Teaching & Learning Innovation - UTK

Teaching a large class doesn't have to feel impersonal. The free, self-paced CIRTL course Making Large Classes Feel Smaller explores practical, evidence-based strategies for increasing student engagement, fostering participation, and creating meaningful learning experiences in large-enrollment courses.

Designed for graduate students, postdocs, and instructors looking to strengthen their teaching practice.

Learn more: https://cirtl.net/making-large-classes-feel-smaller/

Our own Dr. Chris Kilgore joined colleagues from across the University of Tennessee System last week at the second annual SoTL Writing Retreat at Montgomery Bell State Park.

The retreat provided dedicated time, space, and support for participants to advance their Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) projects, collaborate with peers, and focus on meaningful teaching and learning research.

Did you know that Microsoft Word and PowerPoint include built-in accessibility checkers?

These tools can help identify issues with color contrast, reading order, alt text, headings, and table formatting, making your materials more accessible for all learners.

As you prepare syllabi, lecture slides, and course materials this summer, take a few minutes to run the Accessibility Checker. A small step can make a big difference in creating an inclusive learning environment.

UTIA turfgrass research is in the spotlight during the 2026 FIFA World Cup! ⚽🍊⚽🍊

The world’s most-watched sports tournament begins today, and UTIA turfgrass research is in the spotlight!

For the past five years, a University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences research team led by John Sorochan has helped develop the playing surfaces for FIFA World Cup 26, ensuring every pitch meets the highest standards for performance and safety across three countries and multiple climates.

See how this work is shaping the game and the future of turfgrass science in the latest issue of Land, Life & Science: landlifeandscience.tennessee.edu/periodical/spring-2026/ut-turfgrass-research-already-scoring-benefits-on-the-world-stage

UT AgResearch | Herbert College of Agriculture

🎓 Graduate students: Looking to strengthen your teaching skills?

The CIRTL Network's TA Principles and Strategies (TAPS) course is a free, self-paced online opportunity designed for teaching assistants at any experience level. Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your approach, TAPS offers practical strategies to help you become a more effective instructor.

As a member of the CIRTL Network, the University of Tennessee provides free access to CIRTL workshops and courses for graduate students.

Learn more and register today: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0lz4dtZ5CTmcTQ2

As you prepare your syllabus this summer, have you considered the tone it conveys to students?

Baylor University's Self and Syllabus tool can help you evaluate your syllabus language, align it with your teaching goals, and create a more welcoming learning environment.

Try it out and see if your syllabus reflects the instructor you want students to meet: https://atl.web.baylor.edu/resources/self-and-syllabus-interactive-guide-aligning-syllabus-language-and-teacher-self.

Teaching and Learning Innovation at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is seeking a Faculty Consultant to provide direct support for an NSF-funded project. This project involves delivering training to graduate students in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

For more details, please click this link: https://tiny.utk.edu/faculty-consultant-position

Today, we're celebrating Dr. Josie Andrews, who recently presented "Cultural Brushstrokes: Using Art to Cross Cultural Boundaries in Adult Education" at the 2026 CASAE-AERC Joint Conference at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.

We're proud to see TLI represented on an international stage! 👏🌎🍊

UT instructors, graduate students, and postdocs:

Looking for ways to boost student engagement and motivation? Join the free CIRTL workshop, "Stimulating Student Engagement and Motivation By Asking the 'Right' Questions," on June 10, 2026, from 12–1 p.m. EDT via Zoom.

Learn how informal questioning techniques can spark curiosity, encourage deeper thinking, and increase participation in your classes.

As a member of the CIRTL Network, the University of Tennessee community can attend at no cost. Register here: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0IfFFhQ6Y5pRiNE, by June 10!