Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

Featured Upcoming Event

Connie Hamilton

Making Assessment Matter: Formative and Summative Feedback That Drives Learning, August 12, 2–3 p.m. in LI 215A

Rethink how you use assessment to empower, not just evaluate. This session explores how formative and summative assessments can be designed to deepen learning and increase student ownership. Discover how low-stakes assessments support retention and confidence while summative assessments, when flexible and creative, can reflect real learning more effectively than traditional tests. Learn how to use assessment as a tool for progress that you and your students can monitor.

Soft Skills in Action: Embedding Employability Into Academic Rigor
August 12, 3–4 p.m. in LI 215A

If content is your only focus, you’re missing key skills students need to be successful beyond your course. In the workforce, employees who excel are able to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, solve complex problems, and adapt to unfamiliar situations. This session focuses on how to embed critical soft skills into your course structure without sacrificing academic rigor. You’ll explore how to design class discussions, group projects, and assessments that intentionally develop skills like collaboration, active listening, problem-solving, and professionalism. Learn to define what success looks like, teach it explicitly, and assess it meaningfully.

Strategy Slam: Transforming Engagement in Higher Ed
August 13, 9–10 a.m. in LH 215A

Step into an interactive workshop designed specifically for higher education instructors focused on transforming student engagement in your classroom. This session is tailored to tackle unique challenges faced when teaching young adults. You’ll learn practical strategies for managing group dynamics, engaging shy or reluctant students, and enhancing overall communication to foster deep, meaningful discussions. Transform your educational approach, ensuring your teaching methods meet the evolving needs of today’s college students.

Three States of Mind – One Method for Handling Anxiety
August 13, 10–11 a.m. in LH 215A

Discover the essence of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) by exploring how emotional and rational states of mind can collide and how to respond with clarity and intention. This session introduces a practical method for recognizing your current state of mind and shifting toward a more grounded, balanced approach. Learn how to use validation to de-escalate tense moments, redirect emotional energy, and communicate with greater empathy and effectiveness. Whether you’re supporting college students, leading discussions, or navigating difficult moments in your professional life, you’ll walk away with tools to turn emotionally charged interactions into productive dialogue.

*Session recordings may be available; sessions will not be live-streamed via Zoom.

Coming in 2025-26: Collaborative Faculty Shares with Western Wyoming Community College Faculty via Zoom @ noon in the CTLA on the following dates:

• Collaborative Faculty Share Sessions with WWCC & CC for 2025–2026 (all sessions begin at 12 p.m. via Zoom)
• September 18, 2025 – Assessments in Response to AI
• November 6, 2025 – Neurodiversity: Understanding Student Behaviors & Accommodations
• February 5, 2026 – Engagement Strategies (online, F2F, both?)
• March 5, 2026 – Hyflex Classes

AI Resources

• A.J. Juliani Blog
• Harvard AI Guidance
• Yale AI Guidance
• Teaching Tip: Navigating AI in the Classroom
• Survey: How Are Profs, Staff Using AI?
• AI in Higher Education (video series from Alchemy)
• AI Resources from Matt Mervis
• 10 Free AI Trainings and Certifications for Educators

Resources

• HR Employee Resources
• Innovative Educators: 2-Minute Takeaways
• Journal on Excellence in College Teaching

Mission Statement: Foster excellence in teaching and support for faculty.

Vision Statement: The vision of the Casper College Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment is to empower faculty to create transformative learning experiences that prepare students to thrive in a complex and interconnected world. The center will aim to foster experiential teaching in an environment where faculty can achieve their full potential. This will be accomplished through:

Professional Development:

• Opportunities for faculty to increase their own pedagogical and scholarly knowledge to directly impact student engagement and learning;
• Opportunities during orientation, roundtable discussions, workshops, and faculty seminars, CTLA will offer faculty information, presentations, and resources to support and improve instructional skills and assessment of student learning;
• Research-based study that fosters academic engagement, learning, and success for all students;
• Support the development of experiential learning opportunities for students.

Comprehensive Mentoring:

• The CTLA will promote a culture of innovative teaching, active involvement, and scholarly pursuits by using a comprehensive approach to mentoring faculty, from faculty arrival and throughout their career at CC;
• Cohort luncheons, portfolio development workshops, roundtable discussions, and one- on-one consultations; CTLA will support faculty in an ongoing, flexible manner that is responsive to individual needs.

Community & Collaboration:

• CTLA values interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty and seeks to further the mission through a variety of events that foster communication and a sense of community;
• Monthly/semester faculty seminars and a yearly Faculty Appreciation Week, CTLA will provide institutional and informal opportunities for faculty to learn from one another.