Every consultation is unique, depending on your goals, teaching style, and stage of course development. The types of curriculum design support we provide may include:
The list above is not meant to be comprehensive, as we support any aspect of curriculum design.
Classroom observations from the Center of Teaching and Learning provide valuable insights into effective teaching practices and student engagement. These observations are designed to support educators in refining their teaching strategies by offering constructive feedback and identifying areas for growth. Trained observers visit classrooms to gather data on teaching methods, classroom dynamics, and student interactions. The ultimate goal is to foster an environment where both teachers and students can thrive, ensuring that learning experiences are both enriching and impactful. By sharing best practices and innovative approaches, the Center of Teaching and Learning aims to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement in education.
Student Focus Groups (SGID) are an invaluable tool for gathering feedback on teaching and learning experiences in educational settings. These groups consist of students who voluntarily participate in guided discussions to share their perspectives on various aspects of their courses. The process typically involves a facilitator who poses open-ended questions to encourage candid dialogue about what is working well in the classroom and what might need improvement.
SGID sessions create a safe space for students to express their thoughts openly, providing instructors with insights that might not be captured through traditional evaluation forms. This feedback can highlight strengths in teaching methods, identify areas for enhancement, and ultimately help educators refine their approaches to better meet the needs of their students.
By fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual respect, SGID can strengthen the relationship between students and instructors, leading to a more effective and engaging educational experience for everyone involved.
We conduct Canvas Course reviews to ensure that the content meets high educational standards and provides a meaningful learning experience for students. Our review process involves a thorough examination of course materials, including lectures, assignments, and assessments, to check for clarity, relevance, and engagement. We also gather feedback from instructors and students alike to identify areas for improvement and to celebrate what works well. By regularly updating and refining courses, we aim to foster an environment of continuous learning and growth, adapting to the evolving needs of learners in an ever-changing educational landscape.
Our department offers a comprehensive range of professional development opportunities designed to enhance faculty effectiveness and student engagement. These initiatives focus on curriculum design, online learning, active teaching methods, and strategies to encourage student preparation.
In the area of Curriculum Design and Course Alignment, faculty can benefit from sessions aimed at optimizing semester-long courses. This includes creating design documents to sequence course content and aligning assignments with educational objectives. The goal is to balance various types of assignments and assessments, ensuring that courses remain relevant and meaningful to students, which can ultimately help reduce absenteeism.
For Online and Hybrid Learning, our department emphasizes the importance of preparing faculty for future disruptions, similar to those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. We recommend fully integrating courses into Canvas and developing comprehensive modules. Offerings in this area include creating robust learning paths within Canvas, crafting multimedia resources to enhance online courses, and employing strategies to make synchronous sessions more engaging.
In promoting Active Learning Techniques, faculty will find sessions that encourage moving beyond traditional methods like PowerPoint. We focus on facilitating effective group work, inquiry-based learning, high-impact practices, and flipped classroom strategies. Our offerings also include training on transforming PowerPoint presentations into interactive experiences and understanding when alternative methods may be more effective.
To address the common challenge of student preparation, our department offers strategies that foster motivation and engagement. Faculty can explore neuroscience-informed approaches to motivate students, support underprepared learners, and utilize quizzes as tools to encourage thorough preparation for class.
These professional development sessions are designed to empower faculty with the skills and strategies needed to enhance teaching effectiveness and improve student outcomes.