Winter Pedagogy Series
The Pedagogy Series runs every January, with sessions offered across the month, to help instructors with their pedagogical preparations for courses starting in February.
Perched between the busy Fall and Spring, Winter provides opportunities to reflect on last semester and think anew about the work of the semester ahead. Join us as we revisit objectives, retool, and learn together effective approaches to this essential work.
2027 Winter Pedagogy Series Schedule
This year, our programs have been designed to respond to faculty needs and to engage with campus partners. In early October, we surveyed the chairs and program directors to assess the biggest teaching challenges on campus. We then designed a select list of programs to help address those challenges. Some programs are run through our own units—the Q-Center, the Writing Center, Fellowships and Health Professions. Others are partnerships with campus stakeholders—Oratory Now, the Center for Student Success, Center for Health and Wellness, Admissions Office, and the AI Studio.
This series offers workshops, conversations, and dedicated work time to think and learn alongside colleagues. If you have other programming ideas or partnership opportunities in mind, please reach out as we make plans for Spring 2027!
For a full list of events for registration see the CTLR Events calendar.
Week 1 - January 4–8, 2027
The Writing Center (LIB 225)
Faculty Writing Group First Meeting
Under the continued leadership of Niwaeli Kimambo (Geography), the Writing Center at Davis Library will host a faculty writing group starting January 4. The faculty writing group will meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 8-11 am in the Writing Center (LIB 225). See the Writing Center calendar for additional days. If you are interested in access to writing space at different times, please reach out to Melissa Hammerle, director of the Writing Center.
Week 2 - January 11–15, 2027
Zoom
State of the Student Body in 2027: A Panel Presentation
One of the challenges of teaching is how to respond to different levels of preparedness in the classroom. In this session, faculty will have a chance to hear from campus offices, including the Center for Student Success, the Center for Health and Wellness, the Office of Admissions, and the tutoring centers of CTLR. A short Q&A session will follow. Please register for the Zoom link.
Kirk Alumni Center
Foundations of AI Literacy Workshop
A two-day workshop by liberal arts faculty for liberal arts faculty to build functional literacy and understanding of AI. While the question of whether to use AI in classrooms remain the purview of individual faculty, increased understanding of AI can build trust with students and clarify learning goals. Participants will be guided through foundational practices, principles, and a range of tools. Participants will receive a stipend of $250. Led by teaching faculty from Bowdoin College’s Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity. Sponsored by CTLR.
Please register by December 4, 2026.
Week 3 - January 18–22, 2027
TBA
Oral Exams: Learning and Workshop Spaces - Panel & Workshop
In partnership with Oratory Now, these events support faculty interested in designing oral exams. On January 21, we will start with a ~45-minute panel featuring faculty from various disciplines. Afterwards, and again on January 28, participants will have time to redesign existing assessments to incorporate an oral component.
You are welcome to attend one or both sessions, and we encourage you to bring an assignment to workshop. Registration appreciated but not required.
Week 4 - January 25–29, 2027
CTLR (LIB 225)
Writing Letters of Recommendation
Join Lisa Gates, Mary Lothrop, and Hannah Benz for a conversation about writing letters of recommendation for different purposes: fellowships, medical school, summer research, and graduate programs. What makes recommendations most effective? How can you tailor letters for different purposes? This lunch event will launch a new Guide to Writing Letters of Recommendation. We will discuss the style, content, and purpose of different letters, point out potential pitfalls and possible remedies, and analyze examples. Please register for the lunch by Tuesday, 1/19.
TBA
Oral Exams: Learning and Workshop Spaces - Second Workshop
In partnership with Oratory Now, these events support faculty interested in designing oral exams. On January 21, we will start with a ~45-minute panel featuring faculty from various disciplines. Afterwards, and again on January 28, participants will have time to redesign existing assessments to incorporate an oral component.
You are welcome to attend one or both sessions, and we encourage you to bring an assignment to workshop. Registration appreciated but not required.
Past Winter Pedagogy Series
2026 - Teaching with Intention
2025 - Winter Pedagogy Series (Focus on Generative AI)
2024 - Learning Is the Goal
2023 - Learning Lessons from Ourselves and Each Other
Note: Prior to 2026 this series was called the Contemporary Teaching Series.