Black History Month Exhibit & Documentary Screening: Putting Name to Face

Did you know that Guelph was the first place in Ontario to have a Black principal? Have you heard about the work of a University of Guelph librarian, who used her love of books as a base for community work and scholarly engagement?

Join the University of Guelph's Office of Teaching and Learning in celebrating Black History Month with an exhibit dedicated to honouring past and contemporary Black education practitioners in the Guelph, Wellington, and Waterloo regions.

1) Exhibition of Black Education Practitioners:

An exhibition featuring profiles of past and contemporary Black education practitioners. will be displayed on the first floor of McLaughlin Library and will be available for viewing from Monday, February 03, to Friday, February 07, 2025.

2) Documentary Screening and Gathering:

A screening of award-winning filmmaker Shelley Jarrett’s new documentary, What We Deserve – Restorative Justice and Reparation, will take place on Wednesday, February 05, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM in McLaughlin Library (Room 246B), with complimentary snacks and refreshments provided for attendees. This powerful film explores over 400 years of the British monarchy’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism.

Learn more and register here

2025 Teaching and Learning Innovations Conference Call for Volunteers

Would you like to contribute to our teaching and learning community? We are seeking committed and passionate colleagues to assist as volunteers at the TLI Conference in a variety of ways. This is a great opportunity to get involved with the conference and contribute to a vibrant and welcoming event. Volunteers will be active in April and May, including conference days. Please express your interest in being a volunteer by completing the Conference Volunteer Form. We look forward to working with you all to make this conference a success.

Due: Monday, March 03, 2025, by 5:00 PM.

Conference Volunteer Form

OTL Staffing Update & Meet an Educational Developer

Dr. Thuy-Anh Ngo

Educational Developer

What pathway did you take to your career as an Educational Developer?

My path to educational development feels like connecting the dots from my life’s twists and turns. Growing up as a first-generation college student, I faced the challenges of navigating an unfamiliar academic system.

Overcoming imposter syndrome, financial barriers, and the absence of relatable role models instilled in me a deep empathy for learners and educators and a commitment to creating educational spaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered.

During my Ph.D., I explored the fascinating interplay of personality and human motivations, developing a model to predict youth volunteerism. This research offered valuable insights into what drives people to act, connect, and contribute—lessons that continue to shape how I approach education. I saw clear parallels between inspiring volunteerism and crafting meaningful learning experiences, as both require understanding diverse motivations and fostering environments that spark engagement and action.

Later, my postdoctoral work examining systemic biases in Canadian medical school admissions reinforced the importance of addressing inequities in education. These experiences deepened my understanding of how policies and structures shape educational opportunities and outcomes.

When I transitioned into educational development, I found the perfect space to blend my personal journey and research expertise. I now focus on designing inclusive, engaging learning environments and curricula that not only teach but also empower learners to be their authentic selves, to grow, contribute, and thrive.

What interests you about teaching and learning?

I am passionate about designing learning experiences and curricula that are engaging, meaningful, and inclusive for all learners. Watching my children’s boundless curiosity and excitement to learn reminds me of how joyful learning should be—a stark contrast to the stress and lack of support many associate with traditional schooling. This drives my interest in creating learning environments where learners feel empowered to take ownership of their education and where their diverse needs and backgrounds are valued.

I am particularly interested in exploring how teaching strategies and institutional policies can be adapted to provide equitable access to quality education. My work centers on ensuring that learners can thrive as their authentic selves and become lifelong learners. Ultimately, I want students to not only learn but to love the process of learning itself.

What advice would you give new instructors?

Building genuine connections with learners can have a profound impact on their experiences. Early in my teaching career, I approached the classroom with a strong focus on demonstrating expertise. Over time, I realized that what makes a real difference is understanding students’ experiences, recognizing their struggles, and helping them connect with the material in meaningful ways.

Not having all the answers can also be part of the journey. A willingness to adapt, learn alongside students, and embrace moments of uncertainty often leads to transformative experiences for both instructors and learners. Teaching, in this way, becomes a shared process of growth and discovery.

Learn more about Thuy-Anh here

For more teaching resources or to chat with us,
visit our website at https://otl.uoguelph.ca/ or contact us at otl@uoguelph.ca.

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