Teaching and Learning Programs

The following is a sampling of the teaching and learning programs offered by the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Check our schedule of upcoming programs and contact us for more information.

Workshop Topics

Description:
Teaching classes that include a wide age range of students and multiple generations provides unique opportunities and challenges for instructors and students. In this workshop, participants will learn techniques for developing teaching strategies to engage students from different age groups and for building connections across the generations. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Creating a learning community within a course has a number of benefits, including helping students work collaboratively, think critically, construct knowledge and understanding as a team. Working as a learning community also helps students value different perspectives and be inclusive. Building a successful learning community can be challenging, though. How do we establish and encourage learning communities in our courses? In this workshop, you will discuss the value of learning communities, learn tips and strategies for building a learning community, and apply those strategies to a course you teach. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs) are small, informal assessment practices that simultaneously engage students and help us collect information about their learning. In this workshop we will discuss tips and strategies for how to incorporate these quick but meaningful assessment techniques in our teaching and how to use the information to benefit both teaching and student learning. Participants will experience several CATs and will walk away with a range of CATs that can be immediately used to jumpstart the semester and beyond. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Concept maps are learning tools which represent information visually. These diagrams “visually arrange” concepts and ideas, show connections and relationships among concepts, and help increase understanding of complex information. Concept maps help students see the underlying structure and “big picture” of a concept which can lead to meaningful learning. This hands-on workshop will provide practical and immediate applications in your teaching and your students’ learning. Please bring a course syllabus or concepts to the workshop.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Does the way students organize their knowledge Impact their learning? Do you wonder why information that is crystal clear to you may be confusing to some students? Are there differences between the ways experts and novices organize knowledge? During this workshop we will discuss different ways to organize knowledge to facilitate learning and performance.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
When designing an online course, remember everything doesn’t have to happen online or in isolation of the world around us. You can create authentic experiences for your online students, such as field experiences, real-world activities, and genuine, skill building tasks. In this online workshop we will explore ways to craft authentic experiences and assessments for our online students. Plus, we will look at how these experiences align with your course learning objectives. Advance registration required.

Duration:
1.0 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Part video game, part case study, and a lot like a Choose Your Own Adventure book, branching tutorials are a powerful instructional tool. Students apply their knowledge to realistic scenarios, which can really bring your content to life. This hands-on workshop will cover both design and development techniques that will allow you to create branching tutorials without sophisticated software.

Duration:
2.0 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Are you looking for creative instructional strategies? Do you want to “shake things up a bit?” Have you ever wondered if play has a place in higher education classrooms? During this workshop participants will learn about research related to play and learning. We will also discuss a variety of non-traditional instructional strategies that can be used to make learning fun. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Lectures are a predominate method of transferring information in university classrooms yet they tend to be instructor-centered and can have a bad reputation among students. In this workshop we will identify the characteristics of lectures, offer suggestions for planning and delivering more effective lectures, and recommend ways to make lectures more engaging and interesting to students.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Quality assessment is more than assigning a grade to your students. Truly effective assessments determine how much knowledge the student has and how well he or she can utilize that knowledge. Also, in addition to providing an evaluation of student progress, assessment can be used throughout the semester to guide instructional decisions. In this workshop, we will discuss multiple ways that assessment can be used within a course, a variety of assessment options, and some guidelines for designing effective assessments.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Research shows that students learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process. When effectively implemented, group work can be the catalyst to engage students in dynamic and meaningful learning environments. In this workshop, we will explore a number of different types of group structures, identify the benefits of group work and discuss how to handle group work pitfalls.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
A number of important factors should be considered when designing or revising a course: What to teach, the methods and strategies used to teach, and how to make certain that learning is actually taking place. Approaching these factors and asking questions such as “What content can I cut?” and “What are the most effective ways I can incorporate activities?” can lead to organized and meaningful instruction. Participants will create a list of tips and techniques that can be immediately used as they develop or revise a course. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Developing an effective course syllabus is essential for a successful course. The syllabus acts as a road map to help students navigate the course. Since The syllabus is often one of the first means of communication between the instructor and students, it sets the tone for the entire semester. The ultimate goal of a well-designed syllabus is to inform students about what is expected of them throughout the semester by outlining content, policies and due dates. In this blended workshop, we will discuss key elements of a course syllabus, design possibilities and provide a checklist to help create a well-organized and complete course syllabus. This workshop will be simulcast, so be sure to register for either the face-to-face or online format. Advance registration required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Classroom discussions can help students better understand content, take a more active role in their learning, and foster a sense of community. This workshop will answer the question, “why have discussions?” and will highlight ways to design and use classroom discussions to create a dynamic teaching and learning experience.

