]
11:30 AM ~ 12:50 PM, Cunningham 146
Facilitator: Dr. Li-Shih Huang, Department of Linguistics

Instructional Technology Group (ITG) ~ Teaching with Technology, and Where Do I Get Support?
Thursday, September 25, 2008
1:00 PM ~ 2:00 PM, HHB 128
Facilitator: Erica Price-Edney, Manager, UVic Online Learning Systems and Valia Spiliotopoulos, Associate Director, Learning and Teaching Centre
If you are new to UVic or just haven't made your way around, this session will address some of the questions you have around teaching with technology. Have you heard of the unit called Learning Systems? You may ask -- what is that and can they do anything for me as an instructor using educational technologies? First off, Learning System is the unit that administers the Blackboard and Moodle learning management systems. A staff of nine is willing and able to provide assistance with your use of educational technologies. Come to this session to find out more and ask questions. We're here to help!
ITG Series Information

Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW)
Participants must attend all four days, HHB 128
Saturday, September 27, 2008, 9:30 AM ~ 2:00 PM
Sunday, September 28, 2008, 9:30 AM ~ 5:00 PM
Saturday, October 4, 2008, 9:30 AM ~ 5:00 PM
Sunday, October 5, 2008, 9:30 AM ~ 5:00 PM
Have you ever wished you could practice teaching without it actually counting for anything? If yes is your answer, then ISW could be a worthwhile opportunity for you. There is no fee to attend, but there is a $50 registration deposit, which is refundable to participants who have completed all sessions. We will ask for the deposit once your registration has been confirmed. An invaluable experience for TAs and new instructors alike.