Teaching and Learning Practices, Theories and Assessments

Explore teaching and learning practices, theories, and assessments as they relate to your teaching context and priorities. You will engage in conversations and activities that are grounded in a learning-centered, evidence-based approach which focuses on students’ learning as well as your own.

Course description

In this course, you will explore teaching and learning practices, theories and assessments as they relate to your teaching context and priorities. We will engage in conversations and activities that are grounded in a learning-centred, evidence-based approach which focuses on students’ learning as well as your own. We will examine practices such as:

  • Applying innovative and effective teaching approaches
  • Designing aligned learning activities and assessments
  • Setting clear expectations for both teaching and learning
  • Gathering feedback and critically reflecting on one’s own teaching

Assessment activities will include engaging in discussions and peer review of teaching and learning materials as well as your choice of reflecting on classroom observations conducted with colleagues (in a Teaching Square) or compiling artefacts developed in the course into a teaching dossier.

Please note: The Teaching and Learning Theories, Practices and Assessments course and the Blended and Online Learning course cannot be taken in the same semester.

Course dates and times

This course will be offered at least once per academic year.

Next offering: TBD

Please ensure your availability before registering for this course.

You will learn to

  • Examine key learning theories and approaches in light of your own teaching practice
  • Apply evidence-based practice to plan and align innovative courses, activities, assignments and/or other learning experiences
  • Implement methods to assess student learning
  • Critically reflect on and document your teaching and learning using multiple sources of evidence

Blended course schedule


Module 1 — Laying the groundwork: Foundational theories, concepts and practices

Session 1: Jan. 13, 2023 (Zoom)

Session 2: Jan. 20, 2023 (Zoom)

Session 3: Week of Jan. 23-27, 2023 (Asynchronous)

Session 4: Feb. 3, 2023 (Zoom)

Module 2 — Engaging students: Activating learning

Session 5: Week of Feb. 6-10, 2023 (Asynchronous)

Session 6: Feb. 17, 2023 (Zoom)

Reading Week: Feb. 20-25 (No class)

Session 7: Week of Feb, 27-Mar. 3, 2023 (Asynchronous)

Module 3 — Assessment: Student learning and your teaching

Session 8: Mar. 10, 2023 (Zoom)

Session 9: Week of Mar. 13-17, 2023 (Asynchronous) 

Session  10: Mar. 24, 2023 (Zoom)

Module 4 — Bringing it all together

Session 11: Week of Mar. 27-Apr. 6, 2023 (Asynchronous)

Session 12: Apr. 14, 2023 (Zoom)


Our approach

This course strives to create and sustain a learning community among its participants by combining synchronous and asynchronous online learning activities. Through Zoom sessions, there will be opportunities to engage in discussions, collaborative learning activities, as well as teaching observations and reflections with your colleagues. 

Online components in D2L may include activities such as listening to podcasts, watching videos, interacting on discussion boards, and posting and reflecting on your work and that of your colleagues. In order to successfully achieve the learning outcomes in the course, active participation in both the Zoom and D2L online environments is necessary.