Creating transparent assignments asks instructors to think about the purpose, task, and criteria for each assignment and share that information with students. Because this allows each student to start from the same point (with an understanding of how to be successful on the assignment), these assignments can help cultivate deep learning from all students, and boost students’ sense of belonging in higher education (Winkelmes, Boye, and Tapp, 2019). In this session, we will share an overview of the research behind transparent assignment design and a template for instructors to start using in their courses.
Mid-semester feedback can be used to adjust, clarify expectations, and/or reinforce the goals of your course. This session will focus not only on collecting mid-semester feedback (including reflecting on what types of questions to ask to get the feedback that will be most helpful) but also how to close the loop and respond to the feedback you received.
Student to Student interaction in online classes is often left in discussion boards that can lack depth and spontaneity. This session will go over alternative ways to incorporate Student to Student interaction in your online courses to increase engagement and help students feel as if they are a part of a community.