Tools and Strategies for Engagement and Equity
An abundance of research indicates unequivocally that people learn better when they are actively doing something with the material – discussing, writing, problem-solving, checking their understanding, etc. Please click the titles to learn more about ways to actively involve students in the classroom, and tools to incorporate technology:
Promoting Student Engagement Basic introduction to active learning strategies with lists. Also explore other resources from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Center for Teaching Excellence.
Twelve Active Learning Strategies This one focuses on the quick-fix of keeping a lecture – even a traditional PowerPoint – as the main dish, but adding some tweaks to actively involve students. Also explore other resources from The University of Minnesota’s Center for Teaching and Learning.
Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs): CATs are, typically, ungraded activities conducted in the classroom setting. Their purpose is to provide the instructor feedback on whether or not students understand course material so that adjustments can be made before the end of the term. Frequent use of CATs also can assure students that the instructor takes a genuine, active interest in their learning process throughout the course. Also explore other resources from The George Washington University’s Teaching and Learning Collaborative.
Teaching Tips: A great list of strategies for all disciplines. Also explore other resources from Lansing Community College’s Center for Teaching Excellence.
Flipping the Classroom: This page has nice graphics about how active learning improves retention. Also explore other resources from City University New York’s Hybrid Initiative.
Resources to support ESOL students in all classes: links to glossaries in other languages, interactive websites, and more.
Teaching Analysis Poll (TAP) This was created by the University of Virginia and is very similar to Stanford’s class assessment process. Both give instructors immediate feedback from students about what’s going well and what needs to be changed in your class mid-semester.
Live Binders: Resources for 21st Century Classrooms: Exploring Perspectives, Negotiating Computer-Mediated Landscapes, and Integrating Technology Across the Curriculum; Great collection of links, graphic organizers, and technology tools for teaching
www.onlinecourses.com: A compilation of free online classes
Curriki: Find free to use learning and teaching content from diverse content providers and educators from around the world.
Utilizing Your Smart Classroom: This is the handout from a DART through BCC’s TLC. Like any other tool, this equipment doesn’t magically improve teaching and learning, but it can make it easier to implement several critical research-based practices, because it uses a visual medium and connects the classroom to the past, future, and outside world. Includes an illustrated guide to turning on and using the equipment, and ideas for using it to improve instruction.