Marian Teaching Best Practices

Timely Feedback

Giving timely feedback is one of the most impactful teaching practices because it meets students where they are—while their learning is still fresh and they can take action. When feedback is prompt, students are more likely to make meaningful connections, adjust their approach, and stay engaged in the learning process. It transforms grading from a final judgment into an opportunity for growth.

Effective feedback should not only point out what needs improvement but also highlight what students are doing well, helping them build on their strengths. This balance of encouragement and critique reinforces confidence and fosters motivation. When feedback is consistent and delivered in a supportive tone, it cultivates a growth mindset, helping students see challenges as part of the learning journey rather than as failures.

Moreover, regular feedback opens a dialogue between instructor and student, showing that their work is seen, valued, and worthy of improvement. This continuous feedback loop doesn’t just improve academic performance—it helps students develop critical self-reflection and resilience, skills that are essential well beyond the classroom.

Opening communication between students and faculty through timely feedback creates a more connected and responsive learning environment. When feedback is prompt and personalized, students feel seen, supported, and guided, which encourages them to engage more actively with both the content and the instructor.

Here are a few key benefits:

• Builds Trust and Rapport – Timely feedback signals that the instructor is invested in the student’s progress, which builds mutual respect and a sense of partnership in the learning process.
• Encourages Academic Dialogue – When students see that feedback is relevant and actionable, they’re more likely to ask follow-up questions, seek clarification, or discuss ideas—fostering deeper engagement.
• Reduces Anxiety and Confusion – Immediate feedback can prevent misunderstandings from snowballing. It reassures students that they’re on the right track—or gives them a clear path to correct their course.
• Strengthens Motivation – Knowing that their work is reviewed and responded to promptly increases students’ motivation to do their best, especially when praise and suggestions are balanced and constructive.
• Promotes Reflection and Growth – Feedback becomes a two-way street, encouraging students to reflect, respond, and take ownership of their learning, while also giving faculty insight into student needs.

Overall, timely feedback fosters a learning relationship built on communication, clarity, and care—which can significantly impact student success and retention.

Course Involvement

In today’s learning environments—whether in-person, hybrid, or fully online—meaningful interaction between students and instructors is essential for deeper engagement and long-term success. Interactions in education go far beyond just delivering content; they include classroom discussions, online forums, collaborative projects, and feedback loops that create space for students to process, question, and apply what they’re learning.

By encouraging student questions, deeper exploration, and peer collaboration, instructors help cultivate a learning culture where students feel safe to take intellectual risks. These conversations—whether through live discussion or asynchronous posts—allow students to voice diverse perspectives, make real-world connections, and build critical thinking skills. Project-based learning, in particular, supports this by making content applicable to real-life challenges, increasing student investment and ownership.

Timely, personalized feedback plays a key role in this ecosystem. It enables students to reflect on their performance, identify areas for growth, and adjust their learning strategies accordingly. Instructors can use feedback moments to customize instruction, clarifying misconceptions, offering encouragement, and providing direction, which helps students stay on track and feel supported.

Technology tools like multimedia content, interactive modules, and collaborative apps further enhance this dynamic. They make learning more accessible and engaging while allowing instructors to tailor experiences to individual learning needs. When used well, these tools and strategies promote an inclusive, responsive, and community-driven classroom, where students don’t just consume knowledge—they actively shape it.

Positive Classroom Culture

Fostering a strong classroom culture where students feel a sense of community and belonging is essential for learning, engagement, and well-being. Both Cornell University’s Center for Teaching Innovation and InnerDrive emphasize that building inclusive, student-centered spaces begins with intentional practices. Cornell highlights the importance of co-creating classroom norms, encouraging social presence, and using icebreakers to help students connect early on. InnerDrive complements this by focusing on strategies that support a positive learning climate—like establishing clear routines, promoting critical thinking, and giving students a shared sense of purpose. Together, these approaches emphasize that when students feel seen, respected, and empowered, they are more motivated to participate, collaborate, and grow. Creating this foundation not only enhances academic outcomes but also builds a community where every learner feels they belong.

Article: Fostering Community and Belonging https://teaching.cornell.edu/teaching-resources/building-inclusive-classrooms/fostering-community-and-belonging. Cornell University's steps to creating an environment where students feel safe to reflect, collaborate, and share.

Article: 9 Ways to Define and Develop Your Classroom Culture - https://blog.innerdrive.co.uk/define-and-develop-classroom-culture. - This is an article that describes some ways to create a classroom culture to benefit the students' learning.

Creating a Positive Culture in the Classroom - Marian by M. Clifford