Teaching and Learning 2022

Teaching and Learning in 2022

Welcome back! What would you like to work on and improve about your teaching this semester? It does not have to be a major change or big project. At the CTE, we believe in the power of small changes to make big impacts. Whether teaching is your passion and calling or just part of the job, it is a skill that can be continually refined through reflective practice. Get an overview of the landscape with some of the following resources and pick your pathway toward teaching excellence this semester.

If you need a refresher on course design basics, putting together an engaging syllabus, and ideas for the first day of class, these Chronicle guides from James Lang and Kevin Gannon remain required readings. Also, check out our workshops on Teaching Essentials and Universal Design for Learning, as well as the Syllabus Challenge special event.

Student engagement and motivation are common struggles, especially over the past few semesters. Get started with this guide. The Teaching Essentials workshops cover many useful strategies for engagement and motivation, as well as a new workshop this semester on Overcoming Student Resistance in the Classroom.

Would you like to better address issues of social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in your classes? Cindy Kernahan's work is great place to start. Also check out the Syllabus Challenge special event, and keep up with programming from our friends in the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

Is this the semester to really push students to think more deeply and critically? Check out this Reflective Practice Toolkit and these study strategies from the Learning Scientists. Then sign up for a workshop on Study Skills for Students or join the Active Learning Academy.

Maybe you would like to rethink grading and assessment this semester? Grading for Growth is an interesting blog documenting experiments with "ungrading" and other forms of authentic assessment. Related workshops this semester are Specifications Grading and Taxonomies of Learning.

Is it time to trade in those expensive textbooks and access codes for some more Open and Affordable Course Materials? Not only can it save students money, it can be the first step toward transforming your course for the better. Hear from colleagues on campus who use Open Educational Resources at one of the OER Show and Tell Series events this semester.

Special Event: Syllabus Challenge Workshop

with Dr. Kim A. Case

Wednesday, January 12, 2022, 2:30-4:30PM via Zoom

This interactive session will introduce simple, yet powerful actions faculty can take to increase pedagogical microaffirmations that foster sense of belonging among students. The practical tips and strategies offered by the “Syllabus Challenge” address both the syllabus document as well as broader course design. We will examine several examples of learning goals, course materials, assignments, and course policies by applying critical questions posed by the Syllabus Challenge guiding document.