The posts below are from a bi-weekly digest that encapsulates a range of evidence-based best practices and cutting-edge insights on innovative teaching strategies, effective use of technology, student engagement techniques, and effective assessment, to name a few. The content, diligently curated or crafted by the director Dr. Lew Ludwig, is grounded in robust research and drawn from a wide array of innovative articles, books, and online resources. The goal is to support timely, ongoing faculty development with the most current and impactful knowledge in the field.
Many of us may have course grade categories that contribute different percentages to the final grade. For example, essays are 25%, quizzes are 30%, exams are 30%, and student contribution (aka “participation”) is 15%.
In Canvas, you assign category weights via the “Assignments” section in the left menu bar (the menu bar will show once you click the three red horizontal lines in the upper left).
Our foremost objective at Denison is to cultivate adept critical thinkers. Yet, as seasoned critical thinkers ourselves, we sometimes forget the steps required to nurture this valuable skill in our novice learners. Merely observing us critically analyze topics doesn’t automatically equip students with the same capabilities. We must adopt a deliberate approach. This short article by Dr.
“There is no dumb question.”
“Take risks.”
“Reach beyond the comfortable to learn new perspectives and skills.”
Have you ever used those phrases or similar with your students? I know I have. But do I promote a learning environment that supports my claims and encouragements? Not always.
The article 4 Questions to Ask to Promote Student Learning by JT Torres gives us four simple questions to ask ourselves to ensure our learning environment aligns with our encouragement.
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Students form a lasting impression on Day 1, not just of you as a teacher but of your course. This one-page newsletter gives a brief summary of the four key things to consider for that important first day, based on a piece by James Lang.
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As the start of fall semester approaches, it’s time to dust off your old Canvas notes and get courses ready. Take a look at these beginning and end of term checklists from Canvas. They are a great way to get started with course planning and preparation.
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Attendance has always been a tricky thing – how do we keep students accountable while at the same time being empathetic to their situation? The aftereffects of a global pandemic and the rising needs around mental health concerns have only exacerbated things.
In the Chronicle piece, When Students Miss Out, Beckie Supiano reports ways to get ahead of attendance issues.
Traditionally, the TTT goes on summer break until August, but I couldn’t help doing a quick check-in on ChatGPT. I am eager to return to the classroom after my sabbatical, but I need to figure out how to navigate this new technology. A lot has developed in the past few months, and I am curious to see how you will address this AI in the fall.
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Twice a year, I get that email that always causes a twinge in my stomach: your course evaluations are now available. Course evaluations can be tricky to navigate, whether it’s your first or fifteenth semester. In the compelling article, The Agony and the Ecstasy: Reading Your Student Evaluations, Regan A.R. Gurung offers invaluable insights into dealing with the emotional toll of student feedback.
