Fostering Expert Learners through UDL The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, developed by CAST, encourages instructors to create flexible learning environments that meet the needs of all students. UDL aims to help students become expert learners: individuals who are purposeful, motivated, resourceful, and strategic. Below are three ways to promote expert learning in… Continue reading…
Mid-Semester Feedback Now that you’ve provided midterm grades and feedback to students, this week we’d like to discuss the importance of midterm evaluations for you as an instructor. Waiting until the end of the semester to hear from students means missing the chance to make improvements that could help them… Continue reading…
Preparing Students for Midterms Midterms are just around the corner! Many students (especially first-years) just cram or reread notes to prepare for tests and other high-stakes assessments. Research by Stephen Chew shows that explicitly teaching effective study strategies can significantly boost student learning and confidence. Demonstrating how to effectively study in your… Continue reading…
Evaluation isn’t just for the end of the semester We are starting week three, and the beginning of the semester honeymoon phase is nearing its end. The excitement of the start of the semester has settled. The first few quizzes and projects are due soon (if not already), and students start bringing… Continue reading…
Accessibility and Your Classroom This week, we urge you to consider accessibility in your classroom, which is helpful to all students (and us as faculty as well). New accessibility requirements for online materials provided by state and local governments will be effective April 2026. However, accessibility is also vital to keep in… Continue reading…
Building Community in Class Teaching tips for the beginning of the semster: Intentional work to connect with your students is a time and effort investment, but one that will create a better learning space for both you and your students. Elliott, D., Gamino, M., & Jenkins, J. J. (2016). Creating community… Continue reading…
No Reason to Reinvent the Wheel Thank you to Dr. Laura Gonzalez with Integrative Community Studies for authoring this week’s teaching tips! At UNCG, we have students who come from a wide variety of academic and demographic backgrounds and we do not all learn the same way. Here are some ideas borrowed… Continue reading…
Who benefits when we use Universal Design for Learning, and what is the cost? Thank you to Dr. Laura Gonzalez with Integrative Community Studies for authoring this week’s teaching tips! Happy end of the semester, and congratulations on wrapping up your classes. While it is fresh in your mind, we encourage… Continue reading…
What is UDL, beyond technological access? Thank you to Dr. Laura Gonzalez with Integrative Community Studies for authoring this week’s teaching tips! Although we all define and enact teaching in different ways, there are some common goals that unite our work as instructors. For example, we hope to create an accessible and engaging… Continue reading…
CREATIVE ASSESSMENTS Have you been using papers, tests, and discussion forums for assessment and you’re seeking new ideas? Are you looking for new ways to engage your students with content, but not sure where to start? Our students may have the answer! This week the UTLC spoke with students about… Continue reading…
