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. 

Learn More and Apply

How Students Learn

Part of the University Practicum initiative, The Science of How Students Learn is a flexible, three-week online program designed for instructors of all levels, backgrounds, and teaching contexts.

Learn More and Register

CIRTL Certificate Program

A three-tiered certificate program for graduate students and postdocs recognizing the learning outcomes established by the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) Network, an international group of over 40 research universities.

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Pedagogical Innovations in STEM

A scholarly exchange offered each quarter to showcase leading-edge research that informs teaching and learning strategies. Recommended for those pursuing the CIRTL Certificate.

Learn More

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 2024)
• 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
• 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.