Revisiting the Syllabus
The syllabus—most of us use them, many of our students don’t read them. We wondered if this venerable artifact of teaching might merit a revisit.
Maryellen Weimer, PhD
January 31, 2020
HIGHER ED TEACHING STRATEGIES FROM MAGNA PUBLICATIONS
Maryellen Weimer, PhD
A Look Inside the Teaching Professor Collections
Most of us teaching at the college level like to read. We read professional materials, and we read for pleasure. We know firsthand that much
Maryellen Weimer, PhD
November 29, 2019
First Day of Class Activities that Create a Climate for Learning
There’s no discounting the importance of the first day of class. What happens that day sets the tone for the rest of the course. Outlined
Maryellen Weimer, PhD
September 6, 2019
A Memo to Students: College and the Real World
To: My Students From: Your Teacher Re: What’s happening in college—is it real? I just read about a senior engineering student who was presenting a
Maryellen Weimer, PhD
August 30, 2019
Rights and Responsibilities for Group Members
I recently revisited something I’ve always considered a great resource. It originally appeared in a 1992 issue of the Teaching Professor and was published then
Maryellen Weimer, PhD
June 28, 2019
Learner-Centered Teaching: 10 Ideas for Getting Started
Looking to incorporate some learner-centered teaching principles into your courses but aren’t sure where to begin? Here are 10 activities for building student engagement and getting students more actively involved in their learning.
Maryellen Weimer, PhD
May 1, 2019
Taking Notes on the Reading
Every course has assignments, but do they get the attention they deserve or do the same versions end up in the syllabus year after year? How much variety is there in the assignments students complete, in degree programs or even across their years at the institution? Bottom line: we think there’s more that could be done with assignments, and this feature aims to provide examples that illustrate innovative approaches and thoughtful attention to design details.
Maryellen Weimer, PhD
February 22, 2019
Office Hours Alternative Resonates with Students
Faculty regularly face the problem of getting the students most in need of help to come to the office for help. Not only do a small number of students take advantage of office hours, typically those who show up are not those who most need to be there. In previous issues we have reported on research that offers some reasons why this happens. When students start getting feedback that they are doing poorly, some begin to doubt their abilities. They conclude that they just don’t have what it takes and so getting help isn’t going to make any difference. Other times, it’s the stress of having to face the professor with their failure. Some students are so lost, they don’t even know what to ask, and their confidence is so shaken, they have trouble processing helpful information when it’s delivered.
Maryellen Weimer, PhD
February 15, 2019
Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Test Questions
It’s good to regularly review the advantages and disadvantages of the most commonly used test questions and the test banks that now frequently provide them.
Maryellen Weimer, PhD
October 23, 2018
What Are We Communicating to Students When We Write?
Do we communicate more with students in writing than we used to? I think so. In addition to the course syllabus, the usual handouts, and written feedback on papers, projects, and performances, we now share all kinds of electronic messages with students. We exchange emails, post announcements on course management systems, and participate in online discussions. Those who use PowerPoint tend to make rather text-heavy slides. And if you happen to teach online, then virtually all your communication with students occurs via some written format.
Maryellen Weimer, PhD
September 18, 2018