AdvancED | Teaching at Vanderbilt

“Teaching at Vanderbilt” (TAV) is AdvancED’s annual orientation for all new full-time and part-time faculty. The orientation is an opportunity for new faculty to meet each other and to learn how our team can support them throughout their Vanderbilt careers.

PLEASE NOTE: "Teaching at Vanderbilt" is distinct from and complementary to the general New Faculty Orientation sponsored by the Provost’s Office. Thus, faculty who will play an instructional role at Vanderbilt are encouraged to attend both events.

Please choose three of the concurrent sessions offered below.

Fostering Deep Thinking: Discussion Techniques

Facilitator: Jen Wilson, Ph.D. | Director of OEDD, AdvancED

Buttrick 101

In this session we will consider some of the most significant challenges to leading generative and meaningful discussions and how we may overcome. We will explore a variety of techniques for organizing class discussions, effective methods of facilitation, and approaches to assessment that enable critical reflection and improvement. By modeling some discussion leading practices and providing useful resources, this workshop will help you to engage students more fully and find greater joy in teaching.

Teaching in the Time of Artificial Intelligence

Facilitators: Marcy Pedzwater, Ph.D. | Instructional Design Manager, AdvancED

Buttrick 102 (Auditorium)

Few issues have garnered as much attention from educators in recent months as the growth of AI and its impacts on teaching and learning in higher education. In this session we will discuss some of the challenges and opportunities that AI presents for our students’ learning, and some valuable teaching techniques that we may embrace to help them, both avoid its misuse, and leverage its strengths for their intellectual growth.

Supporting Student Belonging

Facilitator: Boni Yraguen, Ph.D. | Instructional Consultant, AdvancED

Buttrick 201

In this session, we will discuss some research-supported strategies for promoting diverse students’ sense of belonging and deeper engagement with course content, including approaches developed by Vanderbilt faculty. We will also consider how instructors can share power with their students while supporting them in developing closer relationships with each other throughout the semester and beyond. Participants will be provided with resources and contacts to support their continued personal growth around issues of equity, diversity, and educational justice in higher education.

Balancing Teaching and Research: Effective Course Management Strategies

Facilitator: Bryson McGuire, Ed.D. | Manager of Teaching Development and Initiatives, AdvancED

Buttrick 202

Balancing teaching and research responsibilities is a common challenge for many faculty members. Striking the right balance is essential for both faculty success and well-being. Effective course management ensures that teaching responsibilities are handled efficiently, leaving more time and energy for research activities. This workshop is designed to address this critical issue by providing practical strategies for managing courses and balancing teaching responsibilities with research commitments. Participants will learn how to efficiently manage their teaching duties while maintaining a robust research agenda, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and productive academic career. This session will equip participants with the tools and techniques needed to achieve this balance, fostering both personal and professional growth.

The Student Care Network and Supporting Students in Distress

Facilitators: Lisa Clapper, Director, Student Care Network, & Katherine Drotos Cuthbert, Assistant Director, Center for Student Wellbeing

Buttrick 112

The Student Care Network is a holistic network of wellbeing resources designed to support the health and well-being of all Vanderbilt students. Learn more about the Student Care Network, how to best connect students with these helpful resources, and how to help support students who experience personal challenges and severe distress.

Teaching At Vanderbilt

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Join us for a dynamic Teaching At Vanderbilt orientation designed to equip you with the essential skills to be successful in the classroom. Sign up today to take the first step towards excelling your career and making a meaningful impact in student's lives.