About Us

 

Three students seated together in seminar

 

On this page:

 

 

Who We Are

ISUP is UTM's Centre for Research on Teaching and Learning.

The Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy (ISUP) is the centre for research on teaching and learning at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). Established in 2020, ISUP advances the study of university pedagogy. In collaboration with faculty, staff, and students across UTM, we support the development of students’ academic skills through courses, consultations, workshops and programs. We also support faculty pedagogy and the scholarship of teaching and learning through programming and one-on-one consultations. These offerings are informed by our commitment to innovative, inclusive, and accessible pedagogy.

Mission

In collaboration with faculty, staff, and students across UTM, our mission is to foster the development of students’ academic skills and faculty members’ pedagogy through courses, consultations, workshops and programs. These offerings are informed by our scholarship on university pedagogy and by our commitment to innovative, inclusive, and accessible pedagogy.

ISUP shares developments in the study of university pedagogy with the wider academic community through the research and pedagogical leadership of its members. 

What Makes ISUP Unique?

ISUP is interdisciplinary:

  • Our faculty and staff bring perspectives and experience from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds. We also collaborate with the UTM community, providing support and partnering with faculty, staff, and students across departments.  
  • Our first-year courses support students across disciplines to develop their writing, numeracy, research and critical thinking skills so that they can be successful, regardless of their program of study.

ISUP is Student-Centred:

  • We strive to improve and innovate the student experience through the scholarship of teaching and learning. Our unique courses and programs are based on evidence of how best to support student learning and development.

ISUP is committed to access:

  • Our faculty and staff approach our courses and programming with a universal design for learning (UDL) perspective. We ensure that learning is inclusive and accessible through consultation and training of faculty and staff across the UTM campus.

ISUP is passionate:

  • We are our people. Our staff and faculty share a passion for supporting students and faculty, engaging with the scholarship of teaching and learning, and innovating in course and curriculum design.

About Our Faculty and Staff

Our faculty have doctorates in Anthropology, Ethnomusicology, Geography, Mathematics, Paleontology, Psychology, Religious Studies, Rhetoric, English, and Education. Our staff, many of whom also have graduate degrees, have extensive experience working with students and faculty across UTM. We embrace working across disciplines, united by our commitment to innovative, inclusive, and accessible pedagogy.

When asked why they're excited to work with ISUP, here's what some of our faculty had to say:  

 

Chris Eaton

It's exciting to be part of a new Institute. The possibilities for enhancing student programming, support, and initiatives are endless...And it's terrific being part of something designed to turn these possibilities into realities.

~ Chris Eaton, Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream | ISP Journal Initiative Lead

 

Mark Blaauw-Hara

My focus is always on helping students understand exactly what they want to say, and then we work together so that they can say it with power and clarity. I truly believe that education is a pathway to a better life, and I am honoured to help students navigate that pathway.

~ Mark Blaauw-Hara, PhD, Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream

To learn more about our faculty and staff, please visit the Our People page.

ISUP Programs and Supports

Group of smiling and laughing students in classroom

ISUP expands on the existing graduate training and professionalization programs at UTM and provides additional opportunities for graduate student education in the study of university pedagogy and the scholarship of teaching and learning. These are the additional opportunities offered in partnership with ISUP:

Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre (RGASC)

  • The RGASC provides a full range of individual consultations, workshops, and programs to help students (in all stages of their academic career) identify and develop the academic skills they need for success in their studies.
  • The RGASC works collaboratively with University of Toronto Mississauga faculty and teaching assistants to help them create the best possible environments for learning in their classes, labs, and tutorials.

Teaching and Learning Collaboration (TLC)

  • The TLC is a community centred on a shared interest in teaching and learning.
  • Faculty, sessional instructors, librarians, staff teaching assistants, graduate students and postdocs can connect with the TLC in order to join workshops, participate in reading groups, connect with colleagues or attend various events hosted throughout the year. 

First-Year Courses

  • Our first-year courses lay the foundation for students' success at UTM. From writing to numeracy, critical thinking, and university-level research skills — our courses enhance students' educational experiences, both at UTM and in the world beyond.
  • To learn more about what we offer, please see Our Courses.