Fostering Student Success

T.I.L.T.

TILT (Transparency in Learning and Teaching) is an evidence-based instructional framework designed to enhance student learning by making the purpose, tasks, and criteria of assignments and assessments explicit. This approach addresses common challenges students face, such as uncertainty about expectations, confusion over assignment requirements, and difficulty understanding the relevance of their coursework. By providing structured clarity, TILT helps students become more confident and effective learners.

At its core, TILT promotes transparency by breaking down assignments into three key components:

• Purpose: Clearly defining the skills and knowledge students will gain from completing an assignment. This helps students see the broader value of their work, reinforcing the connection between academic tasks and real-world applications.
• Task: Explicitly outlining what students need to do, step by step, to complete the assignment successfully. This removes ambiguity and ensures that students fully grasp what is expected of them.
• Criteria: Providing clear evaluation standards so students understand how their work will be assessed. Offering rubrics, exemplars, or descriptive feedback guidelines allows students to self-evaluate and improve their performance.

Research has shown that when instructors implement transparent teaching strategies, student performance improves—especially among historically underserved students. By making the learning process more accessible, TILT helps bridge equity gaps, reduces student anxiety, and fosters a greater sense of ownership over learning. Additionally, when students understand the reasoning behind assignments, they are more likely to engage deeply, develop critical thinking skills, and transfer knowledge to new contexts.

TILT is more than just a set of teaching techniques; it’s a shift toward fostering an inclusive, student-centered learning environment. By adopting TILT principles, instructors empower students to take an active role in their education, leading to stronger academic outcomes and a more meaningful learning experience.

Student Preparedness

A common concern faculty encounter is students not completing the reading or other activities to prepare for class. There are several techniques a faculty member might consider with their curriculum and pedagogy to better ensure the course supports student motivation. The following are CTL workshops that help with student preparedness:

• A Neuroscience Approach to Motivating Students
• Supporting Underprepared Students
  • Underprepared Students: Cultivating Critical Thinking
  • Underprepared Students: "Just in Time" Instruction
• Using Quizzes to Encourage Student Class Preparation

Active Learning in the Classroom

To enhance active learning, educators can adopt innovative strategies such as collaborative activities and the use of technology. These approaches promote student engagement and foster teamwork, critical thinking, and deeper understanding of the material. The following sessions/topics might be considered:

• Facilitating Effective Group Work
• Inquiry-based Learning
• High Impact Practices
• Flipped Classroom
• Facilitating Engaging Discussions
• Making PowerPoint an Experience: Active PowerPointing
• When Not to Use PowerPoint