Lessons learned from the pandemic

• It is a good practice to assess the students progress regularly and consistently during the term, but it needs to be balanced so as not to overload students. They take on average five courses per term (not to mention that many work to pay for their studies), so your course cannot monopolize all their waking hours.
• Recording live sessions (even without any editing) is extremely useful to students, who can retrieve information later on if they have missed it for one reason or another. They really appreciate it, and it usually takes minimal time for profs to offer this extra support.

At the Faculty

Since current students have gone through a completely different academic training from what professors went through (which was years ago, and/or in a different country, and/or in a different academic system), there is likely no good reason for professors to teach students in exactly the same way as they were taught. This calls for some profound questions and discussions.

In addition, accreditation requirements at the program level trickle down to the course level, and affect what is expected from the students in the course, and to some extent, how the course material is delivered. It is important for professors to have a good understanding of this landscape (from discussion with colleagues, the Program Coordinator, or the Department Chair).

Teaching innovation can take many forms, and every professor is more than welcome to experiment with their own ideas. For inspiration, advice, feedback, do not hesitate to contact members of the School of Engineering Design and Teaching Innovation, which was established recently to redefine the engineering learning experience at the Faculty of Engineering.

On campus

The Teaching and Learning Support Service (TLSS) mandate is to nurture and promote innovation and excellence in teaching and learning at all levels of the University. The role of the TLSS falls into three broad categories:

1. Establishing and maintaining the best possible teaching and learning environment on campus;
2. Promoting innovative approaches to teaching which take the learner and the faculty’s needs into consideration and then providing support to those who implement them;
3. To lead and assist the university community with the integration of new learning technologies into its various programs and courses.

The TLSS regularly organizes workshops, seminars and training sessions on a variety of topics throughout the year. Check your email for invitations.

Note that there is usually funding available for professors who wish to develop new course material in French and/or online material.