NAMESIT

For generations, the gold standard of higher ed instruction was something we now pejoratively refer to as the ‘sage on stage.’ In this lecture-based model, a professor stood in front of a class and imparted knowledge upon their passive listeners. Interactive learning is an innovative, practical alternative to this traditional style—and one that’s only growing…

Prior to 2020, you may have dabbled in digital teaching, using tools like apps or textbooks. But thanks to COVID-19, you’ve likely had to adopt an entire virtual classroom strategy. In spring 2020, schools around the world shuttered their physical doors and opened virtual ones in an effort to help students finish their studies. Educators…

This guide outlines the history of intrinsic motivation, related theories—including extrinsic motivation—and how professors can instill motivation in the next generation of learners. Currently, some students may feel as if their courses and assessments are irrelevant to their career goals. Thus, they may not see the value in learning about, for example, Freud, or deciphering…

Blended learning is an educational approach that allows students to learn through electronic and online media, as well as traditional face-to-face teaching. During the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the blended learning approach became more prevalent out of sheer necessity. But the model has been growing in popularity for several years, thanks to its plentiful advantages, which…

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching—and that couldn’t be more true for today’s student population. Being mindful of what students need for a successful learning experience should be top of mind for instructors. Higher ed’s traditional cookie-cutter instructional design approach was never enough to maximize educational equity—and that’s even more pertinent among today’s student…

What is distance learning? Distance learning refers to the education of students who may not always be physically present at a school. Historically, this involved correspondence between an individual and an academic institution by mail. Today, it involves learning through online tools and platforms. A distance learning program can take place entirely in online learning…

Emil GuillermoOn Monday of last week, when Harvard Interim President Alan Garber sent out his letter to alumni, I shook my head. After other universities — most notably MIT and George Washington University were resorting to police violence to end encampments — Garber was standing firm but going a different route. He told students they…

What is Online Teaching? Online teaching typically refers to courses that are delivered completely online, meaning there are no physical or on-campus class sessions. Online courses can be designed for a handful of enrolled students or can be made open and accessible to a wide variety of participants. Instructors may choose to teach an online…

Learning outcomes are descriptions of the abilities, skills and knowledge that are used for assessing student learning. Learning outcomes should outline what students possess and can demonstrate upon completion of a learning experience or set of experiences. When developing a list of student learning outcomes for educators to set as curriculum objectives to improve student…