Curriculum Design

The Most Overlooked Teaching Tool: Your Syllabus

Posted on June 30, 2025 (October 25, 2026) by Marion Tate

By Marion J. Tate, Ph.D. CETL, Assistant Director of Educational Development Ask any professor to list their favorite or most powerful teaching tools, and you will likely hear a list that includes classroom discussions, assignments, technology, or assessments. The syllabus, as a teaching tool, is rarely on the list (e.g., Bano et al., 2019). This […]

Ideas for Active Learning Assignments

Posted on July 11, 2024 (July 15, 2024) by Erin Bell

Engaged learning ideas are plentiful, but from time to time, instructors may seek inspiration for their classroom practices. Below, we offer a list of active learning assignments and activities that may be used in class Integrating these activities and assignments into the curriculum can enhance student engagement, deepen understanding, and promote critical thinking and collaboration. […]

Transparent Teaching Methods

Posted on July 11, 2024 (April 15, 2025) by Mike Verdusco

Transparent teaching methods enhance student comprehension and academic achievement by explicitly communicating the objectives, tasks, and assignment criteria. This clarity reduces confusion and apprehension, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Students from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation and non-traditional students, particularly benefit from these methods as they level the playing field by making expectations clear. […]

Using Multimedia in Course Content and Feedback

Posted on April 5, 2024 (April 15, 2025) by Mike Verdusco

The incorporation of multimedia content and feedback into instructional practices has proven to be an effective strategy. By catering to the diverse learning preferences of students, multimedia engagement fosters active participation and enhances the comprehension and retention of course material. Instructors can achieve this by utilizing multimedia materials such as videos, audio recordings, and visual […]

Connect to Course Outcomes Throughout the Semester

Posted on January 11, 2023 (July 25, 2024) by Erin Bell

By Dr. Erin Bell Most instructors present their syllabus during a first-week lecture (in person or a recorded video in online courses); others may choose to create a syllabus scavenger hunt or syllabus quiz, allowing students to engage and interact with the document through learner-centered activities. In any case, a syllabus review during any course […]

Resources and Scholarship on Course Outcomes

Posted on November 3, 2022 (October 25, 2026) by Erin Bell

Arbaugh, J.B. “Does Academic Discipline Moderate CoI-Course Outcomes Relationships in Online MBA Courses?” The Internet and Higher Education, vol. 17, 2013, pp. 16–28. Permalink: https://dalnet-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/sicv3p/TN_cdi_proquest_miscellaneous_1364764487 Klein, Howard J., et al. “MOTIVATION TO LEARN AND COURSE OUTCOMES: THE IMPACT OF DELIVERY MODE, LEARNING GOAL ORIENTATION, AND PERCEIVED BARRIERS AND ENABLERS.” Personnel Psychology, vol. 59, no. 3, 2006, pp. […]