Center for Excellence in TeachingLearning objectives FAQ
A list of common questions from instructors regarding learning objectives and best-practice answers.
Resources: Course design
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.
Group presentation rubric
This is a grading rubric an instructor uses to assess students’ work on this type of assignment. It is a sample rubric that needs to be edited to reflect the specifics of a particular assignment. Students can self-assess using the rubric as a checklist before submitting their assignment.
Flipped course design
An introduction to the flipped course, a course design style that is more consistent with theories of human learning than traditional lecture-style courses and supported by educational research.
Trauma-informed teaching
A compilation of teaching techniques and strategies that can minimize unproductive stress in students and support students who are dealing with trauma.
Hybrid streaming course design model
This resource provides an explanation of a hybrid streaming course design model, sometimes referred to as HyFlex, and faculty considerations for course planning and design.
Bloom’s Taxonomy
An introduction to Bloom’s Taxonomy and its use in designing course learning objectives and assessments.
Assignment description template
This template ties an assignment to the course learning objective it is meant to measure, briefly describes the assignment essentials, outlines the steps to complete the assignment, and references the grading rubric that will be used to assess the assignment.
Creating LGBTQ+ inclusive learning environments
Presents ways to foster a more LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus) inclusive learning environment, available USC support services, and suggested online resources.
Sources for free copyright-free images
A list of web sites that provide access to images that can be used in instructional materials, such as presentation slide decks, documents, and web sites. All listed sites provide free images, which are also copyright-free. Some sites have requirements for use, such as attribution of the author.