Pedagogy
Learner-centered approaches to learning and teaching that engage lived experiences and social identities in meaningful ways throughout the curriculum.
Overview
Pedagogy, broadly speaking, refers to the methods, theories, and practices of learning and teaching. At the Searle Center, we specifically ground our practices, programs, and events within the principles of inclusive pedagogy—the approach to learning and teaching that centers learners’ lived experiences and social identities when developing teaching methods, assessments and evaluations, and other elements of course design.
Programs
Our programs offer the Northwestern community a variety of ways to develop teaching skills, enhance student learning, and find community. The following programs will spark your curiosity about pedagogy.
Reflective & Effective Teaching
Reflective & Effective Teaching offers a unique cohort-based learning community for graduate students and postdocs who aspire to improve student learning in their disciplines. Applicants, who are selected as teacher-scholars, can choose from our traditional three-quarter sequence of seminars and special-topics workshops or engage on a quarterly basis, selecting seminars and artifacts that align with their stage of teaching, availability, and goals.
Reflective Teaching Guides
Reflective Teaching Guides further their pedagogical development by mentoring their peers in Reflective and Effective Teaching (RET).
Formative Feedback Partners
Formative Feedback Partners are graduate students, postdocs, and faculty trained in leading Small Group Analyses, conducting Teaching Observations, and facilitating End-of-Term Focus Groups to provide evidence-based, formative feedback on teaching. Throughout the academic year, Formative Feedback Partners participate in a learning community in which they engage in discussions and activities to deepen their skills in providing written and verbal formative feedback.
Academic Kickoff
The Academic Kickoff features interactive, informative sessions designed to facilitate graduate student and postdoc transitions to teaching roles at Northwestern University. Kickoff events are held every fall and spring.
Supporting Student Success
Part of of the University Practicum,initiative, the Supporting Student Success Practicum (SSSP) is a flexible, three-week online program designed for instructors of all levels, backgrounds, and teaching contexts. More information about this year's iteration coming soon.
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 (2021)
- Exploring the Pedagogical Possibilities of AI (2023)
- Heuristic for Designing Learning Experiences with Generative AI (2023)
- Making Large Classes Feel Smaller (2024)
- Reflection on Flexibility in Course Attendance Policies (2021)
- Teaching During Turbulent Times (2024)
Explore our Open Educational Resources for in-depth, on-demand pedagogical development.
In Our Library
A curated list of recommended books related to pedagogy available at the Menges Library, located in the Searle Center.
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.
Calendar of Events
Below are all of our upcoming events related to pedagogy.
Efficient and Equitable Grading and Feedback for STEM TAs
2025 Supporting Student Success Practicum (SSSP) Pre-Practicum Keynote
2025 Winter Supporting Student Success Practicum (SSSP)
Inclusive Teaching Reading Group (Principle 1: Social Identities)
Inclusive Teaching Reading Group (Principle 2: Clear Standards & Expectations)
Inclusive Teaching Reading Group (Principle 3: Varied Ways to Demonstrate Learning)
Strategies for Providing Feedback in the Humanities and Social Sciences
Contact Us
Reach out to us at teach@northwestern.edu.