P.D. for Teaching
Professional Development in Teaching activities support all of McMaster’s educators (TAs, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, instructors, faculty, and staff) as they strive to enhance their teaching and provide a positive student learning experience.
The MacPherson Institute designs and delivers a broad range of programming for educators throughout their careers from first-time teaching assistants to those preparing for teaching awards. Our goal is to provide flexible teaching development activities that are relevant to instructors at different career stages and with unique disciplinary contexts.
Key Statistics
Approximately 38% of all full-time faculty members reached from May 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024*
*372 of 975 total full-time faculty members engaged in meaningful pedagogical discussions or activities during this period (includes consultations, workshops, events, Avenue and IQAP support.) Please note: this number is an estimate based on current tracking capabilities.
Information Box Group
495 Consultations, Meetings and Workshops were delivered to educators across all Faculties, Arts & Science and Campus Partners***
***Educators is intended to include, but is not limited to, community partners, faculty, graduate students, librarians, post-doctoral fellows, sessional instructors, staff, teaching assistants, and undergraduate students who are involved in teaching in some capacity.
Accomplishments
Valuing and Evaluating Teaching Hub
Over the course of the Evaluation of Teaching Advisory Committee’s work in 2021 and subsequent 2022 implementation groups for revising McMaster’s Record of Activities, creating resources for the Peer Observation of Teaching process, and reframing Student Evaluations of Teaching to focus on students’ learning experience, it became evident that there are many projects underway at the institution to make meaningful enhancements to the work of valuing or evaluating teaching at McMaster. To coordinate and connect stakeholders involved in these various projects, the MacPherson Institute established a Valuing and Evaluating Teaching (VET) Hub. The purpose of this network was to facilitate connections across grassroots and centralized initiatives led by individuals or teams. The VET Hub will help foster the exchange of ideas, collaboration, and the identification of common challenges. The network also enables a direct line of communication with McMaster leadership and the broader university community, ensuring that their contributions to McMaster’s culture of teaching excellence are recognized.
Generative AI & Teaching and Learning
- The MacPherson Institute supported the Office of the Vice Provost, Teaching and Learning and the Deputy Provost in launching the Task Force on Generative AI in Teaching and Learning.
- In 2023, the Task Force developed the Provisional Guidelines on the Use of Generative AI in Teaching and Learning, recommended revisions to the academic integrity policy, and endorsed resources created by the MacPherson Institute.
- To support educators and programs the MacPherson Institute:
- Produced an asynchronous, self-paced module titled “Introduction to Generative AI for Educators”
- Developed 2 AI Guidebooks for instructors
- Launched the AI Dialogues podcast with 300+ listens over 10 episodes
- Delivered 2 assessment workshops, and facilitated more than 40 departmental or program workshops with over 500 educators participating.
Teaching Assistant Supports
- Enhanced content for the New TA Programming webpages
- New TA Guidebook created
Instructor Supports
- Enhanced content for the New Faculty Programming webpages
- New “Introduction to Indigenous Cultural Competency” online module added to the Learning Catalogue
- New Instructor Handbook created
Curriculum Development activities focus on enhancing student learning experiences through academic program reviews and new program development. These supports are grounded in a philosophical approach that values student-centeredness and evidence-informed decision-making.
Departments have access to support for the development and refinement of program learning outcomes, curriculum mapping, administration of site visits, coordination of the Student Curriculum Consultants program and guidance on the Quality Assurance and institutional curriculum approvals processes. Support can also be provided to programs as they implement areas of improvement or enhancement identified during the Quality Assurance process.
Institutional Quality Assurance Process Overview
Graduate and Undergraduate Programs were reviewed in 2023 and are pending final approval of Final Assessment Reports
Graduate and Undergraduate Cyclical Review site visits during the 2024 winter/spring term
Graduate and Undergraduate Programs are currently developing their Self-Study report and will be reviewed in 2025
Accomplishments
Inclusive Teaching and Learning Resources
- In response to discussions with students and instructors at McMaster, the MacPherson Institute and the Equity and Inclusion Office launched a new resource to help foster more inclusive approaches in the classroom.
- The new Inclusive Teaching and Learning Resources website offers a variety of resources, links and tools that instructors can use to support building inclusive teaching and learning spaces.
- Resources on the webpage are categorized into four themes of inclusive practice: anti-racist pedagogies, decolonization, accessibility and assessment and grading.
