Preparation

The Celebrating Great Teaching Retreat is based on the premise that within a group of experienced teachers there are the resources needed to develop and present a seminar on issues and practices related to great teaching. In order to ensure a positive experience we ask that each participant bring the following to the retreat:

Twenty-five (25) copies of a one page paper describing a technique, a teaching approach you have used successfully, or an innovation, or something that you do that helps your students to learn. The paper should include a brief description of what you do, why you do it and the reason for its success.
Ten (10) copies of a one page paper describing a challenge or a problem in teaching for which you have not yet found a satisfactory solution. This paper may analyze the challenge/problem or merely set the context and pose your question for discussion.

The discussion at some of the small group sessions will centre on the content of these papers.

As well, please bring

Any single teaching trick or device (homemade or commercial) that has enhanced your teaching effectiveness. In short, something from your “teaching bag of tricks”. You will be invited to share your teaching trick or device. Presentation time is limited to two (2) minutes.
One copy of an article, a book, or a website that has had an influence on your teaching career and that you would recommend to other teachers. The collection will create a retreat library. At the end of our time together it may be retrieved or traded.

You may bring items that relate to any aspect of your teaching whether it is in classrooms, labs, online, in work or other settings. Remember that you will be working with colleagues who teach in a variety of different program areas. If you bring something that is subject specific be prepared to share aspects that would be relevant in other disciplines or contexts.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with your college contact.