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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Jaclyn Crawford, Candice Hux and Kerith Woodyard named 2025 Excellence in Online Teaching Award winners
Congratulations to Jaclyn Crawford, Candice Hux and Kerith Woodyard, NIU’s 2025 Excellence in Online Teaching Award winners. Crawford is an instructor in the Department of Marketing, Hux
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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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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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