Center for Excellence in TeachingAcademic discussion protocols
A list of specific protocols for leading onground and online academic discussions.
Resources: Course design
Discussion rubrics
Discussion rubrics samples for onground and online instruction.
Foundations of CET pedagogy
The following set of videos provide an overview of the theories, models, techniques, and strategies promoted by the USC Center for Excellence in Teaching.
Challenging discussions modules 1-8
Challenging Discussions is a resource for USC faculty who would like help in managing potentially difficult dialogues in their classes. This series focuses on handling discussions that involve emotionally charged, controversial, or sometimes deeply personal topics. Modules cover all aspects of incorporating discussions in courses, including course design and discussion facilitation.
Challenging Discussions Transcript
Reaching all students
Inclusive teaching through Universal Design for Learning (UDL), setting the course environment, classroom norms, accommodations, and authentic assessment.
Promoting student growth
Developing student skill levels through scaffolding, a growth mindset, a positive class environment, aligned assessments, effective assignment descriptions, and transparent grading.
Core principles of instruction
Foundational teaching principles, including course design, learning objectives, course alignment, assessment, and lesson structure.
Challenging discussions 4: Plan a challenging discussion
Strategies for planning class discussions, including a positive class atmosphere, discussion norms, grading discussions, and acceptable sources of information.
Challenging discussions 2: Inclusive course design
Inclusivity considerations when designing courses and syllabi, including discussions about controversial topics.
Challenging discussions 1: Welcome and introduction
An introduction to the CET Challenging Discussions series and the principles guiding its development.