Events

Past Event

Essentials of Teaching 2: Designing Learning Objectives (In-Person)

February 4, 2025
10:10 AM - 11:40 AM
America/New_York
Butler Library, 535 W. 114 St., New York, NY 10027 203

Learn about and engage with backward design: a scalable, end-in-mind approach to instruction that will help you effectively plan an activity, a class session, or an entire course. In this workshop for graduate students, we will discuss how to use previously-determined and described learning objectives as part of the backward design approach to drive assignments, feedback, and in-class activities for students.

Prior to this session, participants are expected to have completed a 20-minute module on Canvas. To get started on the module, self-enroll in the Essentials Canvas site here: https://courseworks2.columbia.edu/enroll/CBT7BT.

By the end of this session, participants should be able to:

  • Describe the Backward Design process and how to use this approach in their own teaching practice.
  • Develop learning objectives for their students.
  • Explain the connection between learning objectives, assessments, and assignments.

***Registration will close the night before this session***

The Essentials of Teaching and Learning workshop series for graduate students is focused on giving you tools as a new or developing instructor to better facilitate student learning and improve your teaching practice. These workshops are best experienced sequentially.

This is the second of 4 sessions being held at the same time on the following dates:

  • Creating an Inclusive Course Climate, 1/28
  • Backward Design and Learning Objectives, 2/4
  • Active Learning, 2/11
  • Assessment and Feedback for Learning, 2/18

For more information and registration links for these additional sessions, visit the CTL website,

Attending this workshop and posting reflections satisfies a Foundational Track requirement for participants in the Teaching Development Program (TDP). See the TDP website for details.

Columbia University makes every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Contact [email protected] or 212.854.1692 for accommodations.

This event may be recorded and CTL staff may take photographs. If you have any concerns, contact [email protected].

Contact Information

Center for Teaching and Learning