An audience member handles a motor created by a first-year student in the 6.A01 exploratory seminar. Photo: Ryan MacDowell

On November 7, the Teaching + Learning Lab (TLL) launched its Speaker Series with a presentation on Exploratory Subjects. The event featured presentations by Professor Denny Freeman and his team for the first-year advising seminar, 6.A01 Mens et Manus: The Joy of MIT.

Speakers shared how first-year students are exploring their academic interests, taking ownership of their work through hands-on projects, and applying what they learn to authentic, real-world challenges. On December 13, TLL will host a follow-up event presenting reflections on multiple exploratory subjects in an interactive end-of-semester review. You can subscribe to the latest updates here.

TLL is also launching the Teaching Development Fellowship. Applications are now open to join the first interdisciplinary cohort of six graduate students. Teaching Development Fellows will have the opportunity to improve their own teaching, while promoting pedagogical development and discussion among their peers. Fellows organize and direct department-based events and resources aimed at developing TAs’ teaching skills in their home department, with support from TLL and an interdisciplinary network of fellows. Participants in the spring 2019 pilot will also have the unique opportunity to contribute to the future development of a Teaching Development Fellows’ Network. Find out more information here.

—Ryan MacDowell, Teaching + Learning Lab