In early January, nine Niagara College faculty members came together for a three-day Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake to strengthen their teaching skills.
Under the direction of Educational Developers Kate Wiley and Dana Wetherell from the College’s Centre of Academic Excellence (CAE), participants in the workshop – based on a peer-based instructional development model -learned from one another, experimented openly, and strengthened their teaching through shared practice.
“Rather than focusing on ‘doing it right,’ the ISW creates space for educators to reflect on how their choices, presence, and assumptions shape student learning,” said Wetherell.
The faculty who took part in the winter workshop and received ISW certificates are:
- Sean Justine
- Leah Waldes
- Tanya Pavelko
- Beth Astles
- Wayne Sadlak
- Joan Dundas
- Khalid Hendrickson
- Kelly-Ann Wilcox
- Dawn Melanie Goldsworthy
For Goldsworthy, a new part-time welding professor in the School of Trades, the three-day workshop was both humbling and inspiring. Witnessing veteran professors in action motivated her to reflect on and improve her own approach in the classroom.
“The environment of the program, directed by Kate and Dana, was very welcoming and non-judgmental that it allowed me to grow as a teacher, to try new things and learn new skills,” said Goldsworthy, who sees the value in the workshop for both new and experienced professors. “I was inspired by everyone in the group, the diversity enabled me to see other points of view.”
For Wilcox, a professor in the Early Childhood Education program, the workshop renewed her love of teaching, inspiring her to try new methods for the winter term.
“This opportunity was packed with positive learning experiences, inviting every participant to move out of their comfort zone,” said Wilcox. “I felt challenged every day to bring innovative strategies and approaches to the learning content to engage my colleagues.”
Goldsworthy, Wilcox, and other professors walked away with new teaching strategies and renewed joy for teaching and learning.
“It is always a joy to facilitate this workshop and watch the transformation of teaching, the confidence building, and the camaraderie that grows as well,” said Wiley.
Wiley invites any part- or full-time instructors who are interested in participating in a future Instructional Skills Workshop to contact her at [email protected] to be notified when dates are booked.
For more CAE workshops, visit: niagaracollege.ca/cae/programs
