By Barry Sharpe, Western Governors University Keywords: Socratic method, retrieval practice, scaffolding Key Statement: Revisit the Socratic method by using it to enact retrieval practice and scaffolding in courses and refresh thinking about applying recommendations from SOTL. Introduction What is the first thing you think about when you consider the Socratic method? Is the Socratic method associated with memories of intimidation or feelings of insecurity? Is the Socratic method something imposed on you as a student but now as a teacher discarded as a relic of the past? I encourage you to reco ..read more

Jason DeHart, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Key Statement: “Text” in today’s classrooms can be a dynamic, multimodal, multimedia way to engage students with course content. Keywords: Literacy, Multimodality, Instructor Education Introduction At times, building a classroom environment around the activity of reading printed text might feel anachronistic. Teachers and students live in a world of thriving digital technology and visual storytelling. Decades ago, the New London Group (1996) noted that the world of communication was on a trajectory of change, including increased information and ..read more

By: ,Todd Zakrajsek, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Key Statement: Research is clear that combining lecture and active learning results in the best learning outcomes. This paper proposes four strategies for how to plan and implement this effective combination. Keywords: Active Learning, Planning, Course Planning, Success Active Learning: The “Why?” An extraordinary amount of research shows clearly that augmenting lectures with some form of active learning enhances student learning. In a meta-analysis of 225 studies, Freeman and his colleagues (2014) at the University of Washin ..read more

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By: Donna Downs, Taylor University Key Statement: Intentionally developing a welcoming classroom environment increases student engagement and cultivates meaningful classroom relationships. Keywords: engagement, motivation, relationship Introduction Maintaining student engagement is difficult; this is not a controversial opinion or surprise to most faculty. Stoner and Fincham (2012) say, “Part of the responsibility of being a faculty member is to identify what motivates students and to adapt teaching styles so that they are conducive to effective learning” (para. 4). Although researchers sugges ..read more

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By Rory O'Neill Schmitt, University of Southern California Key Statement: Elevate engagement online by creating inclusive environments, demonstrating your own commitment and engagement, and empowering student voices. Keywords: Online, Engagement, Empowered How Can We Engage Students Online? For the past decade, as a faculty member and manager, I’ve learned, taught, observed, and coached faculty with various methods of student engagement. These methods of engagement are equally applicable to online learning, and online learning persists as an effective global solution to education. Hybrid, hyfl ..read more

Todd Zakrajsek, ITLC-Lilly Conference Director Key Statement: Exercise changes brain chemistry and structure to facilitate better learning and memory. Keywords: Exercise, Cognition, Wellness Introduction According to the World Health Organization (2022), in the first year alone of the COVID-19 pandemic, reported cases of anxiety and depression surged by 25%. Mental health and self-care have never been more important, and our jobs have never been more challenging. One way to address many of these challenges is by increasing your heart rate through movement. Of course, always consult your health ..read more

Martha Unobe, Masters Candidate at the University of North Carolina - Greensboro Key Statement: Faculty can provide encouragement and tools so students have the opportunity to strengthen their resilience and find success in challenging situations. Keywords: Resilience, 7 C's, Growth, Success Introduction Students are struggling. Personal conflicts, financial problems, loneliness, heavy workloads, and mental health issues have led many students to drop out of college or perform poorly. Some students find it possible to endure difficult circumstances and may even thrive. However, many others aba ..read more