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
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
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,
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
Teaching multilingual learners: Breaking down barriers to success
CITL recently offered a workshop that explored comprehensive strategies for faculty and staff to better understand and support multilingual students by focusing on creating inclusive
Read more
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
Read more
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,
Read more