We created our Learning & Teaching Guides to synthesize leading-edge research on a variety of topics and to offer practical, evidence-driven strategies that are easily adaptable to any teaching context.
Our In Brief series provides to-the-point introductions to timely topics—such as teaching during turbulent times and teaching in the age of generative AI—that summarize key research, clarify educational impact, and share scalable entry points that instructors can complete in as little as 15 minutes to enhance learning and teaching.
Applying the Science of Learning to Write Textbook ChaptersFramework for applying learning science into actionable textbook design strategies through evidence-based practices, based on content from the Northwestern University Practicum on The Science of How Students Learn.
Focus Area:Instructors conduct research on their teaching to deepen understanding of student learning. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning | |
Back to Basics: Grading and RubricsLearn about assessing student learning by reviewing general strategies for grading, discovering how to effectively use rubrics, and designing exams and quizzes with assessment in mind. Focus Area:Systematic identification of ways to improve student learning outcomes. Iterative process of aligning course objectives, assessments, teaching methods, and materials to support student learning and reach course outcomes. Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Assessment and Curriculum Mapping; Course Design and Delivery; Pedagogy | |
Exploring the Pedagogical Possibilities of Generative AIA starting point for exploring the possibilities and avoiding the pitfalls of teaching in a world of AI tools Focus Area:Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Pedagogy | |
Gender-Expansive Guidelines for the University ClassroomGuidelines to cultivate an inclusive learning environment that center care and prevent harm for gender-expansive students. Focus Area:Iterative process of aligning course objectives, assessments, teaching methods, and materials to support student learning and reach course outcomes. Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Course Design and Delivery; Pedagogy | |
Heuristic for Designing Learning Experiences with Generative AIA tool for thinking through how to use generative AI tools equitably and effectively in learning experience design. Focus Area:Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Pedagogy | |
In Brief: Acknowledging a Death in Our Academic CommunityA guide for acknowledging a death in our academic community with students in your course(s). Focus Area:Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Aligning with our students and educators who experience inequities and collectively challenging oppressive systems. Pedagogy; Community and Vitality | |
In Brief: Critical Thinking and GAI in Course DeliveryA guide on critical thinking and ethical generative AI use in course delivery, introducing a 3-part series on pedagogy and GAI. Focus Area:Iterative process of aligning course objectives, assessments, teaching methods, and materials to support student learning and reach course outcomes. Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Course Design and Delivery; Pedagogy | |
In Brief: Iterative Revision and GAI in Course DesignA guide on iterative revision and ethical generative AI use in course design, the second in a 3-part series on pedagogy and GAI. Focus Area:Aligning with our students and educators who experience inequities and collectively challenging oppressive systems. Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Community and Vitality; Pedagogy | |
In Brief: Metacognition and GAI in Course AssessmentA guide on metacognition and ethical generative AI use in course assessment, concluding a 3-part series on pedagogy and GAI. Focus Area:Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Systematic identification of ways to improve student learning outcomes. Pedagogy; Assessment and Curriculum Mapping | |
In Brief: Transparent Communication of Course Expectations for Student SuccessA guide to explore the “hidden curriculum” in your course(s) and reflect on strategies for communicating your expectations for student success in your syllabus. Focus Area:Iterative process of aligning course objectives, assessments, teaching methods, and materials to support student learning and reach course outcomes. Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Course Design and Delivery; Pedagogy | |
Making Large Classes Feel SmallerEvidence-based approaches in course design, classroom activities, and assessment practices for large-enrollment classes which foster student learning and belonging by making classes feel small(er). Focus Area:Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Iterative process of aligning course objectives, assessments, teaching methods, and materials to support student learning and reach course outcomes. Pedagogy; Course Design and Delivery | |
One Book: "The Night Watchman" Teaching GuideA pedagogical resource to spark interest, promote community conversation, and build capacity for teaching with a common reading for instructors who are engaging with The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich. Focus Area:Systematic identification of ways to improve student learning outcomes. Eleven practices empirically demonstrated to increase engagement, learning, and persistence. Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Assessment and Curriculum Mapping; High-Impact Practices; Pedagogy | |
Partnering with AI in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)This guide explores how generative AI and AI-enabled tools can support instructors who want to study their teaching. It highlights practical uses of AI while emphasizing rigorous, invigorating, and responsible approaches to SoTL research.
Focus Area:Systematic identification of ways to improve student learning outcomes. Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Assessment and Curriculum Mapping; Pedagogy | |
Reflection on Flexibility in Course Attendance PoliciesThis four-step guide aims to further reflection on undergraduate attendance policies by encouraging instructors to consider attendance in relation to the learning objectives, to focus on the value of being present, and to utilize the syllabus as a roadmap for student success by providing transparency about expectations. Focus Area:Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Iterative process of aligning course objectives, assessments, teaching methods, and materials to support student learning and reach course outcomes. Pedagogy; Course Design and Delivery | |
Supporting First-Generation College Student SuccessTeaching and learning strategies to support first-generation college students, which have been empirically demonstrated to increase motivation, retention, and deep learning. Focus Area:Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Aligning with our students and educators who experience inequities and collectively challenging oppressive systems. Pedagogy; Community and Vitality | |
Supporting Neurodivergent Student SuccessNine strengths-based learning and teaching strategies to support neurodivergent student success, increasing retention, well-being, and post-graduation outcomes. These evidence-driven strategies are empirically demonstrated to enhance learning for all students. Focus Area:Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Iterative process of aligning course objectives, assessments, teaching methods, and materials to support student learning and reach course outcomes. Pedagogy; Course Design and Delivery | |
Teaching During Turbulent TimesTen adaptive strategies instructors can use to respond quickly and empathetically to support students’ learning and well-being during turbulent times. Focus Area:Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Pedagogy | |
Thoughtful Image SelectionAn innovative approach to image selection, scaffolding an intentional process that includes guided reflection and concrete suggestions for instructors. Focus Area:Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Pedagogy | |
Translating the Northwestern Principles of Inclusive Teaching for Textbook AuthorsGuidelines for actionable strategies for authoring textbooks, emphasizing the first five of eight Northwestern Principles of Inclusive Teaching.
Focus Area:Instructors conduct research on their teaching to deepen understanding of student learning. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning | |