Workshops and Training
Workshops and Training
OTEAR offers multiple workshops on the improvement of teaching evaluation and assessment. All current workshops that are available are listed below, and each session is facilitated by OTEAR staff unless otherwise noted. If you are interested in scheduling a specific workshop for your office or department, or would like to speak with an OTEAR staff member, please email us at otear@rutgers.edu.
To stay informed of our upcoming workshops and trainings, please sign up for the OTEAR email listserv.
Available Sessions
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Introduction to Learning Analytics January Cohort
January 12-26, 2026
The Introduction to Learning Analytics for Instructors is an asynchronous learning opportunity to support instructors in starting to build their capacity around learning analytics. Topics include defining learning analytics, ethical considerations, limitations, the impact of course design, and an introduction to New Analytics in Canvas. A digital badge can be earned through the completion of all module activities and assignments. The program is open to all Rutgers faculty and instructional staff at no cost.
Some activities are designed to provide opportunities for discussion with colleagues, and therefore, the module will be run in two-week cohorts, once per month.
-
Blue Dashboard Training for Administrators
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
9:30 am – 11:00 amThe Blue Dashboard allows Deans, Directors and administrators to look longitudinally across their SIRS data to glean actionable insights and have meaningful conversations in their departments. While not an alternative to an official teaching grid, the Blue Dashboard will provide an opportunity for units to look at trends across their courses and determine strengths and areas for improvement.
This training session will explain how to use the Blue Dashboard, understand the statistics that are provided, and the differences in reporting between the Blue Dashboard and individual reports. We hope that this will be a powerful tool to support improving your courses and teaching within your units.
-
Peer Review of the Teaching Portfolio (In-Person Hands-on Workshop)
Thursday, January 15, 2026
9:30 am – 11:00 am
in-person in New BrunswickDoes your teaching portfolio present strong evidence showcasing your teaching success? Is the teaching philosophy clear and well-matched with your instructional goals? In this workshop we provide a rubric for evaluating teaching portfolios and assign participants to small teams to peer review their portfolios and document effective strategies and presentation of evidence. We will share results so that all participants can see the best strategies and learn from each other. This workshop will be held in person in New Brunswick, and is meant for those who can bring a draft portfolio to share with others.
-
Preparing Teaching Documentation for Promotion, Reappointment, and Renewal (Asynchronous Presentation)
Available in February 2026
In Spring 2026, OTEAR is preparing asynchronous presentations to support teaching evaluation and assessment. This asynchronous session offers strategies for compiling and presenting evidence that demonstrates effective teaching. Registration is open to instructors of all ranks and to others involved in the promotion, reappointment, or renewal process. If you are interested in being notified when the presentation is available, please register below.
If you have any questions about these offerings, you may contact otear@rutgers.edu.
-
Strategies for Assessing Microcredential Programs (Virtual Interactive Workshop)
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
1:00 pm – 2:30 pmThis workshop introduces participants to strategies for assessing microcredential programs to support learner achievement and program effectiveness. The session provides guidance on developing clear and measurable learning goals that align with the intended outcomes of the credential. Participants examine approaches to assessment for mastery, ensuring that learners demonstrate competence in targeted skills, as well as assessment for continual improvement, which emphasizes feedback loops that inform ongoing program refinement. Several viable strategies are discussed, including the use of quizzes and tests, reflection papers and projects, and interviews, each offering different approaches to measuring learner progress. Attention is also given to process fidelity assessment, which evaluates how consistently and effectively the program is delivered, ensuring that instructional design and implementation match intended standards. The workshop also addresses reporting practices by outlining schedules and content frameworks that communicate both learner outcomes and program quality to stakeholders. Please register to attend or receive the recording.
-
Spring 2026 DIG Full Training
Thursday, February 5, 2026
10:00 am – 11:00 amThe Full DIG (Data Integrity Gateway) training session is recommended for department administrators who are newly responsible for validating instructor details for SIRS. This session covers navigating Blue, how to validate instructor details in DIG, and how to make changes during the survey preparation period. This training is not relevant to people who only view SIRS results.
This is a virtual training session and it will be recorded. If you have any questions about this session please contact otear@rutgers.edu.
-
Spring 2026 DIG Refresher Training
Monday, February 9, 2026
1:00 pm – 2:00 pmThis training is applicable to administrators who are responsible for validating instructor details for SIRS setup. The session is intended for SIRS liaisons that already experience working in DIG, but are looking to review the quick tips and tricks that they may have forgotten, and some advanced set-up options.
This is a virtual training session and it will be recorded. If you have any questions about this session please contact otear@rutgers.edu.
