Center for Innovative Pedagogy

An interesting design suggestion for multiple-choice tests - after the student gives an answer, ask them to identify the core principle which makes it right.

Two interesting approaches to getting students to regulate their cell phone use in class. What do you do to help students learn to focus?

The CIP is proud to have made a few small contributions to the Latinos in Rural America project. We hope you'll come see the resulting exhibit in Olin and Chalmers Libraries this month, or check out the electronic version of the exhibit (including a marvelous short film of the interviews).

"As I reflected why some groups of students were able to embrace the place of gratitude more than others, or even why some seemed to express more gratitude than others, I discovered that there was an uncanny relationship between my own level of gratitude and that of my students." So what are you grateful for this semester - and what are you doing about it?

Very interesting stuff in this interview about public scholarship and open educational resources, and student privacy in digital scholarship.

Another study showing the relationship between sleep and memory. "The post-sleep boost in memory accessibility may indicate that some memories are sharpened overnight." (It might be worth reminding your students that a good study strategy includes a complete night's sleep!)

Interesting context as we look at expanding students' participation in the high-impact practices as part of the Kenyon 2020 plan.

Three interesting, and very different, tips for ways to use the moments before class. Which resonates most with you - building relationships, displaying context, or "creating a sense of wonder"?

How are you thinking about wrapping up your courses this year?

Some interesting ideas in this article about why students do and don't use office hours, and ways to make your office hours more convenient and less threatening. The idea of offering topical group "office hours" struck me as particularly interesting... maybe office hours would seem less threatening if they weren't always one-on-one.

"It's up to individual students to choose their own educational pathways and majors according to their interests, abilities, and yes, their employment prospects. But they should do so based on accurate information, not myths."

I suspect this will resonate with lots of folks regarding internal communication at Kenyon. Does it apply to communicating with our students as well?

Barbara Fister tells the story of a first-year seminar studying Golden Gate Park which actually presented their early research in the park. Lots of neat ideas here as we consider teaching and learning with a sense of place.

A terrific summary of the existing research from cognitive science related to how students learn, and connecting this research to its practical implications for teaching and learning. Hat tip to Katie Corker for the link.

A touching essay by a first-generation college student, now a college professor, about her experiences in orientation and her first semester.

I was intrigued by the suggestion that a syllabus statement affirming our commitment to Title IX can serve to deter potential perpetrators of assault or harassment, as well as to remind survivors (and their friends) of the resources available. Kenyon's Civil Rights Coordinator has provided four examples of potential syllabus language, so you can set the tone which fits your class best. (Hat tip to Laurie Finke for the link.)

Some interesting examples here. Perhaps the most important point is that computer use should be purposeful and engaging, not casting about for serendipitous learning.

How do you kick off a new course? SMU has a terrific list of resources on making the most of the first day of class.

I was pretty impressed by this podcast host's willingness to share her fears about her teaching, and the specific productivity tips which help her deal with them.

Students dislike group work because we don't teach them to do it well. (Come to think of it, that's why a lot of faculty and staff hate meetings too.) Here's a simple structure which can improve meetings.