A Place for Faculty at UCA to Converse about Teaching Matters
by guest contributor Dr. Katherine Bray, UCA School of Communication Do you ever wonder whether your colleagues grade presentations the same way you do? Even the most detailed rubric can only go so far—effective assessment also requires calibration. But what does calibration mean, and why does it matter? Calibration (often called norming) is a collaborative... Continue Reading →
As instructors, we want to not just deliver content to students; we want them to learn! But all too often, we can’t tell if learning is happening until it’s time to assess for a grade. This is why researchers at Harvard’s Project Zero, led by Ron Ritchhart, have developed a framework of visible thinking strategies... Continue Reading →
College educators are constantly searching for tools that can help us work more efficiently while enhancing the learning experience for our students. NotebookLM, a closed AI tool available in your Google Workspace institutional account, has emerged as a valuable resource that can transform how we prepare course materials, develop assessments, and engage with academic content.... Continue Reading →
The emergence of powerful generative AI tools like ChatGPT presents real challenges to maintaining academic integrity in our classrooms, whether assignments are submitted online or in person. It is completely understandable that as faculty, we seek efficient ways to ensure that student submissions genuinely reflect their critical thinking and effort. In response, companies have rushed... Continue Reading →
While Generative AI is becoming more and more integrated into our daily lives, some instructors are looking for ways to resist using it as much as possible. Whether this is for moral concerns, environmental reasons, or intellectual concerns, it remains a valid position in the spectrum of responses to this complex new landscape. Although it... Continue Reading →
Finding a meeting time that works for everyone can feel like a complex puzzle. Sharing your Google Calendar is a fantastic solution, letting colleagues see your availability at a glance. But what if you don’t want your team to see the details of your dentist appointment or parent-teacher conference? Thankfully, you can share your availability... Continue Reading →
Teaching first-year students comes with unique rewards and challenges. These students are navigating a significant transition from high school to college, and as their instructors, we play a pivotal role in setting them up for long-term academic success. That's why the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Academic Leadership (CETAL), in partnership with Student Success... Continue Reading →
The conversation about artificial intelligence in higher education has moved far beyond whether it belongs in our classrooms—it's already here. Recently, UCA faculty and staff who attended CETAL’s AI mini-conference shared their candid advice for colleagues grappling with AI integration. Acceptance Over Avoidance The most resounding message from our colleagues? Stop running from reality. As... Continue Reading →
Teaching excellence doesn't happen by accident—it's cultivated through continuous learning, professional growth, and access to the right resources. At the University of Central Arkansas, faculty members have a valuable opportunity to enhance their teaching effectiveness through the Faculty Development Grants program, administered by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Academic Leadership. Whether you're a... Continue Reading →
As the end of the semester approaches, it’s easy to get swept up in the rush of final grades, last-minute meetings, and student emails. But this moment—right before everything winds down—is one of the most valuable times for faculty to reflect, reset, and prepare for the next term. Whether you're teaching fully online, in a... Continue Reading →
Teaching Matters @ UCA 