MCRO 600V - Instructional Skills Workshop Micro-credential

Course Description

The Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) Micro Credential is a comprehensive three-tiered instructor development program that serves as the foundation for several professional development activities.
The Instructional Skills Workshop is offered within a small group setting and is designed to enhance the teaching effectiveness of both new and experienced educators. During the 3 day workshop, participants design and conduct three “mini-lessons” and receive verbal, written and video feedback from the other participants who have been learners in the mini-lessons. Using an intensive experiential learning approach, participants are provided with information on the theory and practice of teaching adult learners, the selection and writing of useful learning objectives with accompanying lesson plans, techniques for eliciting learner participation, and suggestions for evaluation of learning.

The workshop encourages reflection and examination of one’s teaching practices with feedback focused on the learning process rather than on the specific content of the lesson. Effective feedback skills, practiced in the workshop, are useful for educators in the classroom and also as they conduct their regular institutional business.

The ISW engenders participatory learning and the building of community that can transfer back into the classroom and the institution. Participation in a workshop creates an opportunity for new faculty to learn about the unique culture and value system of the organization and can also be a renewing and revitalizing activity for more seasoned members. Added benefits are a sense of collegiality, team building, self-discovery, and learning new approaches to working with others.

Learner Outcomes

• How to design a lesson plan that contains clearly defined steps to improve the clarity of lessons
• How to write learning outcomes
• Active learning strategies
• The reflective process
• Learning and teaching styles
• Assessment techniques that can be used immediately in the classroom
• How to work effectively in groups
• How to give and receive constructive feedback
• Increased confidence as an educator

A typical ISW includes:
A review of important concepts in group teaching situations, such as planning a lesson, increasing participatory learning and providing feedback to students
The opportunity to teach three short lessons in a group setting, and to receive constructive feedback from facilitator and peers
Sessions on a variety of teaching and learning topics such as learning styles, questioning skills, classroom activities and evaluation of student learning
Role modeling of teaching styles by workshop facilitators