Scholarship of Pedagogy and Application of Research Knowledge - Engineering (SPARK-ENG TA)

Faculty + Staff Information

SCHOLARSHIP OF PEDAGOGY AND APPLICATION OF RESEARCH KNOWLEDGE - ENGINEERING TEACHING ASSISTANT INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAM (SPARK-ENG TA)

The SPARK-ENG TA Instructional Support Program is intended to enhance effective instruction, student interaction, assessment, and understanding of educational practice as it relates to the laboratory/seminar environment in the Faculty of Engineering.

Based on the foundation of situated learning and a framework of building communities of practice, the program promotes practical strategies of instruction based on active participation, collaboration, and reflection across the career-span, and is grounded in evidence-based approaches in higher education and STEM education.

Program Objectives

To enhance teaching and learning in undergraduate engineering laboratories and seminars through evidence-based practices
To develop learner-centred instructional strategies for knowledge, skills, and attitudes
To mentor graduate students by modelling active, relevant and engaging pedagogical approaches to laboratory/seminar coursework
To showcase examples of exceptional local teaching
To foster communities of practice as Educators of Engineers

Structure

The program consists of ten modules organized into four themes, delivered over
one academic term, either Fall Term (September - December) or Winter Term (January - April). Each module provides focused reading, reflection and activities related to one aspect of teaching and learning over a one week time period (3-4 hours per week).

The program is led by an Instructional Coach who supports participants in their instructional practice by facilitating the weekly in-person community of practice meetings, observing and providing guidance on lab and seminar teaching practice, and by giving non-evaluative feedback of workplace learning tasks.

THEME	MODULE
Philosophy of Teaching and Learning	Nature of Learners
	Nature of Learning Pt. A
	Nature of Learning Pt. B
	EDI for Teaching
Fostering Learning Opportunities	Interactive Lectures
	Classroom Discourse
	Empowering Students to Learn
Designing Courses for Learning	Assessment Practices
Designing Courses for Learning	Problem-Based Learning & Team-Based Learning
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning	Forming an Identity as an Educator

Program Features

Opportunity to practice new and practical approaches to teaching and learning in a collegial environment supported by the guidance and mentorship of an experienced SPARK-ENG Instructional Coach.
Online self-paced learning: readings, case studies, video content, and reflection questions.
Community of Practice meeting: a weekly small-group discussion of concepts from the module and an opportunity to practice pedagogical strategies applicable to laboratory and instructional experiences.
Professional Development credit and access to GTL Level 1 or 2 certification.

Audience

Open to all and any graduate students that are interested in developing their teaching practice.
Recommended for all Lab Instructors and Teaching Assistants as a concurrent resource in their working term.
No previous teaching or instructional experience is required.

Contact Us

Duncan Buchanan - Instructional Coach SPARK-ENG
dbuchana@ualberta.ca
ETLC 6-011

General Email
sparkeng@ualberta.ca