Within our Design for Learning Series, our team explores topics pertinent to teaching and learning within the College of Letters & Science.
We choose topics based on input from the L&S community, trends we observe in our work with L&S instructors, and current news and events.
Within each article, we rely on research literature to identify effective practices, gather examples and input from L&S instructors and students, and share practical steps and considerations to help you try something new in your classroom.

Current Articles
Facilitating More Effective Teaching Teams
December 2024
Review tips from research literature and examples from L&S instructors on how to make your teaching teams more effective. Whether your team includes two instructors, or several faculty and teaching assistants, creating a coherent and cohesive experience for students can improve their learning.
Choose More Inclusive Teaching Strategies
October 2024
Review research-based tips and examples from L&S instructors that can help students feel welcome, motivated, valued, and capable. What’s one change you might make to your classroom?

Support Student Connection Early in the Semester
August 2024
Immediately helping students connect with you, other students, and your course content can build motivation and a sense of belonging. What activities can help students connect in the first weeks of your course? How can instructors understand student progress and motivation? Explore examples and strategies from research literature and L&S instructors.

Plan Flexible and Efficient Makeup Exams
June 2024
While many students appreciate the opportunity to make up a missed exam, offering makeup exams can be challenging for instructors. What details can be planned ahead to maximize flexibility and efficiency? How can introducing choice and alternatives to traditional exams be beneficial? Explore examples and strategies from research literature and L&S instructors.
Suggest a Topic
We want to hear your ideas for future articles in our Design for Learning Series! We focus on local L&S examples, backed by research, that can help solve common teaching challenges. We gather input from instructors and students, as well as research literature. What teaching topic or trend would you like to know more about?