Dr. Cydney McGuire teaches health policy for the O’Neill School of Environmental and Public Affairs. I’ve learned a lot from her approach to using writing to advance her students’ learning in an undergraduate course with 60 students; I asked her to share her insights. Why do you assign your students to write and speak, rather… Read more »
Tag: active learning
Instructor Spotlight: The “Take 5 Warm-Up” Strategy That Transforms Classroom Dynamics
As we’re starting to get settled into the semester, some of you may be wanting more student engagement. I met Jordan McIntire, a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Health & Wellness Design, during our Course Development Institute on Active Learning. Jordan shared a strategy that resonated with many instructors—a “Take 5 Warm-Up” assignment…. Read more »
Transforming Teaching: Five Faculty Awarded CITL Active Learning Grants
In alignment with IUB’s 2030 Strategic Plan, the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) has awarded five faculty members with Active Learning Grants. These grants support faculty who are implementing evidence-based teaching strategies that foster deeper engagement, critical thinking, and improved learning outcomes. Active learning is when students engage directly with course materials through… Read more »
Quick Tip: Get all your Students Moving!
Seeing students getting sleepy? Try the “human histogram” classroom activity. Create a continuum along one wall. For example, one side of the wall may represent “strongly agree” and the opposite side represents “strongly disagree.” Pose a statement and have students arrange themselves along the continuum based on their opinions. Once students are settled, debrief as… Read more »
Announcement! We want to give YOU money!
Did that title grab your attention? Good! Because it’s the truth! The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) sponsors several grants, many of which have application deadlines in late February. While we’ll be thrilled if you apply for any of our grants, today I want to tell you about the Active Learning Grant. Some… Read more »
Prove Me Wrong: How One IU Professor Works Smarter with Active Learning by Enlisting Students’ Help
Put down the pool floats, fruit smoothies, and sunblock: the fall semester is beginning! As you begin to prepare your courses, you may find yourself overwhelmed with choices about course design, assignment sheets, and student engagement. Sometimes, the easiest way to incorporate innovative teaching in these busy semester moments is through simple interventions with large… Read more »