The fall semester is a few months away, but it is never too early start brainstorming for your students! Consider these seven items during the summer as you begin your preparations!
#1. Review your Student Learning Outcomes for your fall semester courses.
If you haven’t taught a course in a while, or you’ve been teaching the same course over and over again, you might want to take some time over the summer to consider what you want your students to accomplish. Solid learning outcomes are the foundation for a great learning experience. Not sure what makes an effective student learning outcome? Check out CTAL’s explainer.
#2. Look over your student evaluations, with fresh eyes.
Student evaluations come in at one of the most stressful times of the semester. Taking another look at the written comments during the calmer summer days may help you to see more actionable feedback that could apply to the next iteration of that course, or to other courses that you teach.
#3. Get inspired.
Summer is a great time to reconnect to the aspects of your research or other teaching experiences that get you fired up to be in the classroom. If you’ve never listened to educational podcasts, you might want to check out some of our suggestions below. These are great resources to hear from other instructors about what works and why, and to learn more about the state of research in teaching and learning.
#4. Screen some new class content.
Using media (either video clips in class, or film viewings as homework assignments) is a great way to vary the ways in which students interact with your course content and skills. The summer is a perfect opportunity to audition potential resources to see what best meets your teaching goals. The Library provides access to a large collection of media, including licensed eVideos, that you can access from anywhere with your UDel netID and password. For more information about eVideo resources available via the Library, start with the Streaming Media LibGuide.
#5. Review or update your course readings.
That book or article that was the perfect fit for your course 5 years ago might not be the best option today. Reach out to your liaison librarian to learn if electronic versions of your course readings are available which can help your students seamlessly access the content. Your librarian can help you set up electronic course reserves or can help obtain multi-user eBooks that can be used as low-cost course texts.
#6. If you haven’t already, request your Canvas course for the fall semester.
Use the Canvas Course Request form to begin.
#7. Record prerequisite materials ahead of fall semester in a UD Capture Self Service Recording Studio.
Rather than take valuable class time covering material that students need a refresher on, record the material and assign it outside of class. You’ll have more time that you can devote to new topics or discussions. Reserve your studio now.
Need help? Faculty Commons Partners are here to help! Give us a call at (302)831-0640 or stop by 116 Pearson Hall, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
