Classroom Activities, Engagement, Inclusive Teaching, Practical Strategies, Reviews, Transformative Learning

No Time Like the Present

Book Review of Elizabeth A. Norell, The Present Professor: Authenticity and Transformational Teaching, volume 3 in the Teaching, Engaging, and Thriving in Higher Ed Series by Beth Petitjean, Digital Learning Specialist, Reinert Center It’s nearing the end of July. You know what that means? This is the last in my mini blog series reviewing books… Continue reading No Time Like the Present

Classroom Activities, Engagement, Inclusive Teaching, Practical Strategies, Reviews, Transformative Learning

What’s Your Name?

Book Review of Michelle D. Miller, A Teacher’s Guide to Learning Student Names, volume 2 in the Teaching, Engaging, and Thriving in Higher Ed Series by Beth Petitjean, Digital Learning Specialist, Reinert Center Names are part of our identity. We might not like our names, we might love our names, we might have nicknames, we… Continue reading What’s Your Name?

Classroom Activities, Engagement, Inclusive Teaching, Practical Strategies, Reviews, Tips on Teaching, Transformative Learning

For Your Summer Reading Pleasure

For Your Summer Reading Pleasure - Book Review of Catherine J. Denial, A Pedagogy of Kindness (2024), volume 1 in the Teaching, Engaging, and Thriving in Higher Ed Series by Beth Petitjean, Digital Learning Specialist, Reinert Center Summertime! Although the livin’ might not be as seemingly idyllic as a Gershwin tune, the pace of academic… Continue reading For Your Summer Reading Pleasure

Classroom Activities, Engagement, Engaging All Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Practical Strategies, Resources, Tips on Teaching

Intention Clarification and the Benefits of Non-Content Communication

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

Accessibility, Distance Teaching, Engagement, Inclusive Teaching, Practical Strategies, Resources, Tips on Teaching

Resources Revisited: Course Design

by Robert Cole, Program Director, Reinert Center The Resources Revisited series highlights existing resources available to the SLU community that may be especially timely or useful at certain points in the academic year.  As many of us close out the semester and move into the summer, we begin thinking about – now that we have… Continue reading Resources Revisited: Course Design

Accessibility, Engaging All Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Tips on Teaching

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

Accessibility, Engaging All Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Reviews, Teaching Today's Students

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

Classroom Activities, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Engaging All Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Practical Strategies, Teaching and Justice, Teaching Today's Students, Tips on Teaching

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

Accessibility, AI in the Classroom, Engaging All Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Practical Strategies

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

Engaging All Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Teaching Today's 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