This guide is a brief compilation of teaching-related information from several sources, including instructional guidebooks from other institutions, journals, and contributions from master teachers and academic support units at Northern Illinois University. The guide is meant to be a quick reference and not a comprehensive source on teaching-related information.

To view the titles of content in each section of the guide, click on section titles below. To download a section, click on PDF next to the section title. Click here to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader needed to view the sections of the guide.

Sections

• Introduction (PDF, 107 kb)
• Section A: Where To Start (PDF, 177 kb)
• Section B: Foundations of Effective Teaching (PDF, 1124 kb)
• Section C: Learner-Centered Teaching (PDF, 976 kb)
• Section D: Preparing to Teach (PDF, 1011 kb)
• Section E: Instructional Strategies (PDF, 3178 kb)
• Section F: Evaluating Student Learning (PDF, 725 kb)
• Section G: The Graduate Teaching Assistant Experience at NIU (PDF, 557 kb)
• Section H: Ethical Considerations (PDF, 122 kb)
• Section I: Student and Classroom Conduct (PDF, 677 kb)
• Section J: Readings on Teaching (PDF, 105 kb)
• Feedback (PDF, 10 kb)

• Foreword
• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• Table of Contents

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• Profile of Students at NIU 
  • Enrollment by class level
  • Undergraduate enrollment by Race/Ethnic
  • Off Campus Head count
  • Total Head Count
  • Undergraduate Age Distribution
  • County of Origin
  • Type of Institution Transferred
  • Retention and Graduation Process
  • Mean ACT Composite score
  • High school seniors in NIU market Area
  • Mean Credit Hours Loads by degree Level and Location
• Mindset of First Year Students 
• NIU Student/Department Accomplishments 
• Prominent Alumni 

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• Research on Successful New Faculty
• The Teaching Self
• Role of Feedback
• Documenting Effective Teaching
• We're Here to Help: Instructional Resources

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• How Students Learn
• Cognitive Styles and Teaching Strategies
• Teaching Activities that Support Different Aspects of the Learning Cycle
• Teaching Techniques to Address All Learning Styles
• Motivating Students and Creating a Good Classroom Environment
• Suggestions for Helping ALL Students Succeed
• Tips on Interacting with Persons with Disabilities
  • Learning (Dis)Abilities/Differences (LD)
  • Blind/Visually Impaired
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • Speech Impairments
  • Persons Who Use Wheelchairs
  • Unacceptable vs. Acceptable (Dis)Ability Language
  • How Can I Get Students to Talk to Me About Their Accommodation Needs?
• Teaching Inclusively

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• Classroom Assessment of Learning and Teaching
• Preparing a Course
• Writing Effective Instructional Objectives
• Instructional Systems Design for Successful Learning
• Instructional Design Model by Dick and Carey
• Textbook Selection Checklist
• Syllabus Format
• Put Variety into a Lesson: Various Ways That Learning Can Take Place
• Introducing the Course: First Day of Class
• Six Ways to Handle Nervousness
• Checklist - Evaluating First Day Course Presentation

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• The Value of Incorporating Active Learning Strategies
• Leading Discussions
• Checklist for Effective Discussion Leading
• Lecturing a Large Class: It Can Be Enjoyable for Both Faculty & Students!
• Checklist for Effective Lecturing
• Teaching Tips: Interactive Communication
• Teaching Tips: Questions! Questions!
• Teaching Tips: Demonstrating Problem-Solving
• Cooperative Learning: Effective Teamwork
• Effective Design & Evaluation of Writing Assignments
• Evaluating Tool to Make Your Life Easier
• A Grammar Check-Sheet
• Active Learning Strategies for the Classroom
• Active Learning Strategies: A to Z
• Integrating Technologies Projects Into Your Class

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• Speaking the Same Language
• Five Basic Guidelines of Assessment
• Assessment Techniques - Online Resources
• Testing and Grading
• Course Grading
• NIU Grading System
• Withdrawal from Course
• FERPA Guidelines for Faculty & Staff

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• Introduction
• Faculty Supervisors' Responsibilities in Preparing TAs
• Balancing the Responsibilities of Being a TA
• Training and Development
• Managing the TA Classroom
• Tips for Teaching Assistants
• Maintaining Records
• Peer and Faculty Observation
• Interacting with Supervisors, Peers, and Students
• Preparing for Teaching-Related Support Responsibilities
• Tips for International TAs in the U.S. Classroom
• Wrapping Up Your Semester
• Support Services Available for TAs at NIU
• Recognition for TAs at NIU
• Policies

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• Ethical Conduct
• Academic Integrity
• Plagiarism
• Cheating
• Concluding Remarks
• References

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• The Problem Student
• Developmental Advising - Advising Students for Success
• Counseling Students
• Classroom Disruptions and Discipline Regulations
• If You Suspect Academic Misconduct
• Legal Representation and Indemnification
  

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• Active Learning
• Adult Learning
• Assessment
• Enhanced Teaching Skills
• Ethical Development
• Group Discussion
• Motivating Students
• Multicultural Classroom
• Primarily for New Teachers
• Teaching and Research

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• Feedback Form

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This page last updated on 12/21/2004