Pedagogy

Overview

Pedagogy, broadly speaking, refers to the methods, theories, and practices of learning and teaching. At the Searle Center, we ground our practices, programs, and events in reflective, evidence-informed approaches and frameworks. 

Programs & Initiatives

Our programs and initiatives offer the Northwestern community a variety of ways to develop teaching skills, enhance student learning, and find community. The following programs and initiatives will spark your curiosity about pedagogy.

Searle Fellows

A time-honored Northwestern professional development initiative that recognizes and supports the great promise of early career faculty members who will make significant and long-term contributions to Northwestern University. 

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CIRTL @ Northwestern Certificate Program

A three-tiered certificate for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, from all disciplines focused on reflective, evidence-informed, and inclusive teaching, informed by the Center for the Integration of Research on Learning and Teaching (CIRTL) Network.

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Pedagogical Innovations Speaker Series

60-minute, in-person speaker series showcasing leading-edge research that informs teaching and learning strategies across the disciplines.

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Learning & Teaching Guides

Guides created by or in collaboration with the Searle Center to help educators explore and advance their pedagogies.

• Northwestern Principles of Inclusive Teaching (Updated 2026)
• Exploring the Pedagogical Possibilities of AI (2023)
• Heuristic for Designing Learning Experiences with Generative AI (2023)
• Teaching During Turbulent Times (2024)

Explore our Open Educational Resources for in-depth, on-demand pedagogical development.

• Reimagining Assessment Practicum
• The Science of How Students Learn Practicum
• Universal Design for Learning Practicum

How Learning Works. The Jossey-Bass Higher and Adult Education Series

Ambrose, Susan A., Michael W. Bridges, Michele DiPietro, Marsha C. Lovett, and Marie K. Norman, 2010

Becoming a Critically Reflective Teacher. 2nd ed.

Brookfield, Stephen D., 2017

Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning

Brown, Peter C., 2014

Teaching Matters: A Guide for Graduate Students

Haynie, Aeron & Stephanie Spong, 2022

Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning

Lang, James M. 2016

Further Resources

Our current recommendations for both foundational and leading-edge content related to pedagogy.

• “Developing a Pedagogy That Supports Intercultural Competence.” ASHE Higher Education Report, 38(2), 45–63.’

Awards & Grants

Northwestern University recognizes educators and researchers doing innovative work. The following list includes opportunities which we believe dovetail with work related to pedagogy.

• University Teaching Awards
• Canvas Hall of Fame

Calendar of Events

Below are all of our upcoming events related to pedagogy.

Contact Us

Reach out to us at teach@northwestern.edu.