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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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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Come celebrate our 25th anniversary!
For 25 years, the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) at Northern Illinois University has been fostering academic excellence and curriculum innovation through strong
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Encouraging student curiosity
When students show curiosity towards a course topic, they become more engaged and interested in learning. This curiosity also boosts their motivation, reduces discouragement from
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Ungrading: Decentering grades to enhance student learning
Many people inside and outside of academia seem preoccupied with the specter of “grade inflation.” But, what if instead of grade inflation (or its scary
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Feminist pedagogies inform inclusive STEM teaching
Traditional STEM teaching has a persistent predicament of exclusion and inequity. The 2023 Diversity and STEM: Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities report from the
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Strategies for long-term learning success
It’s not a new idea that students need to take an active role in their learning process to learn effectively and retain content over the
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Inclusive group assignments: Fostering teamwork among diverse identities
A survey conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates on behalf of the Association of American Colleges and Universities found that employers believe undergraduate programs
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Equitable, non-traditional grading
Traditional grading methods typically revolve around meeting specific criteria to obtain a grade. For instance, the conventional 0-100% scale aligned with the A-F system is
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