Traditional grading practices have faced criticism for perpetuating inequity and hindering learning. Enter Joe Feldman’s Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and
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What you didn’t learn in class: Revealing the hidden curriculum
For faculty, staff, and graduate teaching assistants at NIU, understanding the hidden curriculum can make a real difference. It shapes how students connect with their
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Supporting First-Year Undergraduate Students: Huskie 3-2-1
To support the success of incoming students, we have developed “Huskie 3-2-1” – a simple plan to help new Huskies succeed during their first year
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Departments recognized as leaders in course materials affordability
This spring, NIU’s Course Materials Affordability Task Force (CMAT) presented the third annual Affordable Course Materials (ACM) Department Awards. These awards are part of the task force’s Leading Impact
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Fostering a creative learning culture
A truly creative learning environment welcomes and amplifies all voices, providing space for students from various backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives to contribute meaningfully. While some
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CITL earns Gold in NIU’s Green Office Certification program
The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning is proud to share that we have earned Gold Certification through Northern Illinois University’s Green Office Certification program!
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From error to insight: The role of mistakes in learning
What if failure wasn’t the opposite of success but a necessary step toward it? In education, we often talk about growth, but we don’t always
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AI in the classroom: Lessons learned from one institution’s AI affiliate program
I recently listened to an episode of Derek Bruff’s Intentional Teaching podcast about an AI teaching fellows program integrated into a writing course at Boston
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Thriving in college and beyond: A professor’s guide to student success
What does it take for students to not just survive—but thrive—in college? That question has long guided the work of Dr. Iman Salehinia, Associate Professor
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What if student evaluations measured what actually matters?
Student evaluations of teaching (SETs) are a staple in higher education, but what do they really tell us? Research shows that evaluations can be biased,
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Mind the gap: Tips and tools for supporting neurodiverse learners
Everyone’s brain works differently; so, what works for one may not work for another. The diversity in how brains function—known as neurodiversity—can affect the way
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Embracing cultural wealth as a path to Black student success in STEM
The persistent underrepresentation of Black students in STEM fields has long been viewed through a deficit lens, focusing on barriers and challenges rather than strengths
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