Center for Excellence in TeachingMindfulness in courses
A brief introduction to mindfulness including examples of contemplative pedagogical practices that can be incorporated into courses to support student learning and wellbeing. Created in collaboration with Mindful USC.
Resources: Document
Case study teaching
A brief description of case study as a teaching method to improve student critical thinking, collaboration, and communication in various disciplines.
Instructional scaffolding
A description of instructional scaffolding – the process of breaking an assignment into smaller steps – and options for scaffolding assignments and learning experiences.
USC CET Education Research Bibliography
This annotated bibliography of selected educational literature was developed to support USC faculty, administrators, and schools in the development and evaluation of excellence in teaching. The focus, particularly in the section Teaching Best Practices in the USC Definition of Excellence in Teaching Criteria, is on published research that experimentally validates the effectiveness of practices that promote student learning outcomes.
Defining teaching excellence
A selection of literature resources discussing efforts to define what is meant by “teaching excellence” at the university level.
Grading based on student mastery research
A selection of literature resources discussing the impacts of grading based on student mastery on student learning.
Formative assessment research
A selection of literature resources discussing the impacts of formative assessment on student learning.
Instructor feedback research
A selection of literature resources discussing the impacts of instructor feedback on student learning.
Establishing learning goals with students research
A selection of literature resources discussing the impacts of establishing learning goals with students on their learning.
Student reflection research
A selection of literature resources discussing the impacts of facilitated student reflection on student learning.