Focus on events
The Centre for Teaching and Learning’s (CTL) “Focus On” events are a series of engaging half-day or full-day synchronous and/or asynchronous experiences comprising workshops, interactive sessions, ed tech demos, keynote speakers, vendor booths, delicious treats and much more!
Purposes and benefits
The “Focus On” events are tailored to:
- Connect a community of educators dedicated to excellence in teaching.
- Provide a platform for faculty to share innovative strategies.
- Explore new pedagogical approaches.
- Collaborate on enhancing student learning experiences.
Participants gain valuable insights into effective teaching practices and leave with practical tools to apply in their classrooms. These experiences support educators in their roles as designers, researchers, inclusive practitioners, changemakers, digital navigators, collaborators, reflectors, and mentors.
Annual events and schedule
The CTL proudly hosts 6 to 8 “Focus On” events each year, including the premier event, Focus on Teaching Conference.
Our planned “Focus On” events for 2024-25 are as below:
Focus on Teaching Conference
Each year, the Focus on Teaching Conference brings together our Georgian community to share practices, experiences and insights about learning and teaching. Faculty and students continue to work together to explore new learning and venture into amazing futures.
We’re excited to support and inspire our community of teachers and celebrate as we recognize all the ways we work together, create and share knowledge, and connect learning inside and outside the classroom.
The last Focus on Teaching Conference took place on 2-3 May 2024. See the highlights video here.
Focus on Teaching Conference 2025
Georgian College’s Focus on Teaching Conference is returning on April 30, 2025. All are invited to join us for the Focus on Teaching Conference where we will gather to reflect, learn, and appreciate the work we all do, the people who inspire us, and the resilience that carries us forward. Read more about this year’s Focus on Teaching Conference on our FOTC webpage.
Focus on Maajishkaadaa
Through knowledge sharing, meaningful dialogue, and collective action, Focus on Maajiishkaadaa aims to reignite the spirit of reconciliation at Georgian College and beyond.
The last Focus on Maajiishkaadaa event took place on 26 March 2024. See the highlights video here.
Focus on Maajiishkaadaa 2025
On behalf of Indigenous Services and the Centre for Teaching and Learning, we are proud to announce the return of Focus on Maajiishkaadaa. This year’s theme, All My Relations, calls upon us to recognize and honor our interconnectedness, emphasizing that true reconciliation requires a shared commitment to one another.
- Time: 12:00 pm – 5:30 pm
- Mode: In-person or online
Focus on Changemaking
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the role of educators and those supporting students on their educational journey extends beyond traditional teaching methods and support mechanisms. We need to equip students with skills and mindsets to not only work in professions but also make change in their communities. Attend the Focus on Changemaking Event to explore what changemaking is, why it matters and how you can do it!
FoCH will help you:
- Identify how you are already supporting changemaking.
- Discover ways to equip students with skills they need for the workforce and community, including empathy, teamwork, leadership and critical thinking to practice changemaking.
- Explore how to innovate and incorporate changemaking into your curriculum.
- Align your practices with institutional goals around innovation, changemaking, and social responsibility.
- Connect with like-minded educators to share ideas, passions and strategies for creating meaningful change and find some spark in your work!
The last Focus on Changemaking event took place on 20 November 2024. See the highlights video here.
Focus on UDL Day
Focus on UDL Day, presented by Georgian College’s Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and Accessibility teams, is a vibrant event aimed at enhancing educational practices through Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The day features a student panel sharing personal perspectives, a practical UDL workshop to refine your teaching approach, and GÜD Talks where experts discuss their UDL journeys, obstacles, and creative solutions.
This is a valuable opportunity to collaborate with fellow educators and learn new strategies for fostering inclusive and effective learning environments. Join us to connect with educators and professionals committed to creating inclusive and accessible learning environments.
The last Focus on UDL event took place on 27 August 2024. See the highlights video here.
Focus on Academic Integrity Day
Focus on Academic Integrity Day, hosted by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Georgian College, celebrates the International Day of Action for Academic Integrity. This event aims to foster a culture of honesty, trust, and responsibility in academic practices.
Join us for a day of engaging workshops, thought-provoking discussions, and collaborative activities designed to elevate the importance of academic integrity within our community. Participants will hear from keynote speakers who are leaders in promoting ethical scholarship, as well as from students sharing their perspectives on the value of integrity in their educational journeys.
Interactive sessions will provide practical strategies for encouraging academic honesty and navigating challenges in maintaining integrity. This is an essential opportunity to connect with faculty, staff, and students dedicated to cultivating a respectful and trustworthy learning environment.
The last Focus on Academic Integrity event took place on 16 October 2024. See the highlights video here.
Focus on Engagement Day
Focus on Engagement Day, hosted by the Centre for Teaching and Learning, is an online event designed to enhance your teaching practice by showcasing innovative methods for engaging students in various learning environments.
The event features a keynote speaker on student engagement, interactive sessions with colleagues, and GED talks from peers. This is a prime opportunity to connect with other faculty and staff dedicated to improving student learning and success.
The last Focus on Engagement event took place on 11 June 2024. See the GED Talks video here.
Highlights of recent events
Focus on Academic Integrity Day 2024
Focus on UDL Day 2024
Focus on Teaching Conference 2024
Focus on Maajiishkaadaa 2024