by Christopher Grabau, Program Director, Reinert Center Political and global affairs often enter our learning spaces. While these discussions can be challenging to navigate, they offer a unique opportunity to engage with and develop critical reflection. As we anticipate potentially challenging but crucial conversations in the classroom, it's essential to approach these moments with intentionality… Continue reading Preparing for Election-Related Discussions in the Classroom
Category: 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
Suspect the use of AI? Talk with your student.
by Robert Cole, Program Director, Reinert Center In a recent workshop I was asked about how to have a conversation with a student suspected of using generative AI to complete an assignment without permission to do so. I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately as we all continue to move through this time of… Continue reading Suspect the use of AI? Talk with your student.
Reconstituting Office Hours
by Eric Royer, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center A recent article discussing office hours in the Chronicle of Higher Education had me thinking about how this dedicated time to meet with students is such a vital, yet underutilized student support in our course learning environments. Students can ask questions or talk candidly about problems affecting their… Continue reading Reconstituting Office Hours
Bursting the Busywork Bubble
by Robert Cole, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center Well, it’s that time of year. As we move closer to graduation we are administering and grading exams, final projects and presentations. We will also soon receive notification that our course evaluations are available. Course evaluations often provide an opportunity to take stock and identify if changes need… Continue reading Bursting the Busywork Bubble
New Resource Guide
The Reinert Center has created a new Resource Guide to help faculty when drafting recommendation letters. The guide offers a few framing thoughts as well as a strategies to help faculty work against implicit bias and stereotypes when writing letters for students. Avoiding Racial and Gender Bias When Writing Recommendation Letters Although the guide is… Continue reading New Resource Guide
Teaching Strategies to help combat Zoom fatigue
by Christopher Grabau, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center Using video platforms like Zoom has quickly become a standard way to connect with colleagues, friends, or family. However, it is becoming apparent that video meetings can be both mentally and physically draining. Often referred to as “Zoom fatigue,” these exhausting feelings can have an impact on our… Continue reading Teaching Strategies to help combat Zoom fatigue
It’s Been A Year
By Sandy Gambill, Sr. Instructional Developer, Reinert Center When spring break started on March 9, 2020, students were asked to report their travel plans to the university, and quarantine after visiting countries on the CDC warning list. It was unthinkable that ten days later they would be moving out of residence halls, while instructors made… Continue reading It’s Been A Year
Striking a Balance in Scholarship and Teaching
by Robert Cole, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center Upon entering academia, we are very aware that scholarship and research are emphasized on the path to success. Kehrer and Svenson (2012) state that “At its core, a university is a community of scholars, scholarship should permeate every… college and school”. However, now more than ever, universities are… Continue reading Striking a Balance in Scholarship and Teaching
Lecture Assistants in Large Lecture Courses
by Asmira Alagic, Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Peyton High, Learning Assistant, Chemistry Monotonous, one-sided, and non-interactive are among several descriptors of common large lecture settings. In order to change student’s perception of dull large lectures, we’ve implemented the use of Learning Assistants (LAs), undergraduate students who, through weekly preparation sessions and a pedagogy course, facilitate discussions… Continue reading Lecture Assistants in Large Lecture Courses
The Notebook 