by Debie Lohe, Director, Reinert Center This year marks the 400th anniversary of what is often referred to as the start of American slavery -- the documented selling of 20+ African human beings to British colonists in Jamestown, Virginia. While the transatlantic slave trade was alive well before this transaction, and while some have argued… Continue reading Teaching 1619: A Challenge
Category: Tips on Teaching
An Overview of Assessment
by Konnor Brennan, Graduate Assistant, Reinert Center The tools and methods instructors use to assess to student understanding in their courses play many roles in course design. Assessing students throughout the course is important to ensure that students passing the course are meeting certain standards that are required to pass the course, and/or ensuring that… Continue reading An Overview of Assessment
New Resource Guide
A new resource guide on Universal Design for Learning has been posted to the Reinert Center website [LINK]. If you want to talk with someone about universal design for learning in your own classes, you may request a teaching consultation by completing this form (LINK). If you have ideas for resource guide topics you would like… Continue reading New Resource Guide
Designing Meaningful In-Class Activities
by Kristin Broussard, Graduate Assistant, Reinert Center Many instructors have heard the term “active learning” and are aware of the push in higher education away from all lecture and towards incorporating alternative teaching methods in the classroom. But how do you design a meaningful activity for your class? There is no one “right” way to… Continue reading Designing Meaningful In-Class Activities
In-class Discussions
by Konnor Brennan, Graduate Assistant, Reinert Center In-class discussions are one of the most frequently used pedagogical activities. While they are very popular in classrooms, most instructors know that implementing an effective and productive discussion takes time and planning. Designing and implementing an effective discussion activity can sometimes be challenging. One of the key components… Continue reading In-class Discussions
Icebreakers in the Classroom
by Gina Merys, Acting Director, Reinert Center Icebreakers, often defined as techniques to introduce people to each other, are frequently used during the first week of classes to help instructors and students get to know one another. While this can be useful, when designed with the skills and knowledge of a specific course in mind,… Continue reading Icebreakers in the Classroom
New Semester Resources
As you prepare for the year ahead, consider reviewing some of the online resources available on our website. For example, the Reinert Center’s brief Resource Guides offer a few practical strategies for a number of teaching topics. While they are far from comprehensive solutions, they may be useful suggestions as you prepare to teach this… Continue reading New Semester Resources
New Year’s Resolutions
by Stephen Belt, Assistant Professor, Aviation Science It is August and all things are possible for the coming academic year. This year, I will be more energetic, have better and more interactive classroom activities. This year, I will improve my exams. I’ll provide more feedback. I’ll get assignments back more quickly. I’ll do more research,… Continue reading New Year’s Resolutions
Themed Teaching: A Creative Strategy for Course Redesign
by Elizabeth A. Gockel-Blessing, Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs, Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Health Sciences Do you ever get tired of teaching your courses the same way year after year? If so, join the club. I am writing this post to share one example of how I redesigned what I consider to be my “flagship”… Continue reading Themed Teaching: A Creative Strategy for Course Redesign
Gamification in the Classroom
by Sandy Gambill, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center This past semester you may have read about SLU Professor Simone Bregni’s use of video games in the classroom. You can see him talk about his experience teaching Intensive Italian for Gamers as a Reinert Center Innovative Teaching fellow in this video: https://vimeo.com/214052615 We know that most of… Continue reading Gamification in the Classroom
