University Practicum on The Science of How Students Learn

By participating in this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand evidence-based teaching and key aspects of the science of learning
• Explore strategies to cultivate learning environments that deepen student connections between new and prior knowledge
• Identify varied techniques for focusing students' attention in class, including the ways technology can help or hinder learning
• Examine how definitions of rigor operate in a symbiotic relationship with equity to both challenge and support student learning
• Define curiosity from a variety of disciplinary perspectives to embrace taking risks and making mistakes as part of student growth

Each live offering will model the practices of Universal Design for Learning and address the strategic priorities of student success and instructor vitality.

Featured Speaker: Understanding and Amplifying Student Motivation with Mesmin Destin | Monday, February 16 at 12-12:45pm (CT); Tuesday, April 7 at 12-12:45pm (CT)

(This event will NOT be recorded.)

Drawing from field experiments and psychological theory, social psychologist and Northwestern professor Mesmin Destin offers insights into how educators can foster environments that embrace students' backgrounds to support their persistence and well-being.

2026 Winter Iteration | Thursday, February 19 to Thursday, March 12

(Calendar)

• Synchronous Online Session: Deepening Connection | Thursday, February 19 at 12-1:30pm (CT)
• Synchronous Online Session: Cultivating Attention | Tuesday, February 24 at 12-1:30pm (CT)
• Learning Lab: Catalyzing Engagement | Thursday, February 26 at 12-1pm (CT)
• Synchronous Online Session: Sparking Curiosity | Tuesday, March 3 at 12-1:30pm (CT)
• Learning Lab: Activating Metacognition | Thursday, March 5 at 12-1pm (CT)
• Synchronous Online Session: Demystifying Rigor | Tuesday, March 10 at 12-1:30pm (CT)
• Learning Lab: Decoding AI | Thursday, March 12 at 12-1pm (CT)

2026 Spring Iteration | Thursday, April 9 to Thursday, April 30

(Calendar)

• Synchronous Online Session: Deepening Connection | Thursday, April 9 at 12-1:30pm (CT)
• Synchronous Online Session: Cultivating Attention | Tuesday, April 14 at 12-1:30pm (CT)
• Learning Lab: Catalyzing Engagement | Thursday, April 16 at 12-1pm (CT)
• Synchronous Online Session: Demystifying Rigor | Tuesday, April 21 at 12-1:30pm (CT)
• Learning Lab: Decoding AI | Thursday, April 23 at 12-1pm (CT)
• Synchronous Online Session: Sparking Curiosity | Tuesday, April 28 at 12-1:30pm (CT)
• Learning Lab: Activating Metacognition | Thursday, April 30 at 10-11am (CT)

Can't attend all live offerings? Register anyway and get access to recordings!

Northwestern's University Practicum is recommended for instructors, graduate students and postdocs preparing for future instructor roles, and staff—such as program coordinators—whose work shapes course content and delivery.

All levels, backgrounds, and teaching contexts are welcome.

This year, we are continuing digital badging to demonstrate participants' investment and learning. Participants who complete a flexible set of required components will receive a digital badge, which they may display on digital platforms. Participants who earn a badge will be featured in special communications to participants' deans/chairs/directors/etc.