As mid-semester approaches, we are presented with a great opportunity to pause and reflect on our courses. Soliciting student feedback gives us a better sense
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Fall 2025 events focused on well-being, resilience, and transformative teaching
The atmosphere at NIU was buzzing with excitement as we prepared for the Fall 2025 semester. The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) hosted
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Writing like you teach: Making course materials clearer and more human
In “4 Ways to Adjust Your Prose Style for a Public Audience,” James Lang reminds us that writing for non-experts—whether in essays, books, or blog
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Bringing critical thinking to life in your classroom: Lessons from Linda Elder
Here’s something that keeps me up at night: we’re living in an age where misinformation spreads faster than wildfire, and our students are caught right
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Ten expert-level tips for creating a welcoming online course
With a new semester in full swing, there is no time like the present to start fresh and to create a welcoming virtual space. A
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When students don’t do the reading (and what we can do about it)
It happens from time to time—students come to class unprepared or without having finished the assigned readings. This may happen for any number of reasons:
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Building self-directed learners: From theory to practice
My social identities include a variety of educational “firsts”—first-generation immigrant from Vietnam, first-generation college graduate, and the first in my family to pursue a Ph.D.
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Integrating artificial intelligence in nursing education programs
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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Celebrating Dr. Linh Nguyen: Recipient of the 2025 Deacon Davis Diversity Award
We are thrilled to celebrate Dr. Linh Nguyen, Inclusive Teaching Coordinator at NIU’s Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, as a recipient of the 2025
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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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