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Reading Groups

Reading groups, offered several times each semester, provide up-to-date information on topics in effective teaching and give participants valuable experience in leading group discussions. For each session, approximately 50–75 pages are assigned in advance, and one to two PFF students guide the discussion, which generally lasts about 90 minutes (for the in-person groups).

Participation in a reading group is worth five activity points. Leading a reading group is worth ten activity points.

In order for points to be added to your PFF record, you must complete an activity log and email the completed log to gradpff@uc.edu within one month of completing the group. 

Reading Group Schedule, Summer 2020

The reading group assigned readings are posted on the PFF Blackboard page under the "Readings" tab, which is located in the left-hand navigation.

Register for Summer Reading Groups

1. Navigating the Transition: Graduate Student to Professor

Date: Wednesday, July 8th, 2020

Time: 1:00 - 2:30p 

This reading group will be held via WebEx. Register to receive further instructions. 

Reading Group Discussion Guidelines

Leaders should download these guidelines and consider them carefully as they plan to lead a reading group.

Guidelines for Leading In-Person Discussion Groups (PDF)

To view this document, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free download.

Examples of Reading Group Topics

  • The Balance between Teaching and Research
  • Being an International Student on the Academic Job Market
  • The Biology of Learning
  • Cheating
  • Collaborative Learning
  • Creating Significant Learning Experiences
  • Evaluations and Assessment
  • Grading Strategies
  • Incivility: Classroom Management Techniques
  • Inclusion and Diversity in Higher Ed
  • Issues of Ethics for College Teachers
  • Learner-Centered Teaching
  • Motivating Culturally Diverse Students
  • New Faculty: Helpful Tips, Unexpected Challenges, and Gaining Tenure
  • Non-Tenure Track Teaching
  • Online Learning
  • Setting Up your own Program of Research
  • Silent Students: Challenges and Opportunities
  • Teaching Critical Thinking
  • Teaching Nonmajors
  • Teaching Strategies for Large Enrollment Classes
  • Teaching Unprepared Students
  • Teaching What You Don't Know
  • To Tech or Not to Tech
  • What the Best College Teachers Do