About CPET
CPET's Mission: Our goal is to help members of the Caltech community become effective educators through an improved understanding of pedagogy by providing seminars on best practices and practical training and teaching resources on campus. We are a group of Caltech community members dedicated to improving our own teaching skills and helping others do the same.
Each year we plan a teaching seminar series that includes talks by the best professors at Caltech and other local universities on topics including: how to design courses, teaching tips, improving presentation skills, and outreach and mentorship (previous seminars). Some seminars are recorded by CPET and posted to YouTube where they can edify the local community for years to come (video list).
CPET also administers two certificate programs for the Caltech community, the Certificate of Interest and the Certificate of Practice in University Teaching. The Certificate of Interest provides students with an introduction to teaching pedagogy and best practices, while the Certificate of Practice allows students to improve their teaching skills with the support of CPET and CTLO. More details can be found of the Certificate home page.
CPET has also originated a Library collection on teaching books and professional development books at the Caltech library. These books range in topics from the best presentation of quantitative information to research based tips for teaching (full list of library books). Email CPET if you would like to recommend additions to the CPET library collection.
GET INVOLVED
Mailing List
If you are interested in receiving announcements about CPET events, please sign up for the CPET mailing list.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about CPET and ways to get involved feel free to email us at cpet@caltech.edu.
Meredith Hooper
Meredith Hooper is a third-year PhD student in the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories (GALCIT) studying under Professor Mory Gharib. Her research uses a combination of machine learning and experimental techniques to investigate the underlying fluid dynamics of bioinspired optimal propulsion. While working towards her BS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University, Meredith taught seminars, workshops, and refresher courses in varied topics such as leadership, first aid, and technical backpacking skills. Although Meredith always knew she loved to teach, a class in Educational Psychology sparked her interest in promoting research-based teaching strategies. Meredith is excited to support the teaching efforts of the Caltech community by serving as CPET Co-Director.
Clara Seo
Clara Seo is a second-year PhD student in Chemistry, working under Professor Karthish Manthiram. Her research focuses on the directed evolution of electroactive bacteria to interrogate and enhance the extracellular electron transfer phenomena. Clara holds a BA in Chemistry and Statistics from Amherst College, where her liberal arts education placed a strong emphasis on the quality and joys of teaching and mentorship. This experience deeply shaped her commitment to teaching. Over the years, she has taught everything from inorganic chemistry and data science to Taekwondo and EMT-B skills. Now, as CPET Co-Director, Clara is excited to bring her creativity to CPET programming, support her peers through their teaching journeys, and grow with the Caltech community.
Past CPET Co-Directors: Kimberly Golubeva, Emile Oshima, Matthew Langley, Harrison Parker, Olivia Wilkins, Daniel Martin, Rebekah Silva, Kelsey Boyle, Daniel Thomas, Noelle Stiles, Labeed Ben-Galy, Elisa Franco
Upcoming Events
All EventsFor TAs -- Planning and Practicing a Successful Recitation Section
This workshop will provide a template and concrete strategies for planning a recitation section using the principles of ‘Backwards Design'. Time will be given to discuss your plan, receive feedback, and brainstorm practical implementation with peers and experienced TAs.
*New Date* Succeeding as A TA This Quarter
This workshop will provide an overview of evidence-based strategies to be an effective TA. Core topics covered include: working with novice learners, setting up effective Rec Sections and Office Hours, guiding student problem solving (without just giving the answer!), and how to provide effective feedback.
All workshops will take place at the CTLO Workshop Space (CSS building, 3rd floor)
Lunch will be provided.
Discussion #1 from "The Science of Learning"
CPET aims to hold two discussion groups each term centered on a topic related to effective teaching pedagogy. The conversation is centered about evidence-based teaching, participants are encouraged to share their own experiences as students and instructors and propose how they might address challenges or incorporate discussed ideas into their own teaching. Winter's discussions will be centered upon research studies that are pivotal to teaching and learning. Participants will be sent the pages to discuss in advance of the meeting.