Teaching, Tech, and Tidbits Digest

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.

Teaching and Learning Resources

Posted on by Neica Raker

A renewed interest in research on learning and teaching has greatly expanded the range of scholarship and resources that are focused on the intersection of learning, teaching, and pedagogy in higher education. Resources for a variety of topics are linked below and in the navigation menu.

In addition, faculty as well as colleagues in other offices and programs can contact me for help in identifying specific resources and scholarship on learning and teaching for their use including, for example, issues that address faculty development, academic advising, teaching and course evaluations, curriculum assessment, and measures of student academic achievement.

Continue Reading →

Mid-term Course Evaluations

Posted on by Neica Raker

Mid-semester course evaluations are a valuable resource for improving student learning, enhancing teaching effectiveness, and fostering a positive classroom learning environment. Unlike course evaluations completed at the end of the semester, feedback from students obtained at one or more times during the semester can lead to significant learning and teaching changes for both students and instructors while the course is still in progress.

Continue Reading →

Classroom Observation and Formative Peer Review of Teaching

Posted on by Neica Raker

“Formative peer review of teaching is focused on the long-term enhancement of teaching and learning. Even when mandatory, the process should be primarily driven and guided by the faculty member’s personal goals, by feedback from students and/or colleagues, and/or by a desire to address problems in a specific course or academic context” (Smith, 2014).

Faculty development scholarship has addressed the different purposes, procedures, and responsibilities that distinguish formative from summative evaluation of teaching.

Continue Reading →

Tidbit – ’tis the Season of Recommendations

Posted on by Neica Raker

Tidbit 1 – ’tis the season of recommendations

Have students been asking for letters of recommendations? The Lisska Center has created this video to provide you with suggestions on writing letters of recommendation, including things to focus on and what to ask of students. To ensure you have the full picture, consider this recommendation letter check list which you can share with students.

Continue Reading →

Tech – Are Two Screens Better Than One?

Posted on by Neica Raker

Have access to two screens? In this video we see how to use the dual monitor feature in Zoom to see our entire class in one screen and our presentation in the other. There are also a few other nuggets including a more equitable class participation.

Looking for some more quick Zoom tips? Check out this list from Chaplain College which covers

    • Ways to Use Chat as a “Side Channel” or “Back Channel”
    • Ways to Use Chat to Encourage, Ensure, and Grade Participation
    • Ways to Use Chat to Facilitate Classroom Logistics

Continue Reading →