CIRTL Certification
In addition to working on obtaining my Ph.D. in Biophysical Chemistry, I am also working on fulfilling a teaching certification program designed and developed by the Center of the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL). This program was developed to help prepare and train STEM graduate students for a future in high education and requires 15 credit hours in courses designed for teaching at the college level, active participation in discipline centered journal clubs, development of a teaching portfolio, and allows the student to be mentored by a faculty member in their department. Learn more at UAB's CIRTL website.
GRD715 – TA Training Course
GRD715 is designed to prepare first year STEM graduate students for teaching assistance positions. This course prepares students for the first day, discusses how to handle problems that may arise, and walks students through lesson plan development. GRD716 – Developing a Teaching Portfolio This hybrid course guides participants in developing a Teaching Portfolio for improving teaching practices and enhancing job search potential. The web-based curriculum introduces essential elements of the portfolio, provides tools for gathering necessary documentation, and through individual feedback from the instructor, assists participants in drafting a personal Philosophy of Teaching, upon which the Portfolio is built. CH702 – Principles in Chemical Instruction CH702 is a journal club specializing in chemistry education. Each week, students share and evaluate current literature the focus on teaching in chemistry. GRD761 – CIRTL Special Topics These online courses addresses topics of current interest related to college teaching provided by the national CIRTL network. To satisfy this requirement I took: Planning Your Career: Developing Your Academic Portfolio Basics of Online Learning & Teaching |
GRD705 – Teaching at the College Level and Beyond
This course provides an overview of many important aspects of teaching at the college level and beyond. Topics include designing a course and writing an effective syllabus, writing learning objectives, enhancing lectures, testing and grading, dealing with challenging students and difficult situations, learning and the brain, and accessing appropriate active learning strategies. GRD750 – CIRTL Teaching and Learning Seminar I GRD751 – CIRTL Teaching and Learning Seminar II These seminars are designed to engage students in advanced topics related to teaching and learning at the university level, particularly as these topics relate to or are implemented in STEM classes. GRD755 – Teaching Practicum This course provides students a structured observation and practicum experience in which they shadow a STEM faculty member as s/he teaches a semester-long course and engage in a variety of guided teaching activities. |