by Mitch Lorenz, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center Summer is here! Somehow, it is already June and, for those teaching on 9-month contracts, it is time for that annual summer tradition of kicking back, relaxing, and engaging in deep reflection on teaching. This might include revisiting the Reinert Center’s online resources as you brainstorm ways to… Continue reading Intention Clarification and the Benefits of Non-Content Communication
Category: Engaging All Learners
Brain Freeze Moments: Supporting Neurodivergent Students in Group Discussions
by Nicole States, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center I am neurodivergent, I have an auditory processing disorder and a weak working memory. This means that communicating in group discussions is difficult for me. I wasn’t diagnosed until my late 20s, but reflecting on my life and academics since then has helped me see where I clearly… Continue reading Brain Freeze Moments: Supporting Neurodivergent Students in Group Discussions
What I’ve Been Reading
by Robert Cole, Program Director, Reinert Center Now that spring break has passed, it may be time to begin thinking about what to read later in the semester, after finals. I’ve been reading three books over the last few weeks that I’d be happy to recommend. The first book I’d like to share with you… Continue reading What I’ve Been Reading
Hope and Connection: Themes from the Ignatian Pedagogy Institute
by Mitch Lorenz, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center The Reinter Center recently hosted the 2025 Ignatian Pedagogy Institute. The theme of the institute was how our courses can fulfill the Universal Apostolic Preference: “to accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future.” The quickly changing political landscape, and the recent disruptions to grant funding… Continue reading Hope and Connection: Themes from the Ignatian Pedagogy Institute
Book Review- A Light in the Tower: A New Reckoning with Mental Health in Higher Education
by Nicole States, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center Mental Health and well-being among students have been put in the spotlight since the COVID-19 lockdown. However, mental health concerns in higher education did not begin during the pandemic. Katie Rose Guest Pryal emphasizes this point in her book, A Light in the Tower: A New Reckoning with… Continue reading Book Review- A Light in the Tower: A New Reckoning with Mental Health in Higher Education
Teaching Authentically: Strategies to Remain Present in Uncertain Times
by Christopher Grabau, Program Director, Reinert Center Educators in higher education are navigating an increasingly complex landscape, where faculty and graduate student instructors must balance demands ranging from maintaining academic integrity and designing effective assessments, to fostering meaningful student engagement. These challenges are compounded by broader societal stresses and uncertainties, which affect both students and… Continue reading Teaching Authentically: Strategies to Remain Present in Uncertain Times
Supporting Neurodiversity Using UDL: An Exercise in “Where Do I Begin?”
by Mitch Lorenz, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center Winter break approaches and, with it, comes the Reinert Center’s annual Winter Institute. This half-day institute is tailored to match the Reinert Center’s annual theme. This year’s theme is “Teaching, Learning, and Neurodiversity” and the Winter Institute will focus on applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to support… Continue reading Supporting Neurodiversity Using UDL: An Exercise in “Where Do I Begin?”
A New Resoruce for Using Generative AI to Support Neurodiverse Students
by Robert Cole, Program Director, Reinert Center Many of us are curious about generative AI but don’t really want students to use it to complete assignments for our classes. Just asking generative AI to write something to turn in undermines their learning and presents issues with the ethical use of technology. There are ways to… Continue reading A New Resoruce for Using Generative AI to Support Neurodiverse Students
Diverse Brains in the Classroom: An Introduction to Neurodiversity
by Nicole States, Instructional Developer *a note on language: There is an ongoing discussion about whether to use person-first or identity-first language when discussing mental health and cognitive conditions. I have chosen to use identity-first language as it represents my personal stance with my neurodivergence. Studies show mixed preferences, so when speaking with or about… Continue reading Diverse Brains in the Classroom: An Introduction to Neurodiversity
Digital Storytelling as a Pandemic Community-Building Mechanism
by Eric Royer, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center Since our shift to remote and now dual-mode teaching, students have become more adept at using our course sites to access materials and complete course activities. They’re also more comfortable using Zoom and other tools to collaborate, engage, and meet key learning outcomes. At the same time, countless… Continue reading Digital Storytelling as a Pandemic Community-Building Mechanism
The Notebook 