As the new semester began, the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) at UIC successfully concluded its annual Induction Program (IP), a series of professional development workshops designed to enhance teaching effectiveness and promote academic excellence. Held from 17 to 26 February 2025, the program welcomed faculty and teaching support staff, especially newcomers, to explore a wide range of pedagogical topics and strategies aimed at improving course delivery and fostering student success.

Workshop Series Overview

1. Aligning Assessments with Learning Outcomes (17 February)

Dr. Jesse Owen Hearns-Branaman, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Communication (FHSS), led the first workshop, “Practical Implications of Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs) and Criterion-Referenced Assessment (CRA).” Participants explored strategies for designing effective CILOs, timing assessments appropriately and creating clear rubrics to ensure fair and transparent evaluation.

2. Mastering iSpace for Digital Teaching (19 February)

Ms. Suri Suyi Li, Senior IT Technician (ITSC), delivered a hands-on tutorial on UIC’s e-learning platform, iSpace. Attendees learned to navigate the system, upload course materials, and utilize the system’s other  tools for blended learning, empowering faculty to confidently integrate technology into their teaching practices and better communicate with students.

3. Embracing AI in Curriculum Reform (20 February)

The third workshop, “Future-Oriented Curriculum Reform Strategies,” featured insights from Prof. Yu Huang (Associate Vice President for Teaching and Learning) and Dr. Milen Jissov (Associate Director of CTL). The speakers outlined UIC’s plans to launch transdisciplinary majors and embed AI literacy into its general education curriculum. The session underscored the university’s commitment to better prepare students for future competition in an innovation-driven era.

4. Launching the Mentor Caring Program (21 February)

Dr. Maggie Mei-Kit Tang (FHSS) and Ms. Joann Chen (SAO) introduced UIC’s new Mentor Caring Program (MCP), which aims to strengthen student support through structured mentorship roles. Faculty gained clarity on the responsibilities of Academic Mentors, Faculty Coordinators of Student Affairs, and Peer Mentors. The presenters discussed how mentors in these positions offer care for students and support students’ academic, personal, and social growth.

5. Elevating Teaching Excellence (26 February)

The final session was conducted by Prof. Yanan Lin, a distinguished educator and Special Advisor to UIC’s CTL. Drawing from his extensive experience in educational development, Prof. Lin shared his insights on mastering teaching skills highlighting the importance of continuous improvement in teaching practices, and offering strategies to enhance pedagogical effectiveness.

Program Impact

The 2025 Induction Program attracted significant participation, with over 40 faculty members and teaching staff taking part in its workshops. The Program received highly positive feedback for its practical approach to teaching and learning, its focus on digital tools and technologies, and the wealth of knowledge shared by seasoned faculty members and experts. By equipping faculty with cutting-edge pedagogical approaches, the Program reinforces UIC’s dedication to academic innovation and student-centered learning.