Tip Sheets: Course Implementation

Explore a variety of engaging strategies that promote student participation, critical thinking, and deeper learning through active involvement in the classroom.

Explore adaptable strategies to foster engagement, interaction, and active learning in large classroom settings.

Enhance classroom dialogue and critical thinking by using six distinct types of questions.

Evidence‑based strategies to enhance instructor presence and foster student community through structured interactions designed specifically for large undergraduate classes.

Foster a supportive and effective learning environment with strategies for clear, respectful, and inclusive communication across various teaching contexts.

Navigate classroom and interpersonal challenges with confidence using strategies for recognizing, addressing, and resolving conflicts constructively.

Build confidence and manage anxiety with practical techniques to reduce nervousness and enhance your effectiveness in teaching and presentation settings.

Enhance your presentations with visual aids that support student learning through intentional design and meaningful integration.

Foster student motivation and connection from the start with quick, practical strategies to build rapport, set expectations, and create a welcoming learning environment.

Improve your teaching and collaboration by identifying common communication barriers and applying strategies to foster clarity, understanding, and inclusive dialogue.

Plan and deliver impactful online tutorials with strategies to foster interaction and support student learning.

Lead classroom discussions with strategies to encourage participation, deepen understanding, and create a respectful environment for diverse perspectives.

Boost student motivation and with strategies that create a supportive learning environment, recognize effort, and build confidence through encouragement and constructive feedback.

Deliver engaging lectures with strategies for adapting content to your audience, using visuals purposefully, and fostering active learning through thoughtful presentation techniques.

Choose the right type of small group for your learning goals by exploring various formats that support collaboration, engagement, and effective classroom dynamics.

Improve group effectiveness and accountability by assigning roles that clarify responsibilities, support collaboration, and help students develop key teamwork skills.

Make office hours more accessible and impactful by using strategies that encourage student attendance, foster meaningful interactions, and support academic success.

Create accessible virtual office hours by using strategies that support student connection, encourage participation, and maintain flexibility in online learning environments.

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

Build community and encourage participation in online courses with icebreakers that help students connect, feel comfortable, and engage meaningfully from the start.

Implement effective group work by setting clear expectations, designing purposeful tasks, and supporting student collaboration throughout the process.

Enhance focus and energy in your classroom by incorporating movement breaks that support student well-being, boost engagement, and create a more dynamic learning environment.

Lead engaging and impactful tutorials by using strategies that promote active learning, clarify course content, and create an inclusive environment for student participation.

Improve student understanding and performance by using clear, inclusive, and purposeful language when communicating assignment expectations, criteria, and instructions.

Manage large classes effectively by using strategies that support student engagement, streamline communication, and create a structured, inclusive learning environment.

Enhance lecture effectiveness by organizing content clearly, using visuals strategically, and incorporating active learning techniques to maintain student attention and deepen understanding.

Ensure a smooth transition to online exams by aligning exam formats with learning outcomes, leveraging appropriate technologies and preparing students through clear communication and practice opportunities.

Create a focused and respectful learning environment by setting clear expectations for technology use, encouraging purposeful engagement, and fostering dialogue about digital distractions and academic responsibility.

Inspire student motivation by fostering a supportive learning environment, connecting course content to real-world relevance, and offering autonomy, clear goals, and timely, constructive feedback.

Diversify your teaching approach by incorporating interactive strategies—such as case studies, discussions, and problem-based learning—that foster deeper engagement, critical thinking, and active participation.

Improve student navigation and engagement by organizing your LEARN site with clear structure, consistent formatting, and accessible resources that support learning, reduce cognitive load, and enhance usability.

Design effective lessons by aligning objectives, activities, and assessments; structuring content for clarity and flow; and incorporating strategies that actively engage students and support diverse learning needs.

Strengthen your classroom presence by refining delivery skills such as voice, pacing, body language, and eye contact to communicate clearly, maintain student attention, and foster an engaging learning environment.

Explore how to foster inclusive teaching practices through the creation of empathy maps, learner personas, and learner journey maps. This allows instructors to better understand students' perspectives, anticipate challenges, and adapt their approaches to support diverse needs. 

Enhance the effectiveness of test and exams by aligning questions with learning outcomes, balancing question types and difficulty, and providing clear instructions.

Presentations should engage listeners from start to finish. To deliver a clear and engaging presentation, presenters should explore how to plan their content strategically, organize ideas logically, and leverage visuals and storytelling techniques to support audience understanding and retention. 

Encourage meaningful classroom participation by creating an inclusive environment, setting clear expectations, and using diverse strategies that invite all students to contribute thoughtfully and confidently.

Strengthen student learning by using purposeful questioning techniques that stimulate curiosity, promote deeper thinking, and create opportunities for dialogue, reflection, and active engagement.

Start strong on the first day of class by setting a welcoming tone, outlining expectations, and building rapport to create a positive learning environment that supports student engagement from the outset.

Ensure a smooth shift to online teaching by adapting content for digital delivery, fostering student engagement through interactive tools, and maintaining clarity and presence in virtual environments.

Handling problems during in-class group work