Empowering Instructors | Supporting Excellence
Teaching is deeply rewarding work, but it also comes with real challenges. That’s why we created UB TaLCK, a weekly community of practice where faculty can connect, collaborate, and recharge together.
Whether you’re rethinking assessment strategies, exploring emerging teaching technologies, or balancing the many demands of the semester, UB TaLCK provides a welcoming space to share ideas, troubleshoot common challenges, and build a stronger, more connected teaching community.
UB TaLCK will reconvene in the fall semester. All members will be notified of the newly selected meeting time for Fall 2026. Be sure to complete the survey, which will be distributed via the UB TaLCK Listserv, so your ideas and feedback can be included.
How do I join the UB TaLCK Listserv?
Simply complete the inquiry form below to be added to the list.
We meet weekly via Zoom for energizing, solutions-focused conversations about teaching. Each session is shaped by your ideas, your questions and your needs. Bring a challenge, leave with strategies.
Because great teaching doesn’t happen in isolation. UB TaLCK is a collaborative space where faculty can:
Fall 2026 schedule is to be annoucned. Stay tuned!
Maggie Grady, Instructional Innovation Project Manager
Office of Curriculum, Assessment and Teaching Transformation
With over 26 years of higher education experience at UB, Maggie created UB TaLCK as a new way to teach faculty, empowering them to stay current with innovative pedagogy, classroom strategies, and the evolving landscape of teaching and learning.
Session Date: | Session Topic: |
| 1/29/26 | Designing Learning Ecosystems, Not Just Courses Reframing course design around coherence, pathways, and student success across programs—not just individual courses. |
| 2/5/26 | Academic Integrity in the World of AI Setting shared norms for AI use, addressing integrity challenges, and designing policies and assessments that promote authentic learning. |
| 2/12/26 | Cognitive Load & Brain-Friendly Teaching Applying learning science to reduce overload, improve clarity, and support retention in high-demand courses. |
| 2/19/26 | Designing Belonging: Micro-Messages, Identity Safety, and Classroom Culture Creating learning environments where all students can thrive through small, high-impact inclusive teaching practices. |
| 2/26/26 | Productive Failure and the Science of Struggle Designing challenge, iteration, and growth so struggle strengthens learning without lowering standards. |
| 3/5/26 | Teaching for Transfer: Helping Students Apply Learning Across Contexts Supporting integrative learning so students can apply concepts and skills across courses, disciplines, and real-world contexts. |
| 3/12/26 | Making Learning Materials Accessible Designing for access, flexibility, and compliance by default—supporting learners through accessible course materials and practices. |
| 3/19/26 | Spring Break - No Session |
| 3/26/26 | Teaching with Multimedia (Audio/Video/Visual Design) Using multimedia strategically to increase comprehension and engagement while keeping learning materials clear and manageable. |
| 4/2/26 | Assignments that Spark Dialogue Grounding provides the evidence framework for class dialogue, strengthening its rigor and keeping conversations anchored in course material. |
| 4/9/26 | Best Practices for Working with TAs Aligning instructional teams, calibrating grading, and improving student learning at scale in TA-supported courses. |
| 4/16/26 | Maintaining Academic Rigor Clarifying what rigor means today and designing expectations that are appropriately challenging, transparent, and equitable. |
| 4/23/26 | Reflective Teaching Through Scholarship: SoTL at UB Turning teaching questions into evidence-informed practice through manageable SoTL approaches and classroom inquiry cycles. |
| 4/30/26 | Future-Ready Teaching: Emerging Teach, AI, AR/VR, and Learning Innovation Looking ahead-connecting pedagogy, innovation, and UB's teaching future with practical strategies for thoughtful adoption. |
| 5/7/26 | Curiosity-Driven Teaching: Making Learning Intrinsically Rewarding Leveraging inquiry, relevance, and discovery to deepen engagement and motivation while sustaining high standards. |
| 5/14/26 | Designing Motivation: Gamification for Teaching Learn how to apply gamification principles to structure courses that drive student engagement, persistence, and meaningful learning. |