hidden curriculum - Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning

E. Taylor Atkins, in a red shirt, stands at the front of a classroom, gesturing and pointing toward a large projected slide behind him that shows historical photographs and illustrations, as he explains the images to students in a classroom.

Teaching academic success skills for all students: An equity-centered approach

February 9, 2026 Lindsay Vreeland Best Practices, Teaching, Tips

Regardless of the courses we teach, we often expect students to show up already knowing how to learn on their own. Skills like note-taking, reading

Hispanic woman smiling at envelope in office with laptop and papers on desk in front of her

Demystify the hidden curriculum of letters of recommendation

December 1, 2025 Linh Nguyen Best Practices, Resources, Teaching, Tips

Letters of recommendation are often the silent gatekeepers of opportunity. They can open doors to jobs, internships, scholarships, graduate programs, and professional schools. Yet, for

Students walking on campus in front of Reavis and DuSable Halls

What you didn’t learn in class: Revealing the hidden curriculum

June 17, 2025 Lindsay Vreeland Best Practices, Resources, Teaching, Tips

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