Sparkshops
Efficient and engaging presentations to spark instructor curiosity around topics relevant to contemporary teaching contexts.
Overview
Efficient and engaging, Sparkshops are 30-minute presentations meant to spark curiosity around topics relevant to contemporary teaching contexts. Each Sparkshop introduces instructors to leading-edge, evidence-driven teaching and learning techniques that have been empirically demonstrated to enhance learning for all students, with particularly positive effects for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
For instructors who would like to deepen their engagement with a particular topic, each Sparkshop comes with a comprehensive Learning & Teaching Guide to enhance instructor knowledge of effective techniques as well as an invitation for a one-on-one consultation with Searle staff.
Our Getting to Know Our Students Sparkshop Series focuses on three rising demographics of Northwestern students: first-generation college students (fall), gender expansive students (winter), and neurodivergent students (spring).
2024–25 Series: Getting to Know Our Students
The Getting to Know Our Students Series focuses on advancing instructor understanding of rising demographic groups in the Northwestern student body, outlining evidence-based practices to harness common assets and overcome common challenges so all students can thrive at Northwestern.
Fall 24 | Supporting First-Generation College Student Success
Honor the week of national First-Generation College Celebration Day with a Sparkshop to support first-generation college student success. This 30-minute virtual presentation provides instructors with insight and pedagogical tools for the classroom.
Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 10:00–10:30 am CST.
Winter 25 | Creating Inclusive Learning Environments for Gender Expansive Students
Creating Inclusive Learning Environments for Gender Expansive Students provides instructors with insight and pedagogical tools for the classroom. This Sparkshop responds to the charge presented by the Gender Queer, Non-Binary, and Trans (GQNBT) Task Force and is informed by the Searle Center’s partnership with the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion.
Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from noon–12:30 pm CST.
Spring 25 | Strengths-based Strategies for Neurodivergent Students
Based in the principles of Universal Design for Learning, this 30-minute virtual presentation offers evidence-driven teaching strategies to support neurodivergent student success at a broad level, breaking down barriers and building in choice to empower students to utilize and develop their own academic strengths.
More information forthcoming.
Contact Us
Please reach out to Laura Ferdinand, Assistant Director of Content and Communication, at laura.ferdinand@northwestern.edu.