An overview of the support strategies available for instructors teaching in Active Learning Classrooms.
Overview
There are a number of supports available year-round, as well as by request, for instructors teaching in Active Learning Classrooms. Comprehensive support strategies for Active Learning Classrooms (ALCs) have been developed based upon a variety of sources. These include:
- the experiences of other universities successfully using similar spaces,
- our own experiences during our first year supporting these classrooms, and
- feedback from survey responses of an international group of over 50 experienced professors and support units.
Our partners in support are Content and Collaboration Solutions (CCS), Network and Communications Services (NCS), IT Customer Support (ICS) and Enrolment Services.
Available teaching support strategies for ALCs
|
Service and description |
Time of Year |
|---|---|
|
Community of practice e-mail listserv A mechanism for instructors to share ideas and practices about teaching in the ALCs (for questions concerning the listserv, contact adam.finkelstein [at] mcgill.ca (Adam Finkelstein)). The listserv is also used to communicate with instructors regarding logistics and scheduling. |
Ongoing |
|
Orientation to the Active Learning Classrooms The purpose of this meeting is for instructors to gain familiarity with the layout and affordances. New and returning ALC instructors are able to exchange ideas about teaching in this classroom. |
May / November |
|
Scheduled practice sessions These will be held both at the Downtown and Macdonald Campuses. In these hands-on sessions, instructors can try out and familiarize themselves with specific features in the classroom. |
Mid-August and mid-November |
|
In-class tech support Assistance is available to provide you with in-class technology support as needed. |
On request |
|
Instructional guides The support team developed instructional guides on the classroom features and some equipment. These guides are available through McGill’s Classroom-AV Instructions website. |
Ongoing |
Services by request
Individual consultations – Instructors can discuss specific teaching elements such as planning their courses, better integrating the classroom affordances with their courses, increasing competency with specific features of the room, etc.
Classroom observations and feedback – A member of the support team can observe a class and provide general or specific feedback to the instructor.
To schedule a consultation or a classroom observation, please fill out the consultation request form.
If you are interested in teaching in an Active Learning Classroom, please contact your local course and program administrator.
Additional information about the Active Learning Classrooms may be found in the IT Knowledge Base.
