Toolkits

Resources on creating an inclusive classroom and incorporating culturally responsive teaching techniques.

View Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Toolkit

Information and resources are compiled and available regarding accessible instruction, including NIU based resources as well as general resources categorized as Pedagogy, Technology, Legislation, Guidelines, and Accessibility and Learning Management Systems.

View Accessibility Toolkit

Curated resources that include examples of freedom of expression in the classroom as well as tips for handling conflict in the classroom and managing difficult conversations.

View Classroom Conflict Toolkit

Over-reliance on student evaluations of teaching has been found to have disproportionately negative outcomes for faculty from under-represented groups, including women and faculty of color. This toolkit includes resources on alternative strategies for evaluating teaching and describes related support services provided by the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning.

View Evaluation of Teaching Toolkit

This toolkit is a compilation of techniques for environmentally-friendly teaching. This information comes from several sources, including other academic institutions and environmental agencies. The techniques are sorted according to the teaching life cycle.

View Greener Teaching Techniques Toolkit

A classroom, whether physical or virtual, is a reflection of the world in which we live. By implementing inclusive teaching practices, faculty create learning environments where all students feel they belong and have the opportunity to achieve at high levels. These 10 inclusive teaching practices can be immediately put to use to benefit both faculty and their students. These practices are tailored for online teaching but are also relevant to the physical classroom.

1. Ensure your course reflects a diverse society and world.
2. Ensure course media are accessible.
3. Ensure your syllabus sets the tone for diversity and inclusion.
4. Use inclusive language.
5. Share your gender pronouns.
6. Learn and use students’ preferred names.
7. Engage students in a small-group introductions activity.
8. Use an interest survey to connect with students.
9. Offer inclusive office hours.
10. Set expectations for valuing diverse viewpoints.

View Inclusive Teaching Practices Toolkit

Examples of peer review of teaching criteria and processes implemented for in-person, hybrid, and online teaching.

View Peer Review of Teaching Toolkit

Whether you are a faculty member, instructor, or teaching assistant, you have the potential to make a difference for students in their success both in and out of the classroom. These resources can help you both challenge and support students through their journey at NIU.

View Student Success Toolkit

These resources have been curated to help faculty address the challenges they have identified as potential barriers to student success in gateway courses, based on responses to a survey administered as part of NIU’s initiative to improve student success and reduce equity gaps in such courses.

View Student Success in Gateway Courses Toolkit

Effective syllabi are learner-centered, meaning they move beyond the mechanics of a course (i.e. office hours, deadlines, and textbooks) to outline how students can be successful in a course. This toolkit includes guides, checklists and syllabus statements for designing an effective, student-centered syllabus.

View Syllabus Toolkit

In response to the tragedy at NIU, the NIU Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning has compiled the following information and resources for faculty as the campus community heals. These shared resources remain archived here.

View Teaching After Crisis Toolkit