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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Combining STEM and Humanities: Broaden skills and enrich learning
STEM majors might kick off their careers with higher salaries, but research shows that humanities majors often catch up by mid-career, thanks to their adaptability
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Start the semester strong: Strategies for getting to know your students (and why it matters)
At the beginning of the semester, it can be difficult to learn students’ names, pronouns, experiences, and needs. Getting to know your students at the
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Resilient teaching: Making the most of what you have
Let’s face it—last-minute teaching schedule changes or unexpected course additions can throw even the most seasoned educators into a tailspin. You’ve carefully mapped out your
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Building a supportive and collaborative classroom: Creating community agreements with students
When setting class policies and expectations, involve your students in the process by creating community agreements together. Community agreements are a collaborative effort between students,
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AI detectors: An ethical minefield
Generative AI use has been on the rise among faculty and students. Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Adobe Firefly, and Claude, among others, have transformed how
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The digital red pen: Efficiency, ethics, and AI-assisted grading
Podcast-style Audio Overview (Created with NotebookLM) It’s late in the evening, and faculty across the country are still grading papers, leaving feedback that they hope
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Open minds, open dialogue: Navigating ideological differences on campus
In today’s polarized academic environment, college campuses and classrooms can sometimes feel like battlegrounds of ideas rather than spaces for growth. How do we, as
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Facilitating politically-charged conversations in the classroom
Facilitating meaningful class discussions can be challenging, especially when it comes to political topics. Many public schools avoid subjects like oppression, race, and LGBTQ+ rights,
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A year in review: Highlights from the Office of Online Learning
As the demand for online education grew, the Office of Online Learning was established in 2023 to provide centralized support for NIU’s online learners. In
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