Putting Students in the Driver’s Seat: Equip, Empower, Energize
No one can deny that the world in which we live and work is changing at a tumultuous pace. We live in a knowledge economy, driven by technologies that require…
Fired Up and Ready to Discuss
As an instructor for large classes, it is a challenge for me to get a range of students to speak up in class. When I invite comments (“Who would like…
A Discussion About Online Discussion
This article is featured in the resource guide, Effective Online Teaching Strategies. When it comes to facilitating online classroom engagement, discussion boards are a great go-to. They’re practically omnipresent; a…
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. So, last fall we issued…
Reading Textbooks: The College Plague
First, let’s acknowledge this universal epidemic. College students despise reading textbooks and e-books that cover content with academic information. Fortunately, I discovered a cure for the reading plague that only…
Organic Online Discussions: Saving Time and Increasing Engagement
This article is featured in the resource guide, Effective Online Teaching Strategies. I used to dread online discussions as much as many students do. However, after implementing a simple change,…
Dare to Ask the Expert
Years ago, as a high school graduate applying for a college scholarship, I tried an innovative research strategy. I was investigating the case of a Canadian man who was questionably…
Best Practices for Online Recruitment
Faculty recruitment is important because it is the first step in the process of developing qualified and engaged faculty. Over-recruiting makes it challenging to fully engage faculty and under-recruiting makes…
Culturally Responsive Teaching and UDL
Creating educational experiences for our students that integrate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT), a philosophy of education that centers students' cultural backgrounds as essential to…
Purposeful Pauses and Mindful Communication: Good Techniques for Teachers
The life of a faculty member is filled with noisy busyness—planning class sessions, grading, meeting with students, advising, committee work, research, scholarship, and publications. We are consumed by the swirl…