Elizabeth Neuman

Focusing on only one method for evaluation is not enough to gather the whole picture for course improvement. 

Assessment should be focused on as a tool for learning and understanding where students are rather than any type of punitive resource. Feedback is the most important way to establish this relationship with students and further develop effective assessment. 

Focusing on prior knowledge is essential to achieving scaffolding. Coming at a level too high above students can quickly make them feel isolated and discouraged and coming in at a low level can leave them feeling bored and unengaged. Finding the balance is difficult in a classroom setting but is essential for success. 

When creating a course, focusing on all levels of creation from the details to the big picture is essential. Examples include font size and consistency as a strong way to keep students from becoming distracted and allows them to maintain the expectation of what each module will look like. 

One of the advantages of the online environment is the real-time access to technology. Involving students in a fun and easy way is a great resource to incorporate active learning. Students can search for images, links, or articles and share with the class in real time. This allows students to engage with material as well as encourages peer-to-peer interaction. 

Implementing active learning strategies is critical for student-centered teaching. Incorporating elements like videos, scavenger hunts, and group projects can allow students different avenues for engaging with the material on their own terms. It places the instructor into a facilitator role and is very important as the world of higher education moves forward to critical thinking and "doing" oriented goals. 

A misconception of active learning is that it may be less work for an instructor who has previously used the lecture format. In my experience, creating and facilitating active learning often requires more work and flexibility in the actual class session. There is a certain loss of control on the part of the instructor when the student is able to bring their own perspective and experience to the material and this can be scary for instructors who are new to this model. I have found it much more rewarding for both myself and the students, however, when we as instructors… >>>

I learned it is important as an instructor to mentally shift from the role of teacher or instructor to that of facilitator or mentor in a student's educational journey. It is important to meet students where they are so they will be able to critically think and engage with the material on their own terms and in a way more relevant for their purposes. With this approach, more meaningful learning will take place.