UT Dallas Center for Teaching and Learning Newsletter

October 2025, Issue 28

Celebrate International Education Week with CTL

Whether our students are traveling abroad or coming to UT Dallas from around the world, international education enriches learning, broadens perspectives and strengthens our campus community. International Education Week (IEW), held November 10–14, is a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of Education and State that celebrates programs fostering global connection and exchange.

To mark the occasion, the Center for Teaching and Learning will host two events. On Monday, Nov.10, the Office of Intercultural Programs will lead a conversation on supporting international students as they navigate new academic and cultural experiences. On Wednesday, Nov. 12, a Virtual Exchange (VE)/Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Showcase will feature faculty from the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology and the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science sharing recent global collaborations.

Visit the CTL calendar for details and RSVP links.

Support TAs in Earning the GTC

If you work with graduate teaching assistants, encourage them to take the next step in their professional development through the Graduate Teaching Certificate (GTC) program. Designed for TAs who want to grow as instructors and prepare for future faculty roles, the GTC offers structured training in pedagogy, opportunities for reflection and practical classroom experience.

Participants complete the ACUE’s Effective Teaching 101: Starting the Semester Strong course, attend CTL workshops, receive personalized teaching feedback and gain hands-on experience in the classroom. The program helps TAs apply evidence-based teaching practices that improve student learning while building their own confidence and career readiness.

Grab & Go Tips:

Five Principles for Constructive Dialogue

At a time when conflict and division dominate headlines, fostering genuine understanding in our classrooms and meetings has never felt more urgent. The Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) offers a practical framework for navigating difficult conversations with openness, empathy and intellectual rigor.

Here are five practical principles from CDI’s What Is Constructive Dialogue framework you can use in your classroom or meetings:

Let go of winning – Treating a conversation as a battle makes people defensive and blocks learning. Approach discussions instead with curiosity and a desire to understand.

Ask questions – Thoughtful questions uncover the values and motivations behind someone’s views, opening space for real connection.

Share stories – Stories add context and emotion. Sharing why an issue matters to you invites others to do the same and fosters understanding.

Respond rather than react – When emotions rise, pause before replying. A deliberate response moves the conversation forward more effectively than a quick reaction.

Find what’s shared – Look for common ground, even small points of agreement. Shared understanding builds trust and helps sustain dialogue amid disagreement.

Calendar

Thursday, Oct. 30
“Teaching Online in the Age of AI: Session 2: Academic Integrity in Online Courses” 4 to 5 p.m., Microsoft Teams — Facilitated by Carol Cirulli Lanham, MS’09, PhD’11, CTL Associate Director. “Academic Integrity in Online Courses,” this session will explore ways to set expectations, talk with students about AI use and design courses that support accountability without relying on surveillance. RSVP by Oct. 29.

Thursday, Nov. 6
“AI in Teaching,” noon to 1 p.m., Microsoft Teams — Facilitated by Provost’s Teaching Fellow Sarah E. Moore, MA’07, PhD’17. This session provides a practical introduction to integrating AI into your teaching. Learn simple prompting strategies and explore how generative tools can enhance classroom engagement and efficiency. RSVP by Nov. 5.

Thursday, Nov. 6
“CTL Virtual Office Hours: With Students, For Students,” 4 to 5 p.m., Microsoft Teams — Facilitated by Dr. Emily Touchstone (Speech, Language, Hearing), Srimathi Srinivasan (Computer Science), and Dr. Kristin Atchison (Psychology). This interactive session highlights student perspectives on classroom engagement and inclusivity, offering insight into what makes a positive and effective learning environment. RSVP by Nov. 5.

Monday, Nov. 10
“Supporting International Students: Practical Strategies for a Successful Cultural Transition,” 1 to 2 p.m., CTL Conference Room MC 2.404 — Facilitated by Intercultural Programs, Student Affairs. Join us to share experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from one another and our presenter, Leticia Zamarripa, Director of Global Engagement, as we identify practical ways to enhance the international student experience at UT Dallas. RSVP by Nov 9.

Wednesday, Nov. 12
“VE/COIL Faculty Showcase,” 1 to 2 p.m., Microsoft Teams — Facilitated by Carol Cirulli Lanham, MS’09, PhD’11, CTL Associate Director. Held as part of International Education Week, this virtual event highlights global collaborations between UT Dallas students and their international peers through the Virtual Exchange/Collaborative Online International Learning (VE/COIL) initiative. RSVP by Nov. 11.

Thursday, Nov. 13
“UT System Webinar Series: Solving What Matters—Real-World Problems, Real-World Thinking,” 1 to 2 p.m., Zoom — Facilitated by Danielle Bailey and QEP faculty panelists from UT Tyler. This session explores how real-world problem solving strengthens students’ analytical and applied learning skills. Presenters will share strategies for integrating authentic, complex problems into coursework and assessing problem-solving activities both within and beyond traditional course content. The discussion underscores how these practices prepare world-ready graduates and reflect the enduring value of higher education. RSVP by Nov. 12.

Friday, Nov. 14
“Teaching Online in the Age AI: Session Three: Assessing Student Learning in an AI Landscape,” 1 to 2 p.m., Microsoft Teams — Facilitated by Carol Cirulli Lanham, MS’09, PhD’11, CTL associate director. This series is designed for faculty who teach hybrid or asynchronous online courses and are navigating the impact of generative AI on their teaching. Come with questions, share what you’re trying and connect with others facing similar challenges. RSVP by Nov. 13.

The University of Texas at Dallas

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972-883-2111

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