Preparing
A great teaching experience doesn’t just happen. It takes a lot of planning and preparation. There’s a lot of things you’ll need to balance to be successful. Here are some tips to make sure you’re making the most it.
- What content belongs in my course?
- How do I prepare my in-person course?
- How do I prepare my online course?
- Where can I learn about Canvas?
- What do I do on the first day?
Syllabus and Policy
The syllabus is the heart of your course. It’s essentially a contract with your students so you are all on the same page. It should be a complete outline of what your course is about, what you expect of your students, and what your students should expect of you. You’ll need to know what you need to put on your syllabus, as well as some helpful suggestions.
- What should be on my syllabus?
- Where can I find PSU Academic Policies/Procedures?
- What must I do regarding academic accommodations?
Students
Without students, there would be no teaching. They are the reason we’re here! To be an effective teacher, it’s important to not only know the subject matter of your course but also who your learners are and what to expect of them.
- Who are my students?
- What is the role of student feedback?
- Where are learning resources for my students?
Engaging Students
Engaging students with one another and with course content increases the likelihood of achieving learning outcomes. Here, we offer resources that can help you consider your role in engaging students and consider strategies for involving students in your course — whether your course is in-person, socially distanced, or virtual.
Assessment
Teaching is all about helping students learn and grow, but at some point we need to see what they have learned. Whether it’s tests, papers projects, or something else, this is when students are able to show off their new knowledge. It’s also where cheating happens. Here are some ideas for how to assess students and keep everyone honest.
Resources
Developing your course and yourself as an instructor requires a team of colleagues and experts. Knowing where to turn for technology support, instructional support, scheduling support, and professional development is critical for a successful course.