Resources

When considering how to assess student learning in a course, most instructors would agree that the ideal assessment would be one that not only assesses students’ learning; it also teaches students and improves their skills and understanding of course content.

In designing assessments or assignments for a course, instructors often think of exams or term papers, but there are many other types of assessments that may be appropriate for your course.

Interpreting student ratings of instruction can be challenging, but these guidelines and suggestions will help you extract useful information from your student ratings.

Incorporating Wikipedia into the curriculum as a collaborative environment or primary source affords students with the opportunity to develop their media literacy, improve their writing skills, and learn appropriate ways to use Wikipedia as an academic resource.

Clickers can be used to increase student-student and student-instructor interactions, to assess student preparation and learning, and to probe students' opinions or attitudes.

Podcasting is a digital technology that allows listeners to download course audio and video files, including both instructor-created and student-created content, through the RSS-based subscription mode and listen to them anywhere, anytime.

How can instructors ensure that students come to class with course assignments prepared and readings completed?

From Indiana University: Having students work in groups lets them practice the skills they are learning. Speaking in front of the whole class can be scary, and combined with the tension of speaking to the teacher, the situation can be downright terrifying to students. Breaking them up into groups not only develops social skills useful in the professional environment for which they are training, but gives them a chance to perform in a supportive environment before a test or even before having to do homework on the topic on their own. Includes: Organizing the Groups; Designating Roles in Groups; Sharing Group Results

Games help people develop a disposition toward collaboration, problem-solving, communication, experimentation, and exploration of identities, all attributes that promote success in a rapidly-changing, information-based culture

From Vanderbilt Univeristy: The first day of class is your opportunity to present your vision of the class to prospective students. It is helpful if you can introduce yourself as a scholar and educator and provide insight into how you will teach the class and what you will expect them to contribute to the learning process. Links to: The Inviting Classroom; Course Expectations and Requirements; Additional Resources; Summary Checklist