Additional Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) Supports
- Program Review Self-Study Guidebook reformatted into an e-book for improved accessibility and updated with prompts for EDIA considerations
- Conducted an institutional scan to understand the needs of faculty members related to decolonizing classrooms and curriculum
- Continued to partner with Student Accessibility Services regarding essential learning requirements for Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and Public Service Employment Act (PSEA)
- A new session titled “IQAP and EDIA: Sharing Experiences and Best Practices” was added to the cyclical program review lunchtime information sessions
Curriculum Development Supports
- Piloted “Curriculum Links,” a new curriculum mapping tool, which offers expanded curriculum mapping capabilities for programs. Full integration of the tool is planned for 2024-25
- Expanded the acclaimed Student Curriculum Consultants program
- Supported the development of the new Leadership and Civic Studies program proposal, also known as Wilson College, and assisted with the site visit in November 2023 (currently in the approval process at McMaster)
Digital Pedagogy activities connect the teaching and learning community at McMaster to approaches and skills to help transform teaching using digital methods, tools and media with a goal of accessible and engaging student learning experiences.
The MacPherson Institute provides pedagogical training, guidance and expertise in online, blended and open learning design, as well as the integration and use of educational technologies. Instructors can also seek advice on the pedagogical use of institutionally supported educational technology tools, Open Educational Resources and tech-enabled teaching and learning grants.
MacVideo Usage (May 2023 – April 2024)
Ed Tech Tools
The MacPherson Institute provides pedagogical training on a variety of educational technology tools that are supported through provincial funding.
H5P Studio User Accounts
New Participants in Learning to Teach Online Course
Accomplishments
EdTech Stations & Studios
In 2023, the MacPherson Institute launched 3 new EdTech Stations to support the development of teaching and learning content. Instructors can use these spaces to develop learning modules, create video and audio content, explore virtual and augmented reality tools, design web-based content and much more. These private rooms are equipped with a variety of design software and educational technology hardware to make production easy and accessible.
- In February 2024 the MacPherson Institute hosted 50+ attendees at the EdTech Open House.
- 140+ sessions have been booked to use the EdTech Stations and Studios in 2023-2024.
Open Educational Resources (OER)
Open Education Week
Hosted by Open Education Global (OEG), Open Education Week is an annual, week-long event that aims to raise awareness, showcase initiatives and highlight open education efforts in teaching and learning worldwide. Open Education Week provides instructors, practitioners and students with an opportunity to gain an understanding of open educational practices (OEP) and be inspired by the wealth of open educational resources (OER) being developed by the local and global communities.
- McMaster University Libraries and the MacPherson Institute collaborated to deliver 8 events to nearly 100 attendees.
OER Grant Program
14 faculty, instructional assistants and staff received grants to support 9 projects to foster the creation of free online textbooks and other openly licensed digital education materials in 2023-2024. The OER Grant program, supported by the Office of the Provost, McMaster Libraries, McMaster Students Union and the MacPherson Insititute, provides successful applicants with funding to create or adapt and customize OERs, enabling new pedagogical approaches and cost savings for students.
- Since 2020, grant-supported projects have saved students over $600,000 in text book costs. In 2023-2024 the program was expanded to offer $60,000 annually for 3 years.
Accessibility Programming
Over the past year, the MacPherson Institute has provided a variety of resources and workshops focused on enhancing accessibility practices in course design and delivery.
- In 2023-2024, 69 educators have participated in the 5-part workshop series on topics including Universal Design for Learning, accessible document creation and remediation, accessible assessment development and additional customized workshops for various faculties and departments.
Additional Accomplishments
- Supported the launch of McMaster’s first Digital Learning Strategy in collaboration with the Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning , University Technology Services, and McMaster Libraries.
- Developed an incentivized Online Learning Fellows program aimed at supporting faculty in their design of quality online and blended courses. The first cohort will begin learning in Spring/Summer 2024.
- Delivered two new online workshops: one on computational text analysis with Jason Brodeur and one on creating digital exhibits.
- Completed Video Streaming Content Platform Review in collaboration with University Technology Services, Campus Classroom Technologies and other campus partners.
The MacPherson Institute supports, administers and provides training for a number of Learning Technologies tools including McMaster University’s Learning Management System: Avenue to Learn. Learning Technologies continue to play an important role in the student experience as instructors adapt to hybrid learning environments and leverage media in their classrooms both in-person and online.
