Teaching Circles
The most overarching definition of a Teaching Circle is a group of faculty who come together regularly to discuss a particular topic of interest related to teaching. Introduced by Pat Hutchings in her book Making Teaching Community Property (1996), the concept of the teaching circle has seen many decades of adoption and evolution, but a few characteristics are still core to the approach: the circle involves commitment, lasts at least one term, and actively addresses teaching challenges shared by the Circle’s participants.
For many years, CNDLS has facilitated faculty learning communities and communities of practice. Teaching Circles are very similar to these, but differ slightly in their relative informality and loosely structured approach to discussion sessions. This semester, as part of our ongoing response to the needs of faculty during the pandemic, CNDLS is facilitating several Teaching Circles on teaching topics that have generated interest across campus. We invite all of those teaching a course this semester—and those who taught last semester and would like to share lessons learned—to join one of the following Teaching Circles:
- Language Teaching Circle
Started as a faculty initiative in spring 2011, the Language Teaching Circle provides regular opportunities for Georgetown faculty across 14 languages to discuss pedagogical and programmatic approaches in beginning, intermediate, and advanced language programs. - AI Teaching Circle
For those who want to talk through assignment design and other possibilities, this group offers a space to compare notes, share information, and learn from each other as this technology rapidly evolves. - Navigating Difficult Discussions in the Classroom Teaching Circle
This group will offer space to discuss techniques by which to balance inclusivity and free speech in the classroom, particularly in the current climate as conflicts persist across the glob.
We kindly ask that faculty signing up for one of these Circles be ready to join us monthly for discussion. To sign up for a Teaching Circle, please fill out the following form.
