Topic Area: Pandemic Pivot

Presented by: Stefanie Baier, Hima Rawal, Seth Hunt and Rosanne Renauer

Abstract:

When the pandemic hit unexpectedly, it disrupted some of our personal and professional connections, and the unexpected transition to remote teaching and learning changed some of our learning environments. However, not having to convene in certain physical locations offered new opportunities to establish and cultivate connections on an expansive level through a myriad of virtual spaces.

In this presentation, we share one such virtual community, the GTA TLC (Teaching Learning Community), which has afforded GTAs the opportunity to connect across disciplines and physical distance to share best practices, tools, technologies, methods, and ways of effective teaching. The GTA TLC has formed a community that meets bi-weekly and opens the door to whoever wants to connect with their fellow GTAs and any teaching enthusiasts to share, discuss, and reflect on innovative ideas around instruction. Not only has this space leveraged knowledge building but also created friendships across time zones, spaces, disciplines, and diverse backgrounds. The emphasis has been placed on the co-construction of knowledge while enhancing student engagement and student success in different settings from the lens of multiple GTA roles

In this information session, we will showcase excerpts of the best attended sessions including culturally responsive pedagogy, accessibility and technology tools for student engagement, feedback data from participants, and testimonials about the impact and growth of this community. All of these goals have been nested within our overarching theme of well-being that nurtures our GTA TLC, thereby elevating their awareness of students’ needs and holistic well-being.