Tip Sheets: Course Implementation

Active learning is based on constructivism, a learning theory that asserts that learners construct their own understanding of a topic by building upon their prior knowledge

Questions are the simplest form of interactive teaching tool, particularly in large classes, and are useful in any discipline.

Both asking and answering questions are important parts of effective learning and teaching.

In large, crowded, undergraduate classes students can feel anonymous, passive, unmotivated, and isolated (Trees & Jackson, 2007)

Let your students see you as a real person
When teaching online, it’s especially important that students see you as a real person.

Have you ever had to deal with a disruptive or highly emotional student?

All living creatures have the instinct for survival and when confronted with a perceived danger react in what is called a fight or flight response – i.e., they either defend themselves or run away

Effective visuals help your audience understand and remember the key points of your presentation.

Early engagement quick tips are useful for instructors to foster engagement in the first weeks of a term. 

Some basic skills can help you to be a more effective communicator in the classroom.

Tutorials supplement learning that has occurred in lectures by providing further opportunities for students to discuss course material, ask questions, practice skills, and receive formative feedback on their learning

Initiating and sustaining a lively, productive discussion are among the most challenging activities for an instructor

Introduce yourself to your class.Tell them about your background:

Presentations are a common tool for which graduate students and faculty often receive training during their undergraduate and graduate course work.

One way to change the pace in your classroom is to do a small group activity.

Having a diversity of skills and ideas within a group often enriches the group process and can improve the final product. 

Both faculty members and teaching assistants (TAs) can accomplish some of their most rewarding teaching in the office

Similar to in-person office hours, virtual office hours support student learning through one-on-one interactions between students and instructors or TAs

Guidance for graduate students, new faculty, and others in delivering effective guest lectures. 

Icebreakers are short activities, often at the beginning of courses, tutorials, and meetings, that provide an opportunity for students to engage with instructors, TAs, and one another.

Group work can be an effective method to motivate students, encourage active learning, and develop key critical-thinking, communication, and decision-making skills

A movement break is a pause during a sedentary activity, such as a class or lecture, where students engage in physical activity. Research suggests that movement breaks in post-secondary classes lead to increased academic achievement.

Keywords: attention, exercise, breaks, motivation, performance

Whether in-person or online, facilitating tutorials is an opportunity to work closely with students and understand where they are in their learning.

Language is a critical element in properly communicating the intent of assignments to students.

The first day of class can set the tone for the rest of the term. Here are some tips on how to set a positive classroom atmosphere and limit disruptions from the get-go.

As class sizes increase and university budgets tighten, lecturing remains a dominant teaching method (Goffe & Kauper, 2014; Smith & Valentine, 2012).

Guidelines when pivoting from an in-person exam to an online exam.

Technology has become an integral part of students’ lives

Motivation and learning are inextricably intertwined: “motivation influences learning and performance and what students do and learn influences their motivation” (Schunk et al., 2008, p. 5).

As long as class sizes continue to increase, it is likely that lecturing will be a dominant teaching method in university class rooms

This teaching tip focuses on effectively organizing and using your LEARN site to improve the student experience, including Course Outline, Course Communications, Course Calendar and Schedule, Course Materials and Activities, and Gradebook.  

There are three main points to consider when preparing to deliver a lecture or lead a tutorial:

Whether delivering a presentation at an academic conference or giving a lecture, polished delivery skills can mean the difference between an effective presentation/lecture and an ineffective one. Following are some delivery tips to help you.

The tools described below – Empathy Maps, Learner Personas, and Learner Journey Maps – can help you get a better sense of your learners’ lived experience.

While we often think of exams as a way to test students’ comprehension of material, exams can serve more than one purpose.

Whether delivering a presentation at an academic conference or giving a lecture, preparation is critical to a successful presentation

Classroom participation is a feature of many course designs

Effective question strategies capture students' attention, foster student involvement, and facilitate a positive, active learning environment

The first day of class sets the tone for the rest of the term.

When transitioning your class online, there are a variety of options for delivering your essential course content—especially lecture content—in the digital environment

Handling problems during in-class group work