Center for Teaching & Mentoring

Teaching 101

The Teaching 101: Foundations for Effective Teaching workshop series introduces Graduate Teaching Assistants to the six foundational principles of effective teaching as outlined in Making Every Lesson Count. Designed specifically for individuals who are beginning their teaching journey in higher education, these workshops provide practical strategies for clarity in instruction, active student participation, and effective feedback. Through interactive discussions and data-informed practices, participants will gain confidence in their teaching practice and develop skills that can be adapted across diverse disciplines and classroom settings.

Icon of a person pointing to a board inside a circle, with the text “Teaching 101” below.

  • Session 1 – Challenge and Explanation
    1. Develop knowledge of instructional skills tailored to students’ developmental levels.
    2. Develop a knowledge of scaffolding 
  • Session 2- Modeling and Practice
    1. Utilize modeling and/or demonstrations as an effective tool in the classroom.
    2. Develop knowledge of formative assessment
  • Session 3- Feedback and Questioning
    1. Identify the various types of feedback and when to use them.
    2. Develop tools for prompting their students to think critically.

Spring 2026: Teaching 101

Sessions take place in LIB 348 and on Zoom. The program is facilitated by CTM Graduate Assistant John Hagan, who is a doctoral student in the Assessment, Learning, and Student Success program in the College of Education. Read more about John on the Meet Our Team page.

Sessions are scheduled for:

DateLocationSession Topic
Thursday, February 5, 10:00-11:00 amLIB 348/Click here for recordingChallenge and Explanation
Thursday, March 5, 10:00-11:00 amLIB 348/Click here for recordingModeling and Practice
Thursday, April 2, 10:00-11:00 amLIB 348/ZoomFeedback and Questioning

Questions? Contact John Hagan or CTM.

Contact Us

Center for Teaching and Mentoring
LIB 348
615-904-8499
ctm@mtsu.edu

Book a mentoring appointment with one of our directors:
Jennifer Vannatta-Hall or Robyn Ridgley