CTL Newsletter - September 2025
鈥淭he best teachers are those who show you where to look but don鈥檛 tell you what to see.鈥
鈥斕鼳lexandra K. Trenfor
馃摎Large Courses, Clear Strategies, and Teaching with Purpose
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CTL and ASSETT: Now One Team
As of May 2025, CTL and ASSETT have officially merged into one unified team under the CTL name. This merger strengthens our shared mission to support teaching and learning across campus, combining ASSETT鈥檚 expertise in educational technology with CTL鈥檚 university-wide reach. While the ASSETT name is no longer in use, its impact continues through CTL鈥檚 expanded services. The ASSETT student fee has been discontinued as part of this transition.
Large Courses
Strategies for Creating Connection and Clarity in Large Lecture Settings
Large lecture courses can be challenging for students who may feel disconnected or unsure where to start. Fortunately, a few small adjustments can help students navigate these environments more confidently.
- Set clear expectations: Walk students through the syllabus and highlight tools like Canvas calendars and notifications.
- Create connection: Encourage introductions, study groups, or discussion threads to build community.
- Support planning: Recommend working backward from deadlines and breaking tasks into smaller steps.
- Make learning visible: Use quick check-ins or reflections to help students track their progress.
- Share resources early: Point students to tutoring, tech support, and other campus services.
馃敆 听Explore our full resource guide for students:听Large Courses: Tools to Support Students
馃敆 Join our Large Courses Community of Pracitce (LCCoP)
Five Teaching Styles听
What does it mean to be an effective educator? According to Daniel D. Pratt鈥檚 research (2005), the answer depends on your听perspective: your beliefs, intentions, and values as a teacher.
In听Five Perspectives on Teaching in Adult and Higher Education听(2005), Pratt identifies research-based approaches to teaching:
- Transmission 鈥 delivering clear, structured content
- Apprenticeship 鈥 modeling expert practice
- Developmental 鈥 helping students construct meaning
- Nurturing 鈥 creating a supportive, inclusive environment
- Social Reform 鈥 using education to drive societal change
Each perspective reflects a distinct role for the teacher and a different vision of what success looks like in the classroom. For example, while the听transmission model prioritizes clarity and content mastery, the听social reform model focuses on justice and systemic change.
Understanding your own teaching style is more than an academic exercise, it鈥檚 a powerful tool for growth, connection, and student impact.
Want to go deeper? Explore our webpage on听Five Teaching Styles
馃摎听Recommended Readings of the Month:
- 听- by Daniel D. Pratt
This book outlines five distinct teaching perspectives each offering a unique view of effective teaching. It encourages educators to reflect on their values and adapt their approach to context and learner needs.
听 - - by Frank Heppner
Heppner provides practical strategies for effectively managing, engaging, and assessing students in large-enrollment courses.
馃専 Buff Spotlight: Fall Teaching, Learning, and Technology Conference 2025
Join CTL and OIT for the Fall Teaching, Learning, and Technology Conference on October 2鈥3, 2025, held in hybrid format (CASE building and Zoom).
This year鈥檚 theme, Engage Every Learner, highlights key topics including:
- Student engagement
- Technology & AI in higher ed
- Large course design
- Learning environments where all students thrive
Enjoy our keynote speakers, interactive workshops, faculty panels, and lunch each day. RSVP by September 26 to reserve your spot!
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馃敆 Explore the full conference schedule and details on our website
Need help with parking? Email us at CTL@colorado.edu.
馃搮 What鈥檚 Ahead: Events & Announcements:
- 馃帗 Join us for the Fall Teaching, Learning, and Technology Conference on October 2鈥3, 2025, hosted by the CTL and OIT. This two-day hybrid event centers on the theme 鈥淓ngage Every Learner鈥 and will feature workshops, panels, and hands-on sessions exploring innovative approaches to teaching with technology. From digital accessibility to inclusive design and student engagement, the conference offers something for every educator. Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided鈥 to reserve your spot!
听 - 馃摎Are you interested in revamping your Canvas Courses? OIT's Academic Technology Consulting team is offering to assist all instructors and faculty with their Canvas needs. We also have sessions to assist instructors with leveraging the Canvas Studio Video platform, or leveraging the new CidiLabs DesignPLUS toolkit. You can view all training offerings on
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Join Us for Other Upcoming Events!
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馃帀Celebrating Our CTL Community
Fall Intensive 2025: A Strong Start to the Academic Year
The 2025 Fall Intensive was a fantastic kickoff to the new academic year! Over three energizing days in August, more than 40 workshops brought together graduate students, new instructors, and seasoned educators from across campus to explore timely topics in teaching, professional development, and career preparation.
From inclusive teaching strategies and active learning design to grading practices and academic career pathways, the sessions were rich with ideas and grounded in CU Boulder鈥檚 teaching culture. Whether participants attended one workshop or twelve, they walked away with practical tools, new perspectives, and meaningful connections.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated, presented, and helped create such a welcoming and vibrant learning environment. We鈥檙e especially grateful to those who joined us in person bright and early with coffee, tea, and pastries in hand!
Here鈥檚 to a semester of great teaching and continued growth. We can鈥檛 wait to see what you do next!
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馃帗 InspirED鉁忥笍馃摎 Explore the CTL Podcast Network
Looking for fresh ideas, inspiring voices, and real conversations about teaching and learning at CU Boulder? The听CTL Podcast Network is your go-to hub for stories, strategies, and insights from across our campus community.
Formerly part of ASSETT, the CTL Podcast Network features a range of mini-series that highlight innovative teaching practices, student perspectives, and faculty-staff collaborations aimed at improving the student experience.听
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Forward this newsletter to someone you think might be interested in signing up. Our newsletter is published monthly during the academic year and includes timely teaching strategies and resources, updates, and upcoming events of interest to the campus teaching community.听