-
Spring 2026 DIG Full Training
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
12:00 pm – 1:00 pmThe Full DIG (Data Integrity Gateway) training session is recommended for department administrators who are newly responsible for validating instructor details for SIRS. This session covers navigating Blue, how to validate instructor details in DIG, and how to make changes during the survey preparation period. This training is not relevant to people who only view SIRS results.
This is a virtual training session and it will be recorded. If you have any questions about this session please contact otear@rutgers.edu.
-
Interpreting SIRS and other forms of Student Feedback
Thursday, February 19, 2026
9:30 am – 11:00 amWhile students are crucial stakeholders in the university’s teaching enterprise, their feedback should not be mistaken for “evaluation of teaching,” which is a task for instructional colleagues. Student feedback is an indicator which provides evidence that must be interpreted. In this workshop, we explore scholarly research on the limitations and potential biases of student feedback. We present strategies for how department chairs and program directors should review, interpret, and utilize the likert-scale and comment responses from the Student Instructional Ratings Survey (SIRS) to improve course curriculum, support faculty, and evaluate teaching. This workshop is especially beneficial for those who regularly engage with SIRS, but we also encourage anyone from the university community interested in learning about best practices in interpreting student feedback to join us.
-
Utilizing Generative AI for Analysis of Student Feedback Comments (Virtual Interactive Workshop)
Monday, February 23, 2026
10:00 am – 11:30 amComments are often where faculty, departments, and schools find great value in student feedback, including midcourse feedback and SIRS. However, depending on the number of comments, analysis can be difficult, particularly when trying to determine concrete actions in a timely manner to take in response to midcourse feedback or for continuous improvement. This virtual interactive session will discuss strategies and provide space for participants to try using generative AI for qualitative analysis of student feedback comments.
-
Navigating Peer Review of Teaching (Asynchronous Presentation)
Available in March 2026
In Spring 2026, OTEAR is preparing asynchronous presentations to support teaching evaluation and assessment. Peer review of teaching is an important part of the advancement, reappointment, and promotion process for instructors of all ranks. This asynchronous session is designed to prepare reviewers tasked with conducting peer review of teaching, but instructors preparing to be observed may also find it helpful. The presentation will focus on peer review of in-person classroom instruction and peer review of course materials, and will provide suggestions for effectively documenting observations. If you are interested in being notified when the presentation is available, please register below.
If you have any questions about these offerings, you may contact otear@rutgers.edu.
-
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Round Table: Assessment of Instruction and Course Design (Virtual Presentation and Discussion)
Friday, March 27, 2026
2:30 pm – 4:00 pmIn this meeting of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Round Table we will provide space to hear about SoTL work from our community, share our progress on ongoing research projects, and develop new ideas and collaborations. This session will not be recorded. If you would like to attend the workshop, please register.
If you are interested in presenting your past, present, or future research project on your teaching, we invite you to email otear@rutgers.edu. This is a short 15-20 minute presentation and is wonderful to receive feedback from colleagues for those projects just getting started or sharing completed projects!
-
Assessment of Learning 101 (Asynchronous Presentation)
Available in April 2026
In Spring 2026, OTEAR is preparing asynchronous presentations to support teaching evaluation and assessment. This session explores the fundamentals of academic assessment, including program learning outcomes, course learning goals, and both direct and indirect assessment techniques. It will examine the crucial role of rubrics within the assessment process and discuss how assessment strategies can effectively inform course design. The presentation will also address best practices for enhancing assessment quality, including the implementation of blind grading procedures, ensuring grading reliability through inter-rater checks, and utilizing multiple reviewers for comprehensive evaluations. This is designed for faculty who are new to academic assessment or need a refresher on learning about different methods of assessment and the assessment cycle. If you are interested in being notified when the presentation is available, please register below.
If you have any questions about these offerings, you may contact otear@rutgers.edu.
-
Introduction to Learning Analytics January Cohort
January 12-26, 2026
The Introduction to Learning Analytics for Instructors is an asynchronous learning opportunity to support instructors in starting to build their capacity around learning analytics. Topics include defining learning analytics, ethical considerations, limitations, the impact of course design, and an introduction to New Analytics in Canvas. A digital badge can be earned through the completion of all module activities and assignments. The program is open to all Rutgers faculty and instructional staff at no cost.
Some activities are designed to provide opportunities for discussion with colleagues, and therefore, the module will be run in two-week cohorts, once per month.
-
Strategies for Assessing Microcredential Programs (Virtual Interactive Workshop)
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
1:00 pm – 2:30 pmThis workshop introduces participants to strategies for assessing microcredential programs to support learner achievement and program effectiveness. The session provides guidance on developing clear and measurable learning goals that align with the intended outcomes of the credential. Participants examine approaches to assessment for mastery, ensuring that learners demonstrate competence in targeted skills, as well as assessment for continual improvement, which emphasizes feedback loops that inform ongoing program refinement. Several viable strategies are discussed, including the use of quizzes and tests, reflection papers and projects, and interviews, each offering different approaches to measuring learner progress. Attention is also given to process fidelity assessment, which evaluates how consistently and effectively the program is delivered, ensuring that instructional design and implementation match intended standards. The workshop also addresses reporting practices by outlining schedules and content frameworks that communicate both learner outcomes and program quality to stakeholders. Please register to attend or receive the recording.
