ISW Program Goals

• Widely recognized as a forum for peer-based instructional development, the ISW is designed to strengthen instructors' skills through intensive, yet practical exercises in learner-centered teaching.  Mixing small and large group interaction, the workshop will engage participants in:
  • generating effective feedback and discussion 
  • planning and delivering "mini-lessons" 
  • developing participatory instructional techniques 
  • listening actively 
  • learning and teaching collaboratively
• Through the workshop, facilitators will provide constructive feedback, encouraging participants to experiment and attempt new methods not normally used in their discipline.  A digital recording will be used to provide an individualized record of progress and participants will be actively engaged in the feedback process.  A unique and rewarding experience, the ISW not only builds skills and confidence, but also enables participants to learn from and foster partnerships with colleagues from other disciplines.
• Participants successfully completing the entire 3-day program will receive a Certificate of Completion that may be applied as credit to the Provincial Instructor Diploma Program.  This "graduation" ceremony will take place at the end of Day 3. 

• ISW participants should note that in addition to the 3 days of “in-class” work, there is also some homework. In other words, participants are advised to reserve time outside of class time for this additional work and avoid scheduling other activities.

Participation Your commitment to the workshop for the entire three days should be complete--attendance during the hours listed above is important for your success in the program. You will be working in small groups for most of the workshop.  We have found that it is critical for the success of each small group’s work together that participants do not have any other appointments during the workshop hours.  Participants in previous workshops have also highlighted that it is important not to try to conduct regular university business during the 3-day program.