Media

OTTAWA, August 5, 2010  —  The University of Ottawa’s Centre for University Teaching (CUT) hosted its very first summer teaching institute, one of the only events of its kind in Canada. With the help of a team of education experts, participants were able to work on the essential components in designing a course through concrete activities related to their specific needs.

They addressed several aspects of education, including the different stages of designing a course, the development of a personal teaching philosophy, the identification of learning objectives and results, evaluation and feedback strategies, learning activities focused on the expected results and the preparation of a course outline.

This teaching institute marks the birth of a new way of doing things. The CUT is proposing to organize one every summer on a specific aspect of university teaching. On the heels of the success of last week’s event, the CUT is planning to invite Canadian and foreign university professors as early as next year.

“We are very happy with the establishment of this institute, which provides French training in university education. We are proud to respond to the growing demand by teaching staff,” indicated Yves Herry, Associate Vice-President, Teaching and Learning Support.

Guest speaker

For this first edition of the Pedagogical Institute, the CUT invited Diane Pacom, Professor of Sociology at the University of Ottawa, and an expert in cultural sociology and contemporary sociology theories. Professor Pacom is a recipient of Ontario`s Excellence in Teaching Award and the prestigious 3M Fellowship for Teaching Excellence.

For additional information, visit the University of Ottawa Centre for University Teaching Web site.