The MacPherson Institute provides pedagogical training on a variety of educational technology tools that are institutionally supported.
Accomplishments
Course Outline Library Project Launch
In the fall of 2023, the Course Outline Library was launched to support a streamlined and simplified creation and archiving process for undergraduate course outlines across all Faculties.
The MacPherson Institute has helped with the implementation of the tool which included building custom templates to address unique use-cases in faculties and departments, providing a variety of training opportunities and designing resources to assist with onboarding to the platform.
- 30% of undergraduate course outlines were published using the tool
- 11 training events were delivered to 160+ participants
- 300+ support tickets answered
MacPherson Institute Classroom Renovation Project
In 2023, the MacPherson Institute classroom space was updated to meet the standards set for McMaster classrooms elsewhere on campus.
Updates include:
- New 85” inch wall-mounted digital display screens
- New audio system including hand-held, lavaliere and podium microphones
- New camera system to support hybrid and online learning environments
- Touch screen central control system to control all room technology
Learning Management System
- Support was provided for the review of the institutional Learning Management System. The results indicated there was no desire to change suppliers.
- External chat service options were explored and it was determined that the solution would not meet support standards. Exploration of alternative methods to support faculty, staff and students continues as new technologies like ChatGPT evolve.
- Integrations in Avenue to Learn continue to be reviewed while institutional policies for data governance, data retention and security are developed.
Scholarly Teaching activities enhance teaching and learning by supporting, generating, disseminating, promoting and recognizing research that has the capacity to inform educational initiatives and student learning.
The MacPherson Institute’s research successes over the past five years are attributed to the rapid uptake of the Student Partners Program; successful support for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) capacity through grant funding, workshops, communities of practice, conferences and individual consultations; development of research programs focused on key areas of teaching and learning practice including equity and inclusion in higher education and student-faculty partnership; contributions to educational development in international contexts; and, the establishment of research collaborations and networks that support local and international research and practice more broadly.
Students as Partners Community Forum
In 2024, the MacPherson Institute began planning the Students as Partners Community Forum pilot event. The initiative will bring together students and educators who have created, plan to create or have participated in student partnership programs within and beyond McMaster. The proposed pilot will be a two-day event running on May 28 and June 26, 2024.
International Journal for Students as Partners
The International Journal for Students as Partners (IJSaP) is a journal about learning and teaching together in higher education. IJSaP explores new perspectives, practices, and policies regarding how students and staff are working in partnership to enhance learning and teaching in higher education. Shared responsibility for teaching and learning is the underlying premise of students as partners, and IJSaP is produced using a student-staff partnership approach.
Manuscripts Published
Faculty Reviewers
Student Reviewers
Information Box Group
Downloads
Abstract Views
Accomplishments
- Grants and Awards criteria and processes were revised to include more specific considerations for EDIA
- Expanded support programming for grant recipients including invitations to participate in Monthly Writing Days, Summer Writing Retreat, and the Innovations in Education Conference.
- Launching the first Students as Partners Community Forum in May 2024 to share knowledge and expand networks of those interested or participating in student partnership
Grant & Award Recipients
The MacPherson Institute recognizes and celebrates teaching and learning through a variety of awards and grant opportunities. Grants and awards support in acknowledging exceptional contributions to teaching as a professional practice and in some cases provide financial support to research or implement a teaching and learning initiative.
Expandable List
In partnership with the President’s Office, the MacPherson Institute supports the President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning.
Award Winners 2023
- Alpha Abebe, Faculty of Humanities
- Caitlin Mullarkey, Faculty of Health Sciences
- Elizabeth Hassan, Faculty of Engineering
- Karen Balcom, Faculty of Humanities
- Peter Cockett, Faculty of Humanities
- Rosa da Silva, Faculty of Science
- Sharonna Greenberg, Faculty of Science
- Zhen Gao, Faculty of Engineering
The MacPherson Institute awards Leadership in Teaching and Learning Fellowships each year to faculty champions who act as leaders and mentors to advance improvement in teaching and learning and to enhance student learning experiences. The award for fellows is up to $15,000 over two years.
