by Mitch Lorenz, Graduate Assistant, Reinert Center Following thoughtful class design, lecture preparation, online class portal updating, and first day of class clothing selection comes the time when we, as teachers, must step into the classroom and actually interact with students. Regardless of the degree of preparation, unexpected problems may arise as students begin to… Continue reading Embracing Challenging Students
New Resource Guide: Making Student Work Public Online
The Reinert Center has a series of brief resource guides designed to provide quick information on topics related to teaching. Our latest resource guide, Making Student Work Public Online, addresses some of the major considerations needed when using online platforms for student assignments. As more assignments go online, it is important for faculty to know some of the ethical and… Continue reading New Resource Guide: Making Student Work Public Online
Effective Classroom Demonstrations
by Kelly McEnerney, Graduate Assistant, Reinert Center As pedagogical tools for engaging students, demonstrations serve a useful role in the classroom, particularly when used to introduce concepts that are difficult to convey in words. To extend this point, imagine a classic example of a child learning to tie shoes. Take a few seconds to formulate… Continue reading Effective Classroom Demonstrations
Designing and Facilitating Group Work
by James Fortney, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center I recently taught an undergraduate course on small group processes, with an emphasis on the role of communication in the development of the ‘work’ done by group members. It was an exciting opportunity for me to consider interdisciplinary perspectives on small groups (i.e., the content of selected readings… Continue reading Designing and Facilitating Group Work
Creating Significant Learning Experiences: Takeaways from the Annual National Workshop
by Sandy Gambill, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center Now in it’s 2nd edition, L. Dee Fink’s Creating Significant Learning Experiences has impacted many instructors’ decisions around course design. I recently had the opportunity to attend the annual workshop offered by Fink and Associates on applying the course design model they have developed. Here are two elements… Continue reading Creating Significant Learning Experiences: Takeaways from the Annual National Workshop
Reinert Center Pilots New Program on Culturally Responsive Teaching
by Debie Lohe, Director, Reinert Center Next week, the Reinert Center will launch a pilot for a new program focused on helping SLU faculty and graduate student instructors design and teach courses in ways that are culturally responsive. While the particular emphasis for the pilot is on engaging international students more inclusively, the concepts of… Continue reading Reinert Center Pilots New Program on Culturally Responsive Teaching
Book Review: Teaching Intensive and Accelerated Courses: Instruction That Motivates Learning
by Sandy Gambill, Reinert Center, Instructional Developer Teaching Intensive and Accelerated Courses: Instruction That Motivates Learning by Raymond J. Wlodkowski and Margery B. Ginsberg July is traditionally a time for the beach and BBQs. It’s also traditionally the time both teachers and students question their decisions to be in the classroom instead of the swimming… Continue reading Book Review: Teaching Intensive and Accelerated Courses: Instruction That Motivates Learning
Summer Reading List
by Jerod Quinn, Instructional Developer I have the good fortune to be in a place where there is an abundance of great reading and research available for my profession, instructional development. My co-workers point me towards exciting new ideas in the field along with keeping a list of the foundational writings. And with all that… Continue reading Summer Reading List
Using Ground Rules to Support a Diverse Learning Environment
by Elisabeth Hedrick-Moser, Instructor When I was a college student, and before I thought about it more intentionally, I thought “diversity” in education was really code for “politically correct,” or just a way to prevent or correct racism or stereotyping. I’ve since learned that diversity is, in itself, a positive force for education. Think about… Continue reading Using Ground Rules to Support a Diverse Learning Environment
Dealing with Classroom Management Challenges
by Dipti Subramanium, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Reinert Center Classroom management challenges are not uncommon; they are something that all instructors face at different levels and times. Below are some tips to address some common issues. Dominating students: While dominating students are often eager, knowledgeable, and help keep the discussion going, they could also hinder other students… Continue reading Dealing with Classroom Management Challenges
The Notebook 