Course Preparation Retreat
Most semesters, the CTE offers a virtual Course Preparation Retreat a few weeks before classes start. This four-day virtual retreat provides a structured opportunity for instructors to work on preparing their courses in conversation with colleagues. The retreat is open to all BC faculty and Teaching Fellows who design their own syllabus.
Overall Structure
To allow for easier collaboration among participants, the retreat focuses on a different aspect of course preparation each day, with participants identifying their own daily work goals within that general structure. A companion Canvas course provides resources targeted to each day’s topic:
Day 1: Defining learning goals
Day 2: Designing major assessments
Day 3: Scaffolding student learning
Day 4: Constructing equitable learning environments
Daily Schedule
Participants log into Zoom each day at 9:15 for an hour-long workshop about that day’s focus and a chance to set their intentions for the day. They then log off to work independently. At 2:30, participants reconvene on Zoom, where they have the opportunity to share what they’ve been working on and get feedback from a small group of colleagues. We will end each day by 4:00 (if not earlier).
Additional Help Available
CTE staff are available via Zoom each day of the retreat to serve as sounding boards for participants as they work out their ideas.