Fellows 2023
- Anthony Chibba, Faculty of Science
- Kristina Durham, Faculty of Health Sciences
- Janet Pritchard, Faculty of Science
- Nicole Wagner, DeGroote School of Business
Fellows 2022
- Sharonna Greenberg, Faculty of Science
- Chad Harvey, Faculty of Science
- Seshasai Srinvasan, Faculty of Engineering
- Sandra VanderKaay, Faculty of Health Sciences
The MacPherson Institute supports the Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award each year. This award builds on the connection between research and teaching by engaging undergraduate students in research to enhance the learning environment and recognizes an innovative scholar within the first eight years of their research career.
Award Winner 2023
- Pat Clancy, Faculty of Science
In partnership with the University Library, the MacPherson Institute supports the Open Education Resources Grant program.
Grant Recipients 2023-2024
- Mark Busser, Careers and Experiential Education
- Anthony Chibba and Sharonna Greenberg, Faculty of Science
- Amin Reza Rajabzadeh and Konstantinos Apostolou, Faculty of Engineering
- Miranda Schmidt, Sara Cormier and Kari Dalnoki-Veress, Faculty of Science
- Erica Speakman, Faculty of Social Science
- Christine Swintak, Faculty of Humanities
- Rebecca Turner, Faculty of Science
- Felicia Vulcu and Caitlin Mullarkey, Faculty of Health Sciences
- Ruhai Wu, DeGroote School of Business
Grant Recipients 2022-2023
- Christopher Anand, Faculty of Engineering
- Anthony Chibba, Faculty of Science
- Sharonna Greenberg, Faculty of Science
- David Heidebrecht, Office of the Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning, Office of Community Engagement, Faculty of Social Sciences
- Anne Holbrook, Faculty of Health Sciences
In partnership with the Office of the Vice Provost (Teaching and Learning), the MacPherson Institute contributes funding and support for the implementation of the Partnered in Teaching and Learning Strategy.
In order to cultivate an environment where learning deeply matters and teaching is valued and recognized by the collective McMaster community, the MacPherson Institute coordinates and delivers a variety of conferences and events throughout the year. These opportunities offer members of the teaching and learning community at McMaster and beyond to learn and grow together, to build connections across institutions and disciplines, and to celebrate teaching as a professional practice.
Innovations in Education Conference
In December 2023, the MacPherson Institute hosted the annual Innovations in Education Conference with a theme focused on “Taking risks and embracing challenge.” The theme aimed to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices among educators, researchers, administrators, and other stakeholders in the field of teaching and learning. The purpose of the event was to enable an exploration of the ways educators are thinking outside the box and addressing novel challenges by taking risks to enhance the student learning experience.
The conference featured programming that explored the opportunities and challenges that arise from innovation, such as personalized learning, collaborative teaching models, interdisciplinary approaches, and inclusive education.
Keynote speaker, Ronald A. Beghetto, delivered a timely and relevant session titled “Cultivating Creative Agency in the Face of Uncertainty, Risk and Artificial Intelligence,” to initiate an engaging conversation about the possibilities and challenges faced by the teaching and learning field in the wake of this new technology.
Information Box Group
Poster Presentations
Panel Discussions
Roundtable Discussions
Teaching and Learning Month
For the fourth consecutive year, the MacPherson Institute brought together educators, faculty members, instructors and staff from across McMaster University to participate in professional development programming and celebrations of teaching as a professional practice for Teaching and Learning Month in May. The MacPherson Institute supports this initiative by coordinating and promoting events offered by the MacPherson Institute and various units across campus into a month-long event series with a single point of registration. In 2023, 12 campus partners contributed teaching and learning events with over 500 attendees engaging in sessions throughout the month.
Information Box Group
Total Events in May 2023
Events Offered by the MacPherson Institute
Events Offered by Campus Partners
Information Box Group
Attendees
Teaching and Learning Month Website Views
MacPherson-Supported Partnered Events
To support McMaster faculties, departments and programs in bringing educators together to share ideas and experiences in teaching and learning, the MacPherson Institute offered $10,000 in funding and in-kind support to run 4 teaching and learning events reaching nearly 200 participants.
Educational Development Community in Canada (EDCC)
In partnership with the Educational Development Community in Canada, the MacPherson Institute supported the development and execution of the EDCC Conference in February 2024.
Programming
- 1 Keynote Session
- 1 Panel Session
- 7 Workshops
- 1 Poster Session
- 2 Workshops
- 15 Presentations