Instructional Ideas
Think-Pair-Share (Active Learning Strategy)
Think-Pair-Share is an active learning strategy where students think critically about a challenging concept, partner with another student to discuss, and then report out their ideas to the larger group/rest of the class. This QRG includes ideas for implementing this strategy and modifications for hybrid, online, and/or large courses.
Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for course design that creates an equitable learning environment for students and instructors. By focusing on providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression, UDL will increase student success, engagement, and ownership of learning.
Student Motivation
Student motivation and engagement is critical to the success of any course. This QRG overviews intrinsic motivation strategies, evidence-based methods of the psychological principles of persuasion, and plans for implementation to improve student motivation in engineering courses.
Student Hours: A New Approach to Office Hours
This QRG provides practical strategies for engineering faculty to reimagine traditional office hours. By adopting new approaches such as themed sessions, flexible locations, and personalized invitations, faculty can create a more welcoming environment that encourages student engagement and enhances academic success.
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is a framework to support faculty in systematically investigating ways to improve teaching practices and students’ learning. SoTL shares findings and best practices with a broader community for review and dissemination.
Pose A Question (Active Learning Strategy)
Posing a question is an effective active learning strategy that can be used to re-engage students during a class session. This QRG includes ideas for successful implementation of this strategy and a range of sample questions to pose, including Socratic, probing, and real-world questions.
Muddiest Points (Active Learning Strategy)
Muddiest Points is a low-impact method for gathering informal feedback from students on their own understanding of course content, then quickly addressing any conceptual issues that are exposed. This QRG includes steps to consider for successful implementation and suggested student question prompts.
Metacognition
Metacognition is thinking about one’s thinking. Metacognitive activities can help engineering students navigate the engineering design process, identify and define problems, and evaluate the final solution. This QRG includes planning, monitoring, and assessing activities and assignment ideas to support the metacognitive process in your courses.
Icebreakers
Icebreakers are a low-risk, introductory activity designed to encourage students to become active members with the instructor as well as with one another. This QRG includes examples, implementation plans, and ideas for implementing in both in-person and online courses.
Generation Z
Gen Z learners have unique defining moments, attitudes, communication preferences, and values that significantly impact their educational experiences. This QRG provides ideas and actionable strategies tailored to the needs of Gen Z learners, helping you incorporate these insights into your classes.