1301
How to Teach Complex Scientific Concepts Clearly
This workshop equips educators and communicators with practical strategies to make complex scientific ideas accessible and engaging. Participants will learn how to simplify technical content without losing accuracy, using analogies, visuals, and storytelling to enhance understanding. All graduate students are welcome. This event grows out of concerns in the Immunology department, and so may be […]
225 (Raisler Lounge)
Rethinking Teaching Through User-Centered Summer School Design
In this session, the facilitator will draw on experience organizing three summer programs—COSMO, a motor control summer school; Neuromatch, a large-scale, three-week online program; and Neuro4Pros, a faculty-only summer school. The presentation will outline how each program is structured, the learning philosophies that guide them, and the practical decisions that shape participant experience. By comparing […]
Designing Syllabi for Clarity and Engagement
The syllabus is a familiar document and often neglected by students. In this session, participants will explore essential syllabus components— particularly thinking about how to organize the course around key questions and ideas that will engage students, as well as the policies, assignments and grade breakdown students are searching for —and will further consider how […]
Assigning Reading in the Age of AI
Participants will discuss how to motivate students to read for class on their own by setting clear expectations for how students should be reading as well as accountability (by using quizzes or online tools like Perusall) so that students value the process of reading as part of learning.
Active In-class Uses of Generative AI
Participants will consider how to design in-class activities that use generative AI in productive ways. The group will explore ideas for AI-based activities that expose students to new material, promote critical thinking, and provide timely feedback on their learning.
301
Mentorship: Teaching Outside of the Classroom
This panel explores how meaningful learning happens beyond formal education in the classroom. This workshop empowers participants to become effective mentors, fostering growth, confidence, and curiosity in others through real-world guidance and support. All graduate students are welcome. This event grows out of concerns in the Immunology department, and so may be most useful to […]
Meyerson Conference Room (223)
AI Principles & Practices Series: AI Essentials
In this introductory workshop in the AI Principles & Practices Series, you will engage in hands-on activities to explore the core functions of popular generative AI tools, including those available at Penn. You will learn how to identify appropriate tools for common tasks and evaluate the reliability of their outputs. No prior AI experience is […]
CETLI Seminar Room, 134
Teaching Students AI Literacy
Faculty play a critical role in guiding students to engage with AI tools in ways that encourage students to use these tools effectively. In this session, Professors Karen Detlefsen of Philosophy and Chris Callison-Burch of Computer and Information Science will share how they ensure their students understand AI, and the assignments they use to show […]
Meyerson Conference Room (223)
AI Principles & Practices Series: AI in the Classroom
In this interactive session in the AI Principles & Practices Series, we will explore ways to support student learning by integrating AI into teaching, setting expectations, and encouraging open dialogue around student AI use. You will learn how to determine whether AI supports specific pedagogical goals and leave with actionable strategies to leverage AI in […]
Meyerson Conference Room (223)
AI Principles & Practices Series: AI in the Workplace
In this skills-focused workshop in the AI Principles & Practices Series, you will use generative AI tools to make common workplace tasks easier and more efficient. You will learn to craft effective prompts and identify use cases where AI does or does not add value to your work. No technical background is needed – just […]
104
Treating Students as Whole People
Finding ways to allow students to be honest about what they think, their experiences, and thoughts, as well as the challenges they face, is part of welcoming students to class as whole people. In this conversation, Brian Kim of REES and Rand Quinn of GSE, will talk about how they support students in their first-year […]
CETLI Seminar Room, 134
Preparing Students for Exams
Professors Lori Ann Winner of Nursing and Swapneel Sheth of Computer and Information Science will kick off the conversation by discussing their approaches to preparing students throughout the semester, review sessions that foster deeper understanding, and how they alleviate student stress and anxiety around exams.
CETLI Seminar Room, 134
Generating and Responding to Student Feedback
In this conversation, participants will explore strategies for collecting feedback from students that can be translated into better teaching and improved student learning. Professors Tobias Baumgart of Chemistry and Travis McGaha of Computer and Information Science will start the conversation by sharing their approaches to gathering feedback to refine their teaching.
