Tag: build Community

International Day of Pink

Reading Time: 2 minutesInternational Day of Pink is observed annually on the second Wednesday of April. The International Day of Pink is set up as an International Day against bullying, discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, and transmisogyny in cities and towns all across the world. According to mental health research, the majority of young people (66%) who are part of 2SLGBTQI+ communities have reported experiencing...

Making a Comeback: How to Get Back on Track After a Rocky Start to the Semester

Reading Time: 5 minutesDid you get off to a rocky start to the semester? Finding it challenging to connect with your students to foster a productive learning environment and experiencing classroom management challenges? A rocky start can happen for a variety of reasons some that are in our control and some that are not, however, know that you’re not alone and that there...

The First Two Weeks: Basic Classroom Expectations

Reading Time: 9 minutesAt its best a classroom is a dynamic setting where teacher and learners support each other on the journey toward a common learning goal in keeping with the course learning outcomes. As you set the tone for your class this semester it is important to reflect on appropriate classroom expectations for facilitating learning. This teaching tip suggests basic expectations for...

Strengthen Your Teaching Through Instructional Skills Workshops (ISWs)

Reading Time: 2 minutesConestoga faculty can register for an Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) to enhance their lesson planning techniques and teaching practices. As of January 2023, the ISW is offered as a free, credited, course, one of two courses in the Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) & Critically-Reflective Teaching micro-credential. Please see below for more details on the ISW, including what to expect, the...

What To Do in the First Weeks of Class

Reading Time: 9 minutesThis teaching tip provides a checklist of what you can do in the first week or two of class to share important information and create an atmosphere that supports learning. This tip shares ideas for Creating a positive learning environment Explaining key course information Setting expectations for behaviour Encouraging a focus on learning Sharing expectations for technology use Use these...

Start Your Class with Content-Based Icebreakers

Reading Time: 4 minutesContent-based icebreakers are icebreakers are short discussion or active learning activities that incorporate a topic or key concept of the course or class topic. They may be distinguished from get-to-know-you icebreakers, in which students share about themselves and/or discuss topics of interest but that are not directly course related.  Why are content-based icebreakers particularly useful?  In focusing on the subject...

How Collaboration Across Disciplines Can Spice Up Learning

Reading Time: 4 minutesBy Martha Terdik, Chris Arsenault and Cheryl Williams Martha Terdik teaches in the Bachelor of Public Relations Program (BPR). After a successful 25-year career in corporate communications, Martha enjoys mentoring the next generation of professional communicators.  Follow Martha on Twitter @marthaterdik. Chris Arsenault is the coordinator of the Journalism program at Conestoga College. Follow Chris on Twitter @chrisarsenaul. Cheryl Williams...