Duration:
Add

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Presentations and lectures do not succeed entirely on the knowledge of the presenter. Sometimes it is the little things that make a big difference, like organizing content on the board or delivering content at the right pace. In this workshop, we will discuss delivery and presentation techniques that can help you reach and engage with your students. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
What makes a "good" test, and how do you know that you have one? Writing a strong test is a balancing act that requires deliberate design and intuitive art. Fortunately, there are a variety of tools that can simplify the process. In this workshop, we will discuss how to design tests that accurately assess students' knowledge and how to critically evaluate tests and test questions. We will also look at many different types of test questions and strategies for writing effective questions. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
With only a few weeks remaining for the semester, it is a good time to start thinking about strategies to end the semester on a high note. In this workshop we will discuss ways to prepare for the end the semester by organizing content, help students review for the final exam, handle last-minute questions and requests (for extensions, incompletes, and letters of recommendation), reflect and evaluate your course for the next time it is taught, and say goodbye to your students. Participants will create an end-of-the-semester action plan that can be used to help end the semester and plan future courses. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
How would you describe yourself as an instructor? Better yet, how would you "pitch" yourself or your course? Taking the time to think about who you are and how you teach can have a powerful impact on you and your students. In this workshop, we will discuss how to define yourself as an instructor, provide strategies for reflecting on and developing your teaching skills, and guide you in discovering your teaching style. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Providing and receiving feedback is known to enhance teaching and learning. But how (and why) do we choose the most appropriate form of feedback for any given situation? In this workshop we will discuss different forms of feedback, compare formative and summative feedback, and strategize which forms of feedback work best in different learning environments. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Designing teaching strategies in a more prescriptive rather than a hit and miss approach can lead to effective and meaningful instruction. In this workshop, we will present Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction and ways to implement these events when preparing instruction. Learn how to sequence instruction based on expected intellectual skills to be learned by students and how to prepare different instructional approaches for different learning outcomes. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
What do Second Life, Civilization III, and Jeopardy all have in common? They have all been used in higher education to engage and teach students. While the primary function of games and simulations is to entertain, they also make effective teaching tools. In this workshop, we will discuss why games are so effective and explore several examples of games that can be used “as-is” or modified to be used in the classroom.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Games offer the opportunity for students to learn through contextualized and meaningful activity. As a growing medium for expression and intellectual engagement, interest and research into games’ educational value has increased over the years. In this workshop we will identify learning principles embedded in good games, analyze examples from popular computer and tabletop games, and explore how games can inform instructional design.

Duration:
2 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Creating a learning community within a course has a number of benefits, including helping students work collaboratively, think critically, construct knowledge and understanding as a team. Working as a learning community also helps students value different perspectives and be inclusive. Building a successful learning community can be challenging, though. How do we establish and encourage learning communities in our courses? In this workshop, you will discuss the value of learning communities, learn tips and strategies for building a learning community, and apply those strategies to a course you teach.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Teaching and learning are no longer constrained to the classroom. With mobile technologies like smartphones and tablets, students can access course materials from anywhere and faculty can update materials or communicate with students without sitting down to a computer. However, mobile devices are also simple tools for faculty and students to create multimedia content including audio, photos, and video. In this session, participants will learn about mobile teaching and learning, view content one a mobile device, use apps that facilitate mobile teaching and learning, and create multimedia materials with a mobile device. A mobile device is not required; participants will be loaned a device for the workshop. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
Add