Meyerson Conference Room (223)
AI Principles & Practices Series: AI Essentials
In this introductory workshop in the AI Principles & Practices Series, you will engage in hands-on activities to explore the core functions of popular generative AI tools, including those available at Penn. You will learn how to identify appropriate tools for common tasks and evaluate the reliability of their outputs. No prior AI experience is required. […]
CETLI Seminar Room, 134
Using Writing to Support the Process of Thinking
Writing allows students to clarify their own thinking and deepen their understanding of course material. To start the conversation, Professors Elly Truitt of History and Sociology of Science and Henry Towsner of Math will explain how and why they integrate writing into their classes to foster students’ intellectual growth.
Meyerson Conference Room (223)
AI Principles & Practices Series: AI in the Classroom
In this interactive session in the AI Principles & Practices Series, we will explore ways to support student learning by integrating AI into teaching, setting expectations, and encouraging open dialogue around student AI use. You will learn how to determine whether AI supports specific pedagogical goals and leave with actionable strategies to leverage AI in teaching […]
Accessible Pedagogy: Graphs & Equations
In courses where graphs, equations, and data displays are common teaching tools, accessibility can be particularly challenging. In this session, participants will learn about some strategies and tools for making these digital course items more accessible.
Meyerson Conference Room (223)
AI Principles & Practices Series: AI in the Workplace
In this skills-focused workshop in the AI Principles & Practices Series, you will use generative AI tools to make common workplace tasks easier and more efficient. You will learn to craft effective prompts and identify use cases where AI does or does not add value to your work. No technical background is needed – just curiosity […]
301
Teaching Research
This workshop examines the art of teaching research as both a process and a mindset. Through discussion and activities, participants will consider how to mentor students in designing studies, analyzing data, and communicating their findings with clarity and purpose. All graduate students are welcome. This event grows out of concerns in the Immunology department, and […]
Meyerson Conference Room (223)
AI Principles & Practices Series: AI Essentials
In this introductory workshop in the AI Principles & Practices Series, you will engage in hands-on activities to explore the core functions of popular generative AI tools, including those available at Penn. You will learn how to identify appropriate tools for common tasks and evaluate the reliability of their outputs. No prior AI experience is required. […]
104
Getting Students to Ask and Answer Good Questions
First-year seminars are intended to introduce students to the research process, which starts with asking questions. In this session, Pete Harnish of Physics and Jo Park of English will kick off the conversation by discussing how they support student learning by making asking questions a normal, comfortable part of class. This workshop is a collaboration […]
Meyerson Conference Room (223)
AI Principles & Practices Series: AI in the Workplace
In this skills-focused workshop in the AI Principles & Practices Series, you will use generative AI tools to make common workplace tasks easier and more efficient. You will learn to craft effective prompts and identify use cases where AI does or does not add value to your work. No technical background is needed – just curiosity […]
CETLI Seminar Room, 134
Creating a Classroom that Welcomes International Students
International students bring unique perspectives and strengths to American classrooms. Yet, they may also feel marginalized or unwelcome. To start this conversation, Professors Tom Daniels of City and Regional Planning and Anne Pomerantz of the Graduate School of Education will share how they create welcoming environments and messages that include and encourage international students.
CETLI Seminar Room, 134
Grading Systems that Help Students Focus on Learning, not Grades
Faculty have long been looking for ways to shift students’ attention away from grades and towards learning. To begin a larger conversation on grading options, Ameena Ghaffar-Kucher of the Graduate School of Education and Meredith Tamminga of Linguistics will highlight their distinct approaches to reimagining assessment and grading policies.
CETLI Seminar Room, 134
Oral Check-Ins and Milestones
In response to the growing use of generative AI tools by students, faculty have begun adding oral assessments to other graded exercises as a measurement of authentic student learning. Ruth Elliott of Biology and Emily Hammer of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures will share how they have included oral components in their classes to begin […]