-
Utilizing Generative AI for Analysis of Student Feedback Comments (Virtual Interactive Workshop)
Monday, February 23, 2026
10:00 am – 11:30 amComments are often where faculty, departments, and schools find great value in student feedback, including midcourse feedback and SIRS. However, depending on the number of comments, analysis can be difficult, particularly when trying to determine concrete actions in a timely manner to take in response to midcourse feedback or for continuous improvement. This virtual interactive session will discuss strategies and provide space for participants to try using generative AI for qualitative analysis of student feedback comments.
-
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Round Table: Assessment of Instruction and Course Design (Virtual Presentation and Discussion)
Friday, March 27, 2026
2:30 pm – 4:00 pmIn this meeting of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Round Table we will provide space to hear about SoTL work from our community, share our progress on ongoing research projects, and develop new ideas and collaborations. This session will not be recorded. If you would like to attend the workshop, please register.
If you are interested in presenting your past, present, or future research project on your teaching, we invite you to email otear@rutgers.edu. This is a short 15-20 minute presentation and is wonderful to receive feedback from colleagues for those projects just getting started or sharing completed projects!
-
Assessment of Learning 101 (Asynchronous Presentation)
Available in April 2026
In Spring 2026, OTEAR is preparing asynchronous presentations to support teaching evaluation and assessment. This session explores the fundamentals of academic assessment, including program learning outcomes, course learning goals, and both direct and indirect assessment techniques. It will examine the crucial role of rubrics within the assessment process and discuss how assessment strategies can effectively inform course design. The presentation will also address best practices for enhancing assessment quality, including the implementation of blind grading procedures, ensuring grading reliability through inter-rater checks, and utilizing multiple reviewers for comprehensive evaluations. This is designed for faculty who are new to academic assessment or need a refresher on learning about different methods of assessment and the assessment cycle. If you are interested in being notified when the presentation is available, please register below.
If you have any questions about these offerings, you may contact otear@rutgers.edu.
-
Blue Dashboard Training for Administrators
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
9:30 am – 11:00 amThe Blue Dashboard allows Deans, Directors and administrators to look longitudinally across their SIRS data to glean actionable insights and have meaningful conversations in their departments. While not an alternative to an official teaching grid, the Blue Dashboard will provide an opportunity for units to look at trends across their courses and determine strengths and areas for improvement.
This training session will explain how to use the Blue Dashboard, understand the statistics that are provided, and the differences in reporting between the Blue Dashboard and individual reports. We hope that this will be a powerful tool to support improving your courses and teaching within your units.
-
Spring 2026 DIG Full Training
Thursday, February 5, 2026
10:00 am – 11:00 amThe Full DIG (Data Integrity Gateway) training session is recommended for department administrators who are newly responsible for validating instructor details for SIRS. This session covers navigating Blue, how to validate instructor details in DIG, and how to make changes during the survey preparation period. This training is not relevant to people who only view SIRS results.
This is a virtual training session and it will be recorded. If you have any questions about this session please contact otear@rutgers.edu.
-
Spring 2026 DIG Refresher Training
Monday, February 9, 2026
1:00 pm – 2:00 pmThis training is applicable to administrators who are responsible for validating instructor details for SIRS setup. The session is intended for SIRS liaisons that already experience working in DIG, but are looking to review the quick tips and tricks that they may have forgotten, and some advanced set-up options.
This is a virtual training session and it will be recorded. If you have any questions about this session please contact otear@rutgers.edu.
-
Spring 2026 DIG Full Training
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
12:00 pm – 1:00 pmThe Full DIG (Data Integrity Gateway) training session is recommended for department administrators who are newly responsible for validating instructor details for SIRS. This session covers navigating Blue, how to validate instructor details in DIG, and how to make changes during the survey preparation period. This training is not relevant to people who only view SIRS results.
This is a virtual training session and it will be recorded. If you have any questions about this session please contact otear@rutgers.edu.
-
Peer Review of the Teaching Portfolio (In-Person Hands-on Workshop)
Thursday, January 15, 2026
9:30 am – 11:00 am
in-person in New BrunswickDoes your teaching portfolio present strong evidence showcasing your teaching success? Is the teaching philosophy clear and well-matched with your instructional goals? In this workshop we provide a rubric for evaluating teaching portfolios and assign participants to small teams to peer review their portfolios and document effective strategies and presentation of evidence. We will share results so that all participants can see the best strategies and learn from each other. This workshop will be held in person in New Brunswick, and is meant for those who can bring a draft portfolio to share with others.
