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The Science of How Students Learn Practicum

Advancing the University Priority of delivering an outstanding educational experience.

This Open Educational Resource (OER) was adapted from Northwestern's 2025–26 Univeristy Practicum on The Science of How Students Learn to create an asynchronous, self-guided online resource for instructors to explore innovative, evidence-based strategies grounded in core learning principles—not only to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, but to shape its future.

Created by an interdisciplinary cohort of Northwestern educational developers and faculty experts, this OER provides engaging recordings and curated resources including insights and expertise from Searle Center DIstinguished Fellows—recipients of Northwestern's University Teaching Awards.

Want to learn more about its impact on participants? Please read this infographic.

About this Open Educational Resource

Learning Outcomes

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

Each recorded live offering will models the practices of Universal Design for Learning and addresses the strategic priorities of student success and instructor vitality.

Resources and Recordings

Recorded live sessions:

  • Deepening Connection
  • Cultivating Attention
  • Demystifying Rigor
Learning Labs:
  • Catalyzing Engagement
  • Activating Metacognition
  • Prioritizing Critical Thinking (in the Age of AI)

Eligibility

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.

Get started

This Open Educational Resource is a collaboration of faculty and staff from AccessibleNU, Northwestern IT Teaching and Learning Technologies, Office of the Provost, School of Professional Studies Distance Learning, Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching, and University Libraries, and draws on expertise and experience from Distinguished Fellows.