Showing thanks through the lesson of grace in teaching Recently, a colleague shared, “The lesson of grace in teaching: From weakness to wholeness, the struggle and the hope” blog post with me. This inspiring talk was written by Francis Edward Su (Professor, Harvey Mudd College) upon receipt of the Mathematical Association of America’s Deborah and … Continue reading An opportunity to give thanks
Category: Teaching Tip
Quick and short tips on teaching practices.
How do you stay engaged when teaching? (CELT Teaching Tip)
For new instructors, a teaching challenge can be learning the content, the pacing, and anticipating student questions. For more seasoned instructors, how do you stay engaged and revived when teaching material (for what feels like the 100th time)? In every subject, there are new findings, new perspectives, and new research that can help enliven your … Continue reading How do you stay engaged when teaching? (CELT Teaching Tip)
5 ideas to change the refrain of “I hate group work” to “what great group experiences!”
Many of us have heard student feedback about the utter disdain for group work. However, we know from the teaching and learning literature that groups, indeed diverse groups, contribute more innovative ideas than individuals working alone. So why is group work so disparaged? A part of it may be the design of the group work. … Continue reading 5 ideas to change the refrain of “I hate group work” to “what great group experiences!”
Midterms: A valuable time for formative assessment (Teaching Tip)
The midpoint of the semester is an important opportunity for your students to examine their progress in a course. As an instructor, you can help students become aware of their standing through the midterm grade submission. Midterm grades are due on Friday, October 18 by 2:15 p.m., and are submitted electronically via Canvas or AccessPlus. … Continue reading Midterms: A valuable time for formative assessment (Teaching Tip)
Looking for Community? Consider joining a CELT Teaching & Learning Community! (CELT Teaching Tip)
A Teaching and Learning Community (TLC) is a cross-disciplinary faculty, staff, graduate students, and postdocs group of 8 to 12 members engaging in an active, collaborative, yearlong program with frequent seminars and activities that provide learning, development, community building, and opportunities for scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). CELT has the following topic-based learning communities: … Continue reading Looking for Community? Consider joining a CELT Teaching & Learning Community! (CELT Teaching Tip)
Helping your students build connections (Teaching Tip)
What are your students’ passions, and how do they relate to the topic that you teach? “Build Connections” is an activity that you can use after covering the first major topic of your course. Developed at the University of Virginia, the exercise helps students see how what they are learning is related to something that … Continue reading Helping your students build connections (Teaching Tip)
10 ideas for a great first day of class (Teaching Tip)
Every semester I get butterflies in my stomach before my first class (and I am the professor!) Students begin each semester with different motivations and expectations for their classes. Some are nervous, most are excited, and others are ready to finish this class so that they can move on to whatever is next in their … Continue reading 10 ideas for a great first day of class (Teaching Tip)
On to a New Adventure (Teaching Tip)
Morrill Professor and CELT Associate Director Dr. Holly Bender will return to her tenure home in the Department of Veterinary Pathology at the end of the spring semester. Holly has provided teaching excellence, mentoring, and leadership not only to veterinary students, but to graduate students and faculty in every corner of campus. As an associate … Continue reading On to a New Adventure (Teaching Tip)
Almost at the finish line (Teaching Tip)
Over a decade ago, I participated in my first marathon. Despite being exhausted, the last two miles were my two best miles because the end was in sight. I knew that I would accomplish the goal that I had spent months preparing for. We are mere weeks away from the end of the semester. What could you do in the next class session to help your students and yourself see the finish line?
The 10,000-hour rule applied to improving your teaching (Teaching Tip)
In his popular book Outliers , Malcom Gladwell wrote about the average number of hours one needs to become an expert in their field. The 10,000-hour rule of “achievement [equals] talent plus preparation” has entered the popular lexicon as the key to success in a field. While there are certain arenas in which you can … Continue reading The 10,000-hour rule applied to improving your teaching (Teaching Tip)