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Foundations of Teaching Pathway

The Center for the Advancement of Teaching (CAT) is committed to supporting the professional growth of faculty by providing flexible, curated resources and experiences that empower faculty and promote excellence in teaching and learning. The Foundations of Teaching Pathway is a guided learning experience, designed to meet faculty where they are in their teaching journey—whether new to teaching or rethinking your approach, the pathway is a mix of activities (e.g. single, multi-day and on-demand workshops, reading groups, etc.) and reflective exercises that support the pedagogical development of faculty. The Foundations of Teaching Pathway assists faculty across all ranks and roles in developing greater awareness and understanding of student learning needs while building a portfolio of learning-centered, evidence-based, and inclusive teaching strategies. 

Should you need an ADA accommodation to participate in a University event, program, or activity or need to request materials in an accessible format, please contact FIU’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at 305-348-2785 or accommodations@fiu.edu. All requests for ADA accommodation or accessible materials for this event must be submitted to OCR  at least seven (7) business days prior to the event or at the earliest possible opportunity.

Foundations of Teaching Pathway Categories

  • How Learning Works

    How can I cultivate a learning environment that promotes student motivation and engagement? 

    How Learning Works category content includes theories, ideas and practices from How Learning Works, 2nd ed., with emphasis on: Content acquisition, student motivation, growth mindset, mastery, practice and feedback, self-directed learning and metacognition.

    HLW Outcome(s):  

    Faculty will be able to grow a learning-centered teaching approach and create course materials and policies that reflect a growth mindset. 

    Expanded topics list: Student learning outcomes; assessment, transparent assignments, Faculty as Facilitator; active learning, group work, learning assistants, using writing to express understanding, understanding research on learning (i.e., teaching strategies/course design), inclusive teaching strategies, neuroplasticity/cognitive science, challenging beliefs, data exploration, course policies and syllabus design.

  • Backward Course Design

    How do my goals, student learning objectives and assessments connect? 

    Backward Course Design category content includes theories, ideas and practices from L. Dee Fink’s - A Self-Directed Guide to Designing Courses for Significant Learning and Palmer, Streifer, and Duncan’s Systematic Assessment of a High Impact Course Design Institute, with emphasis on:  Backward course design structure, process and application, situational factors, goals/objectives, and alignment (i.e., practice of advancing course goals/objectives through the seamless connection of learning activities and assessments).

    Backward Course Design Outcome(s):  

    Faculty will be able to employ a backward course design approach that incorporates evidence-based practices and craft effective student learning objectives with aligned course activities and assessments. 

    Expanded topics list: Formative assessments and assignments (e.g., classroom assessment techniques), communications- first day messaging and tone, setting student and faculty expectations for learning, transparent syllabus and assignment design, inclusive classroom climate and student feedback on learning. 

  • Teaching with Canvas

    How do I decide what I share in the classroom and what I put inside my Canvas course? 

    Teaching with Canvas category content includes theories, ideas and best practices using FIU's current learning management system (LMS) and educational technology tool, with emphasis on: Essential parts and structure of the LMS, advancing pedagogical and instructional goals, and amplifying usefulness through add-ons and integrations.

    Teaching with Canvas Outcome: 

    Faculty will be able to apply teaching and learning principles in the design of a Canvas course. 

    Expanded topics list: Landing page, syllabus, engaging content, tools for engagement and feedback/assessment, grading and the gradebook, grading, gradebook communications, calendar and accessibility. 

  • Mindful Teaching

    Can mindful communication transform the way I connect with my students and colleagues?

    Mindful Teaching category content includes the integration of introspective and contemplative practices into teaching and daily life to cultivate greater awareness, creativity, resilience, and learning for both students and faculty, with emphasis on: Integration of contemplative practices, critically reflective teaching, research on contemplative practices, and holistic development.

    Mindful Teaching Outcome:  

    Faculty will be able to adopt reflective teaching practices. 

    Expanded topics list: self-assessment, contemplative practices in higher education, mindful communication, mindful awareness practices, contemplative approaches to reading, writing, and listening and nervous system regulation tools.  

 Foundations of Teaching Pathway Goals and Expectations 

Why should I participate in the Foundations of Teaching Pathway?
Completing the Foundations of Teaching Pathway will help you to:
  • Grow a learning-centered teaching approach.
  • Cultivate a welcoming, engaging, and inclusive learning environment.
  • Create course materials and policies that reflect a growth mindset.
  • Employ backward course design that incorporates evidence-based practices.
  • Apply teaching and learning principles in the design of a Canvas course.
  • Adopt a reflective teaching practice.

How long will this take?
The pathway is designed to be self-paced; however, faculty participating in one to two CAT activities each semester (e.g., workshops, a reading group, hybrid or online teaching professional development sessions) can expect to complete and earn a Foundations of Teaching Pathway Certificate in four semesters. 

How do I get started?
You can start today by self-enrolling in CAT's Foundations of Teaching Pathways course on FIU Develop.

How do I complete the Foundations of Teaching Pathway?
To complete the pathway, participate in five CAT activities: 

  • One activity from each of the four categories— How Learning Works, Backward Course Design, Canvas, and Mindful Teaching
  • One additional activity from any of the four categories— your choice.

After each activity, submit a brief guided reflection in our specially designed course on FIU Develop. Once all five activities are completed, submit a culminating reflection there as well.

  • What Foundations of Teaching Pathway activities is CAT offering this semester?

    How Learning Works

    • Classroom Assessment Techniquesa
    • The Science of Learning: Enhancing Student Learning & Motivationab
    • What is Learning & How to Facilitate It a
    • Course Feedback with Microsoft Forms a
    • Designing Rubrics with AI
    • Inquiry Institutes
    • How Learning Works Chapter Chats
    • Big Classes, Bigger Connection: Real
    • Engagement in a World of Distractions a
    • AI in Action Workshop: Designing Effective Assignments and Assessments for AI-Enhanced Learning

    Backward Course Design

    • Teaching with AI
    • Hybrid @ FIU
    • Foundations of Online Teaching
    • Giving Meaningful Feedback in Large Classes a
    • Adopting a Midsemester Feedback Practice

    Teaching with Canvas

    • Coming Spring 2026

    Mindful Teaching

    • The Science of Learning: Enhancing Student Learning & Motivationab
    • From Challenges to Connection: An Introduction to Mindful Communication a
    • Contemplative Practices Workshop

    a / b denote special notes or badges (edit as needed).