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a focused, experiential learning strategy organized around the exploration and resolution of an authentic, real-world problem. PBL involves three components: The Problem, which typically does not have an easy solution, The Learners, who often work in self-directed groups to solve the problem, and The Instructor, who assumes the role as facilitator and coach once the problem has been presented. We will discuss ways to find and develop a problem and student and instructor involvement during a problem-based learning situation. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
AThis panel discussion will help you to adapt and adjust the way you communicate and recognize cross cultural differences in your courses, which is just as important as teaching your subject matter. With proper training, you can appreciate the value that students from other cultures bring to the classroom while maintaining your own cultural identity. Participants will practice with activities that will be applicable in their teaching.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Reflecting upon what and how we teach can help us identify not only ways to improve our teaching but pinpoints our strengths and skills. Reflection is the core pillar of professional development and encompasses a wide variety of activities from reading the literature to networking and peer teaching. In this workshop we will discuss ways to reflect and self-assess our teaching practices and options to develop and improve those practices. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
A number of important factors should be considered when designing or revising a course: what to teach, the methods and strategies used to teach, and how to make certain that learning is actually taking place. Approaching these factors and asking questions such as “What content can I cut?” and “What are the most effective ways I can incorporate activities,” can lead to organized and meaningful instruction. Participants will create a list of tips and techniques that can be immediately used as they develop or revise a course. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Scene: Student asks, “Why did you grade me that way,” or “You never told us that we would be graded on grammar.” Enter: Rubrics, which are scoring tools that clearly define assignment criteria with levels of performance for each part. Because grading may be considered one of the most time consuming, frustrating, and sometimes dreaded aspects of teaching, learning how to develop and use rubrics can help faculty grade more objectively, save grading time, and assist students in preparing assignments. Workshop participants will create their own rubric that can be adapted for any assignment or task. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Scaffolding is a teaching technique that provides temporary support to help students learn a concept until help is no longer needed. Scaffolding, also known as modeling or coaching, can take many forms such as presenting examples, giving explanations, and using advance organizers, all which gain from students’ existing knowledge of the material. This workshop will cover the principles of scaffolding and ways scaffolding can be used in the classroom. Advanced registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
With only a few weeks remaining for the semester, it is a good time to start thinking about strategies to end the semester on a high note. In this workshop we will discuss ways to reduce the stress involved in creating exams and grading them, helping students review for the final exam, handling last-minute questions and requests (for extensions, incompletes and letters of recommendation), evaluating your course for the next time it is taught and saying goodbye to your students. Participants will create an end-of-the-semester action plan that can be used to help end the semester and plan future courses. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Bloom's Taxonomy was developed in the 1950s and is still used today to categorize ways of learning and thinking in a hierarchical structure. A revised model was developed in the 1990s to better fit educational practices of the 21st century. Learn how you can employ the revised Bloom's Taxonomy to help plan effective instruction and challenge students to move from the most basic skills (remembering) to more complex learning which leads to higher order thinking (creating). Bring a list of instructional goals and objectives to the workshop. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Contemporary classrooms include a more diverse mix of students than ever before - 21st century students bring a wide variety of interests, skills and expectations to the classroom. Are you looking for new ways to connect with students and engage them in your classes? Have you wondered about techniques for motivating students in your classes? During the first session of the new 3-part online series we will introduce the concepts of Universal Design for Learning, which focus on designing instruction that is usable by all students. Strategies for engaging and motivating students will also be discussed.

Duration:
1 hour

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Contemporary classrooms include a more diverse mix of students than ever before. 21st century students bring a wide variety of interests, skills and expectations to the classroom. Are you looking for new ways to connect with students by diversifying how you present material in your classes? Have you wondered about techniques for reaching more of your students using a range of multimedia applications? During the second session of the new 3-part online series, we will continue our discussion of the concepts of Universal Design for Learning, which focus on designing instruction that is usable by all students. Strategies for devising multiple ways of representing content will be discussed. Attendance at Part 1 is not required to attend Part 2.

Duration:
1 hour

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Contemporary classrooms include a more diverse mix of students than ever before. 21st century students bring a wide variety of interests, skills and expectations to the classroom. Are you looking for new ways to connect with students by diversifying how you design activities and resources for your classes? Have you wondered about techniques for reaching more of your students using a range of strategies? During the third session of the new 3-part online series, we will continue our discussion of the concepts of Universal Design for Learning, which focus on designing instruction that is usable by all students. Strategies for providing multiple ways for learners to organize, plan and perform course activities, as well as express their ideas, will be discussed. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1 hour

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
A graphic organizer is a visual display that illustrates the relationships between content, terms or ideas related to a learning task. Although graphic organizers may be referred to as concept maps, story maps or cognitive organizers, they all follow a similar practice in which introductory material is visually presented before the actual content to be learned. Graphic organizers can help students organize ideas, understand new content and problem solve as well as plan research and increase recall. Workshop participants will practice using a range of advance organizers that are applicable across all learning disciplines. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
1.5 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Students who work in pairs or groups are more actively engaged in the learning process where they verbalize ideas, share authentic discussions, and listen to one another. But getting students into these pairs and groups can be challenging and sometimes time consuming. In this workshop we will discuss and practice with techniques to arrange students in planned and spontaneous ways for meaningful collaborative learning. Come prepared to move around! Advance registration is required.

Duration:
Add

Prerequisites:
None

Description:
Instructional goals are broad, generalized statements about what is to be learned. Instructional objectives, on the other hand, are focused measurable statements which will help you and your students reach your goals. When written well, instructional goals and objectives will assist in identifying course content, help organize your instruction, and best of all, help students achieve your expectations. In this workshop, we will review the characteristics of instructional goals and objectives and practice writing these two important components of successful instruction. Please bring a course syllabus to the workshop. Advance registration is required.

Duration:
2 hours

Prerequisites:
None

Contact Us

Center for Innovative
Teaching and Learning

Phone: 815-753-0595
Email: citl@niu.edu

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