The Centre for Learning and Teaching provides a range of professional development opportunities to support educators, including flexible workshops, in-depth programs and certificates, dedicated retreats for focused reflection and course design, and short or studio courses that offer practical, targeted learning experiences. Together, these offerings support continuous growth and excellence in teaching.
Workshops
The Centre for Learning and Teaching offers a range of workshops designed to support teaching and learning. All sessions can be tailored to specific disciplines or teams, serving as flexible starting points rather than a fixed menu. if you don’t see what you need, we’re happy to design something bespoke. Workshops are offered year-round, typically run 60 minutes to 2.5 hours.
Retreats
Teaching and Learning Centre retreats provide dedicated, focused time for educators to reflect on and enhance their teaching practices. Through a combination of guided activities, collaboration, and independent work, participants can explore course design, curriculum development, and pedagogical approaches in a supportive, distraction-free environment.
The teaching dossier (or portfolio) is widely used by faculty members and instructors to document their teaching experiences and to provide evidence of the quality of their teaching practice. Teaching dossiers and teaching philosophies are increasingly required for faculty and teaching positions at many institutions. At Dalhousie, candidates for faculty appointments, re-appointment, tenure, or promotion are usually required to submit a teaching dossier as part of the application process.
The annual graduate teaching dossier retreat takes place in the fall term. This two-week retreat covers the fundamentals of a teaching dossier (e.g., teaching philosophy, student evaluations, teaching materials), and will provide you with an opportunity to take the time to start developing the foundations to your own dossier and reflect on your learning and teaching experiences. You will also have the opportunity to give and receive peer feedback. The retreat facilitator will also be available to answer questions and offer guidance on the development of your dossier.
This day-long, collaborative retreat is designed with you in mind, offering dedicated time to revisit your courses and identify what needs your attention before the fall semester begins.
The Course (Re)Design Retreat offers instructors dedicated time to conduct a deep review, or redesign, of inherited or pre-existing courses.
Studio and Short Courses
Our Short and Studio Courses are open to Dalhousie instructors and staff and offers a deeper dive into a specific aspect of teaching and learning practice, usually with a practical focus and often incorporating a micro-credential. Learn more about studio course [login required].
