Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) at Khalifa University is committed to providing academic and instructional support services to graduate students. To uphold this commitment and to enrich students’ teaching and research experiences, CTL offers structured training programs and workshop opportunities for postgraduate students.
Teaching Development Program for Ph.D. Students
Starting in Fall 2024, a new teaching development program for Ph.D. students will commence, consisting of two phases.
Phase 1: Foundations of Teaching:
Spans two terms, each lasting 8 weeks with two sections per term. This phase focuses on building essential foundations of teaching skills through immersing students in topics such as teaching methodologies, classroom management strategies, experiential and active learning, and effective communication techniques.
Phase 2: Engagement Opportunities:
Follows the completion of Phase 1 and provides practical teaching experiences. This phase offers various activities, including but not limited to:
- Assisting in teaching undergraduate courses
- Leading discussion sessions
- Teaching/Delivering lectures
- Engaging in peer-teaching
- Participating in teaching workshops and seminars
Short Courses for Ph.D. Students
The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) in collaboration with the Graduate Students Office (GSO) at Khalifa University is offering short courses for Ph.D. students.
Research Writing and Publication Skills:
This two-part course (Course 1: Research Writing Skills and Course 2: Publication Skills) is designed to develop the frameworks of academic and scientific writing skills of Ph.D. students at Khalifa University. It focuses on the development of knowledge, skills, and understanding in the key aspects of research and scholarship. The two courses support Ph.D. students in structuring journal articles and eventually their thesis proposals. The two courses are structured around four modules, each of which provides at least five hours of guided learning opportunities. Students should also allow time for background reading and discussion with their peers to enrich their reflective practice. The courses are taught fully online using Blackboard Collaborate. Whether you are in the early stages of your Ph.D. journey or nearing the completion of your program, these courses offer valuable insights into key aspects of research and scholarship.
Introduction to LaTeX:
This course is taught in a hybrid format (face-to-face and online). This course is intended to help Ph.D. students create LaTeX research papers. LaTeX allows advanced typesetting, mathematical calculations, and simple citation and cross-referencing management. LaTeX files are plain text, allowing for greater version control and stylistic consistency via templates. Despite the learning curve, the advantages include improved document quality, more straightforward formatting, and a greater emphasis on content production.
Professional Development Course:
In this course, students will practice various professional development skills emphasizing effective communication, teamwork, and public speaking.
To learn more about CTL, please visit the CTL page on the KU Portal or email us at ctl@ku.ac.ae.