Startup Workshops

Startup Workshops guide facilitators through the administrative process of starting a DeCal and explain the methods and techniques of facilitating a course. We use the Schwag Packet to help facilitators understand the underpinning of classroom dynamics and suggests some techniques, affirmed by education researchers and scholars, that can be used to forge a meaningful connection with the students and encourage student participation. By planning ahead, you can design a strong class and inform yourself about relevant campus and department policies.

These workshops are a joint collaboration with the Undergraduate Course Facilitator Training. They run several times a week in the Caesar Chavez Student Center.

Spring 2007 Startup Workshops Schedule for Fall 2007 DeCals:

Thursdays 3PM – 4PM

• February 15th and 22nd
• March 1st, 8th, 15th,and 22nd
• April 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th
• May 3rd, 10th, and 17th

Fridays 3PM – 4PM

• February 23rd
• March 2nd, 9th, 16th,and 23rd
• April 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th
• May 4th 11th, and 18th

Thursday 12PM – 1PM

• April 12th, 19th, and 26th

Friday 12PM – 1PM

• April 5th, 13th, 20th, and 27th

All Startup Workshops will be held in Room 201C Caesar Chavez Student Center.

In the clinics, we address your procedural questions, such as:

• what paperwork do I need to complete, and by when?
• what does a strong syllabus include?
• how do I get a room and a CCN for my class?
• how should I manage the enrollment process?
• any other logistics I should clear up before the class starts?
• what are some first day of class do’s and don’ts?

And we explore pedagogical questions such as:

• what does a great class look like to you?
• what do you expect people to get out of your class?
• how can you design your class so as to maximize participation?
• what skills or knowledge do people need to get the most out of your class?
• how will you find out what people are getting out of your class? (and how will you adjust your facilitation to meet their needs?)

We look forward to seeing you at the workshops!

You can also participate in a democratic seminar, where you and your colleagues will determine both the course topics and course content and in the process, will add depth to your education philosophy, formulate your own thoughts and hopefully translate them into facilitating your own DeCal. For more information, check out Developing a Course.

If you are ready to start a course, follow the Seven Steps, which outline the key procedures of course initiation. Remember, department rules may require additional/different processes that deviate from the Seven Steps prescribed by the DeCal Board.

Updated February 26, 2007.