Written by Kevin Forman and Rob Piercy Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) instructional designers and NIU faculty are collaborating and integrating AI tools
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Grading for growth: A blueprint for equity in the classroom
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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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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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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I’m teaching an accelerated online course: Now what?
Picture this: You just developed a 3-credit hour, 16-week online course. You incorporated learning activities, interactive collaborations, assessments, and a plethora of course content. Now,
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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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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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