-
Preparing Teaching Documentation for Promotion, Reappointment, and Renewal (Asynchronous Presentation)
Available in February 2026
In Spring 2026, OTEAR is preparing asynchronous presentations to support teaching evaluation and assessment. This asynchronous session offers strategies for compiling and presenting evidence that demonstrates effective teaching. Registration is open to instructors of all ranks and to others involved in the promotion, reappointment, or renewal process. If you are interested in being notified when the presentation is available, please register below.
If you have any questions about these offerings, you may contact otear@rutgers.edu.
-
Interpreting SIRS and other forms of Student Feedback
Thursday, February 19, 2026
9:30 am – 11:00 amWhile students are crucial stakeholders in the university’s teaching enterprise, their feedback should not be mistaken for “evaluation of teaching,” which is a task for instructional colleagues. Student feedback is an indicator which provides evidence that must be interpreted. In this workshop, we explore scholarly research on the limitations and potential biases of student feedback. We present strategies for how department chairs and program directors should review, interpret, and utilize the likert-scale and comment responses from the Student Instructional Ratings Survey (SIRS) to improve course curriculum, support faculty, and evaluate teaching. This workshop is especially beneficial for those who regularly engage with SIRS, but we also encourage anyone from the university community interested in learning about best practices in interpreting student feedback to join us.
-
Utilizing Generative AI for Analysis of Student Feedback Comments (Virtual Interactive Workshop)
Monday, February 23, 2026
10:00 am – 11:30 amComments are often where faculty, departments, and schools find great value in student feedback, including midcourse feedback and SIRS. However, depending on the number of comments, analysis can be difficult, particularly when trying to determine concrete actions in a timely manner to take in response to midcourse feedback or for continuous improvement. This virtual interactive session will discuss strategies and provide space for participants to try using generative AI for qualitative analysis of student feedback comments.
-
Navigating Peer Review of Teaching (Asynchronous Presentation)
Available in March 2026
In Spring 2026, OTEAR is preparing asynchronous presentations to support teaching evaluation and assessment. Peer review of teaching is an important part of the advancement, reappointment, and promotion process for instructors of all ranks. This asynchronous session is designed to prepare reviewers tasked with conducting peer review of teaching, but instructors preparing to be observed may also find it helpful. The presentation will focus on peer review of in-person classroom instruction and peer review of course materials, and will provide suggestions for effectively documenting observations. If you are interested in being notified when the presentation is available, please register below.
If you have any questions about these offerings, you may contact otear@rutgers.edu.
-
Preparing Teaching Documentation for Promotion, Reappointment, and Renewal (Asynchronous Presentation)
Available in February 2026
In Spring 2026, OTEAR is preparing asynchronous presentations to support teaching evaluation and assessment. This asynchronous session offers strategies for compiling and presenting evidence that demonstrates effective teaching. Registration is open to instructors of all ranks and to others involved in the promotion, reappointment, or renewal process. If you are interested in being notified when the presentation is available, please register below.
If you have any questions about these offerings, you may contact otear@rutgers.edu.
-
Navigating Peer Review of Teaching (Asynchronous Presentation)
Available in March 2026
In Spring 2026, OTEAR is preparing asynchronous presentations to support teaching evaluation and assessment. Peer review of teaching is an important part of the advancement, reappointment, and promotion process for instructors of all ranks. This asynchronous session is designed to prepare reviewers tasked with conducting peer review of teaching, but instructors preparing to be observed may also find it helpful. The presentation will focus on peer review of in-person classroom instruction and peer review of course materials, and will provide suggestions for effectively documenting observations. If you are interested in being notified when the presentation is available, please register below.
If you have any questions about these offerings, you may contact otear@rutgers.edu.
-
Assessment of Learning 101 (Asynchronous Presentation)
Available in April 2026
In Spring 2026, OTEAR is preparing asynchronous presentations to support teaching evaluation and assessment. This session explores the fundamentals of academic assessment, including program learning outcomes, course learning goals, and both direct and indirect assessment techniques. It will examine the crucial role of rubrics within the assessment process and discuss how assessment strategies can effectively inform course design. The presentation will also address best practices for enhancing assessment quality, including the implementation of blind grading procedures, ensuring grading reliability through inter-rater checks, and utilizing multiple reviewers for comprehensive evaluations. This is designed for faculty who are new to academic assessment or need a refresher on learning about different methods of assessment and the assessment cycle. If you are interested in being notified when the presentation is available, please register below.
If you have any questions about these offerings, you may contact otear@rutgers.edu.