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
Student Attendance Accommodations
by James Fortney, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center An attendance accommodation is an understanding that a student’s medical diagnosis may impact their ability to attend class. It is also a way to support students whose absences may require flexibility as they complete course requirements. As such, an attendance accommodation is an opportunity to work with students… Continue reading Student Attendance Accommodations
Who is Learning Online?
by Sandy Gambill, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center When I signed up to write this blog post, I thought it would be a simple matter of finding some statistics and framing them in the context of the Reinert Center’s annual theme-- justice. After several false starts, I can tell you it was not that simple. There… Continue reading Who is Learning Online?
Universal Instructional Design (UID)
by James Fortney, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center Universal instructional design (UID) is a pedagogical framework used to help design courses that are accessible for all students, including students with disabilities. We have described this approach to course design in previous blogs [LINK] and considered ways to apply it to different teaching contexts and situations (e.g.,… Continue reading Universal Instructional Design (UID)
Teaching and Justice
by Gina Merys, Acting Director, Reinert Center The university must carry out this general commitment [to transform and enlighten the society in which it lives] with the means uniquely at its disposal: we as an intellectual community must analyze causes; use imagination and creativity together to discover remedies; communicate to our constituencies a consciousness that… Continue reading Teaching and Justice
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
Book Review- Robot Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
by Chris Grabau, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning brings the promise of increased productivity, efficiency, safety and access to a wealth of new information; however, these technologies also raise difficult questions about the nature of work. What jobs, skills and labor will be needed when most… Continue reading Book Review- Robot Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Book Review: Diversity, Social Justice, and Inclusive Excellence
by James Fortney, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center Staff in the Reinert Center are continually researching and developing resources to support inclusive teaching and learning at Saint Louis University. You can access the current inclusive teaching resources available on our website by clicking here [LINK]. A goal of this ongoing work is to share resources that… Continue reading Book Review: Diversity, Social Justice, and Inclusive Excellence
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
The Notebook 