Instructional Strategies
Online Classes
- CRLT Occasional papers #18: An Introduction to Teaching Online
This paper explores key questions to consider when planning an online course and provides guidelines for effective instructional practices.
- Teaching College Courses Online vs. Face-to-Face
This article describes the differences between teaching online and teaching face-to-face courses.
- The Dreaded Discussion: Ten Ways to Start
Listing of ten ways to start a discussion, adapted from Frederick’s article in Improving College and University Teaching.
- Managing Hot Moments in the Classroom
This article offers instructors practical strategies for turning difficult encounters into learning opportunities.
- Twenty ways to make lectures more participatory
Adapted from Participatory Lectures, Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, 1992. Revised for distribution at the Harvard School of Public Health, 1994.
Large Classes
- Teaching Large Classes (Penn State)
Collection of PDFs from Pennsylvania State University addressing a number of issues related to teaching large classes including sections on frequently asked questions about large classes, and large class resources.
- Large Classes: A Teaching Guide (U of Maryland)
Detailed resource from University of Maryland for approaching large classes, including a set of ideas and suggestions to use.
- Interactive Lectures (SERC)
Provides strategies and specific examples of techniques and activities designed to involve students in large and small lecture-based classes.
Active learning is a process whereby students engage in activities, such as reading, writing, discussion, or problem solving that promote analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of class content. Cooperative learning, problem-based learning, and the use of case methods and simulations are some approaches that promote active learning.
- Teaching Strategies from Iowa State University for Faculty MembersOnce you review the mode for course delivery, choose from several teaching strategies to support the diverse learners. Each of the teaching strategies below have overviews, and additional resources along with several proven methods to engage students in their learning regardless of the course delivery.
- Active Learning ResourcesProvides links to bibliographies, research summaries, articles, and other resources about active learning.
- Discussion Guidelines on Various TopicsCRLT routinely develops guidelines to help instructors facilitate classroom discussion when controversial or tragic incidents become foremost in students' minds. Topics include Affirmative Action, the War in Iraq, and Racial Conflict, among others.