Center for Excellence in TeachingAuthority in the classroom
A summary of a research-supported model of instructor authority.
Resources: Word document
Designing reflection assessments
A description of a five-step model that instructors can use in designing in-class reflective assignments.
The first day of class
This resource provides strategies and considerations for designing an effective and inclusive “first day” experience for students in a course. It includes strategies appropriate for both on-ground and online/hybrid courses.
Keywords: first day, inclusive teaching, community agreements, syllabus, belonging.
Promoting intrinsic motivation
A collection of strategies for increasing student intrinsic motivation, organized by three motivational factors.
Course alignment grid
An explanation of course alignment, how to achieve it using a course alignment grid template, and sample grid of a well-aligned course.
Writing learning objectives
A concise how-to process for developing specific and measurable course learning objectives. Intended as an introduction for new instructors or a reminder for experienced instructors. Keywords: Learning objectives, course design, assessment, bloom’s taxonomy, goals.
Sample assignment descriptions
A collection of assignment descriptions from actual USC courses. The assignment descriptions follow best practices in terms of connecting the assignment to the course learning objective(s), providing a narrative overview of the assignment, indicating the steps required to complete the assignment, and referencing how the assignment will be graded.
Learning theories
An overview of fundamental aspects of the leading learning theories. University instructors use these theories to inform the decisions they make about their teaching/instruction with the goal of making it more effective.
Introducing your course with video
Recommendations and tips for making an introductory video for one of your courses, which can be shared with students via email or through an LMS, such as Blackboard. Also included is a sample script template to help structure the video content.
In-class work as participation
This guide serves as an explanation of using in-class work to evaluate student participation, and why in-class work is preferred over less-structured forms of participation. Suggestions for facilitating in-class work, and samples, are provided.