Thursday, April 20, 2017

A Shortcut for Rubrics

Option 1. Spend a lot of time and energy developing through trial and error a rubric that genuinely tracks learning outcomes effectively.

Option 2. Download rubrics rigorously developed by the VALUE Rubric Development Project for the free use of all faculty (Association of American Colleges and Universities).

If only all choices were so easy!

Still not sold on rubrics? Listen to this episode of Teaching in Higher Ed to change your mind.


Friday, April 07, 2017

Teaching Naked

Teaching Naked: How Moving Technology Out of Your Classroom Will Improve Student Learning by Jose Antonio Bowen.

(Note. Pants are not optional. "Teaching Naked" is Bowen's term for face-to-face teaching, in contrast to teaching that takes place through the many electronic outlets now available to us.)

It's a catchy and provocative title, but don't be fooled! This is no Luddite manifesto. Curmudgeons looking for a case against instructional technologies will be disappointed. Here Bowen argues powerfully for the effectiveness of technology for learning. Or at least, he argues for its effectiveness when implemented thoughtfully, in accord with research results in the science of learning.

Don't have time for the book? Try the Ted Talk. Don't have time for a 17 minute Ted Talk? Adjust the settings and watch on 1.5x speed!



Friday, February 10, 2017

Teaching in Higher Ed

Now you can sharpen your teaching excellence as you sip your coffee on the morning commute! Listen to the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast hosted by Bonni Stachowiak. More than 100 episodes are available. Give 'em a try: it might improve your classroom teaching...and your commute!

Recent episodes:







Monday, January 30, 2017

Welcoming Wikipedia in the Classroom

From the mailbag: A reader brings to my attention the Wiki Education Foundation.

Tagline: Inspiring Learning. Enriching Wikipedia.

Mission: Connecting higher education to the publishing power of Wikipedia. Bridging Wikipedia and academia creates opportunities for any learner to contribute to, and access, open knowledge.


Example 1:  "Five Reasons a Wikipedia Assignment is Better Than A Term Paper."

Example 2: "Why Wikipedia Assignments Work for Digital Literacy."

Convinced? Or if less than convinced, at least willing to give it a try? Get started here.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017