Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning

Tag: Thomas Polk

Pre-ITL Workshop: Designing, Teaching, and Assessing Reflective Assignments

Register Here | Facilitator: Thomas Polk

Want to more effectively guide students away from surface-level reflection toward deep, transformative learning? This workshop will introduce you to strategies for designing, teaching, and assessing reflective assignments. Participants will explore frameworks for guiding students’ reflective learning and consider their assignments in light of these frameworks. This workshop is ideal for faculty teaching experiential and project-based learning, including internships, clinicals, study abroad, Mason Apex, JS, community-engaged, and writing-intensive courses.

This event is part of our pre-ITL conference workshop series; however, attendance at ITL is not required.

*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.

Workshop: Can AI write my ___?

Register Here | Facilitators: Thomas Polk and Katherine Miscavige 

This hands-on workshop invites faculty to explore how students can use Generative AI as a writing tool to assist with their assignments. Together, we’ll experiment with AI tools at various stages of the writing process, including brainstorming, drafting, and revising, to consider the strengths and limitations of AI as a writing tool.
* Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.

Workshop: Can AI write my ___?

Register Here | Facilitators: Thomas Polk and Katherine Miscavige

This hands-on workshop invites faculty to explore how students can use Generative Artificial Intelligence as a writing tool to assist with their assignments. Together, we’ll experiment with AI tools at various stages of the writing process, including brainstorming, drafting, and revising, to consider the strengths and limitations of AI as a writing tool. This workshop is part of the Teaching with AI Credential.
* Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.

Workshop: To AI or not to AI? Key Considerations for Your Classroom

Register Here | Facilitators: Laina Lockett & Thomas Polk

In this session, we will review the Stearns Center’s AI Quick Start Guide. Topics include discussing the most common questions asked by GMU faculty about AI, reviewing recommended resources including the GMU Guidelines for Faculty and Students, demonstrate some of the artificial intelligence tools that are available to use, and consider ethical considerations for tool usage as instructors. This workshop is part of the Teaching with AI Credential.

* Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.

WAC Primer: Teaching Writing Across the Curriculum

Register Here| Facilitators: Thomas Polk & Katherine Miscavige 

Are you new to teaching a Writing Intensive course or looking for fresh ways to engage students through writing? WAC Primer is an engaging four session series designed to help faculty design writing assignments that advance meaningful student learning. Participants will explore effective assignment design, feedback and assessment practices, and active learning strategies for teaching writing in any discipline. WAC Primer offers a supportive, collaborative space to discover new approaches, reflect on your writing assignments, and connect with colleagues across campus who share a commitment to student learning.

Dates of Sessions:
August 28 11am-12pm
September 4 11am-12pm
September 11 11am-12pm
September 18 11am-12pm

* Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.

Workshop: An Introduction to the Writing-Intensive Course

Register Here | Facilitator: Tom Polk

Are you new to teaching a WI course or want a refresher on some of the basics? This workshop will focus on writing-intensive course design and help faculty prepare for the semester ahead. Join WAC staff to learn more about the new learning outcomes and begin drafting your WI course materials.

* Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.

Workshop: Can AI write my_?

Register Here| Facilitator: Thomas Polk

This hands-on workshop invites faculty to explore how students can use Generative AI as a writing tool to assist with their assignments. Together, we’ll experiment with AI tools at various stages of the writing process, including brainstorming, drafting, and revising, to consider the strengths and limitations of AI as a writing tool.
* Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.

Workshop: Can AI write my_?

Register Here | Facilitator: Thomas Polk

This hands-on workshop invites faculty to explore how students can use Generative AI as a writing tool to assist with their assignments. Together, we’ll experiment with AI tools at various stages of the writing process, including brainstorming, drafting, and revising, to consider the strengths and limitations of AI as a writing tool. This workshop is part of the Teaching with AI credential Level 1 series. 

* Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.

Deadline: WAC Summer 2026 CTL Funds Proposals

Learn more and submit a proposal for a Summer 2026 Curriculum and Teaching Leadership (CTL) Fund project with Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) here.

Workshop: Designing effective peer review

Register Here | Facilitator: Joan Hwang

Want to facilitate better peer review activities? This workshop introduces participants to designing effective, outcome-aligned peer review activities that support students learning and disciplinary writing goals. Participants will leave with practical strategies they can readily adapt to their own courses.

* Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.