Learning Communities

Do you want to learn more about how artificial intelligence is shaping teaching and learning? This beginner-friendly learning community will introduce several AI-based tools, including TerpAI. You will have the opportunity to try out tools, ask questions, and consider the possibilities and challenges they create. 

We will explore practical ways AI can support your course planning and assignment design, and consider questions that many instructors are raising about student learning, critical thinking, ethical concerns, and environmental impacts. No prior experience with AI is needed. This is a space for curiosity, reflection, discussion, and skill building. 

By actively participating in this learning community, you will earn the GenAI-Informed Pedagogy Practitioner meta-credential from the TLTC Teaching Academy. All UMD instructors are welcome.

We will meet 6 times on Wednesdays (9/9, 9/23, 10/7, 10/21, 11/4, 11/18) from 2:00-3:15pm in ESJ 1103. Meetings will be in-person with the option to join virtually occasionally as needed.
 

Coordinated by Mona Thompson, TLTC

Register here for the AI Playground Learning Community.

Questions or accessibility needs? Contact Mona at mona1@umd.edu.

Do you want to learn more about how artificial intelligence is shaping teaching and learning? This beginner-friendly learning community will introduce several AI-based tools, including TerpAI. You will have the opportunity to try out tools, ask questions, and consider the possibilities and challenges they create. 

Are you curious about infusing a global dimension into your course or leading a program abroad? This learning community, co-led with Office of International Affairs (OIA), facilitates collaborative brainstorming and allows faculty to workshop ideas to develop or enhance global learning experiences. In a space designed for curiosity, reflection, discussion and skill building, faculty will explore global learning modalities and learning outcomes; learn pedagogical tools and practices that elevate international connections, perspectives, projects and activities; engage with best practices in building and sustaining international partnerships; and articulate the importance of a global mindset and perspectives to UMD students. Faculty will come away with actionable steps to create syllabi and assignments with global learning outcomes, to design a Global Classrooms Course or Study Abroad Program, or to approach international partnerships. No prior experience with global programming is necessary, all UMD instructors are welcome.

This Learning Community will meet on 3 Mondays (9/28, 10/26, and 11/30) from 10:00-11:15am in ESJ 1103. Meetings will be in person with the option to call in virtually as needed.

Coordinated by Cassady Cundari, TLTC, and Taylor Woodman, Office of International Affairs. 

Register here for the Global Learning Faculty Learning Community.

Questions or accessibility needs? Contact Cassady at ccundari@umd.edu.

Are you a graduate student or postdoc who is teaching or preparing to teach? Connect with your peers in this informal book club! In this community, we will read "Teaching Matters: A Guide for Graduate Students'' by Aeron Haynie and Stephanie Spong and have informal conversations about topics from the book. We will discuss designing courses, creating a welcoming classroom community, navigating classroom challenges, cultivating well-being, and more!

You will receive a free copy of the book as part of your participation in this learning community. Please register as early as you can to guarantee your spot.

This book club will meet on Wednesdays every other week (9/16, 9/30, 10/14, 10/28, 11/11, and 12/2) from 2:00-3:30pm in ESJ 1103. Meetings will be in person with the option to call in virtually as needed.

Coordinated by Ginny Hutcheson, TLTC 

Register here for the Grad Student Book Club.

Questions or accessibility needs? Contact Ginny Hutcheson at ghutches@umd.edu.

What do your grading practices communicate about what you value? Join colleagues from across campus for a faculty learning community exploring how we can better align grading with learning. Together, we'll examine alternative grading philosophies and practical strategies for alternative assessment to reflect on what it really means for students to learn in our disciplines. Whether you're interested in making one small change or rethinking your entire grading system, this community will provide a supportive space to clarify your values, learn from others' experiences, and develop a realistic plan that fits your teaching context. Through discussion, reflection, and shared classroom experiences, we'll explore ways to make grading more meaningful for both our students and ourselves.

This learning will meet on 6 Thursdays (9/17, 10/1, 10/8, 10/29, 11/12, and 12/3) from 12:30-1:30pm in ESJ 1103. Meetings will be in person with the option to call in virtually as needed.
 

Coordinated by Emily Berman, TLTC 

Register here for the Rethinking Grading Learning Community.

Questions or accessibility needs? Contact Emily at eberman4@umd.edu

How can small shifts in your teaching make a transformative difference for first-generation college students?

At the University of Maryland, roughly 20% of our students identify as first-generation (neither parent/guardian holds a bachelor's degree). Join this collaborative, discussion-based learning community to explore first-gen student experiences at UMD and gain practical strategies to foster their success in your classroom. We’ll cover topics like who our first-gen Terps are, and how the "hidden curriculum" impacts their academic journey. 

You’ll leave with fresh insights, actionable teaching strategies, and a supportive community of peers. All UMD instructors are welcome!

This Learning Community will meet on 5 Mondays (9/14, 10/5, 10/26, 11/16, and 12/7) from 1:00-2:30pm in ESJ 1103. Meetings will be in person with the option to call in virtually as needed.
Coordinated by Dawn Simounet, TLTC.
 

Coordinated by Dawn Simounet, TLTC 

Register here for the Supporting First-Generation Student Success Learning Community.

Questions or accessibility needs? Contact Dawn at simounet@umd.edu