Problem-Solving 101: How to Overcome Common Classroom Challenges
CATE TA Workshops
September 3, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Overview
This workshop will provide teaching assistants with practical strategies to navigate common challenges in higher education classrooms. Topics include promoting student engagement with course material, addressing grading concerns, and encouraging participation. Participants will also explore how to anticipate classroom disciplinary issues, manage disruptions, support diverse learning needs, and foster inclusive classroom communities
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Reflect on their own communication style to build confidence in their teaching role.
- Learn techniques to foster an inclusive classroom community that encourages student engagement and participation.
- Explore a variety of strategies to use in the classroom when challenges arise.
WORKSHOP FORMAT: This workshop will be held on-campus, in-person in room 201 in the Teaching Excellence Building (TEB) located on 924 S. Morgan Street.
WORKSHOP FACILITATOR: Paúl Ribera, priber2@uic.edu
WORKSHOP CONTACT: Emily Potratz, epotra2@uic.edu
Inclusivity & Accessibility Information: CATE is committed to making events as accessible as possible. CATE’s in-person events typically involve a combination of presentation and discussion-based activities. We welcome ASL interpreters, note-takers, and accompanying assistants to all CATE events. The TEB is wheelchair accessible with an elevator to the second floor space. The TEB space is equipped with fixed-height tables that are moveable and can be reconfigured. There are single-occupancy, all-gender, accessible bathrooms on the second and basement levels of TEB. If you have any accessibility questions, requests, or to coordinate accommodations, please contact the CATE team at teaching@uic.edu.
Date posted
Aug 9, 2025
Date updated
Sep 2, 2025