As I get ready for the semester to start, there are several things I’m thankful that I did the last time I taught this class. However, I am frustrated with my ‘past-self’ for not being very kind to my ‘future self’ in one particular instance. When I taught this class before, I created graphics that…Read More
Other Syllabus Resources
As you continue to refine your syllabi, you may want to explore further resources related to this foundational document in your course. The following information was shared by Angela Jenks on the Teaching in Higher Ed Podcast with Bonni Stachowiak, Episode 289. Syllabus Basics from the IUB Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning Palmer, Bach, and Streifer’s Rubric…Read More
Vanguard University Syllabus Template
While there is latitude for syllabi to look and feel vastly different from one another, some common elements must be contained in all course syllabi at Vanguard. Below is the Vanguard University syllabus template and supporting resources. Changes made for the 2022 – 2023 academic year are described, as well. Core Syllabus Components A syllabus…Read More
Dr. Elizabeth Powell – A Legacy of Teaching Excellence
Teaching complex subjects often requires new approaches with every class and each new student. In this series of clips, Dr. Elizabeth Powell describes the ways in which her teaching evolved over many years and how she found joy in fostering community in her classes. Elizabeth completed her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. In…Read More
Accessibility
In the context of your courses, accessibility means making it possible for all students, regardless of physical or developmental impairment, to use all course materials and tools. A course is accessible to the degree that every student can get to, perceive, and navigate course content and assignments; submit assignments, and successfully use all course tools.…Read More
Usability and Findability
Usability, findability, and visual design are critical aspects of the way your students experience your course. A good student experience requires a functional and usable course. A great student experience also needs thoughtfulness. Think about how your students may feel when beginning a task or trying to navigate the course. Imagine someone close to you…Read More
Class Continuity Guidelines
Should an emergency occur that prevents you from coming to campus, or if the university closes, there are resources available that can support you in continuing to teach your classes. Communication A big part of making the transition to move your class online involves communication. Students should hear from you as soon as possible, letting…Read More
How to Keep Class Sessions on Schedule
This article on How to Get Students to Join You for Office Hours was originally posted on the EdSurge website and is reposted here with permission. It is part of the guide Toward Better Teaching: Office Hours With Bonni Stachowiak. You can pose a question for a future column here. Dear Bonni, How can I design my class sessions to fit the available…Read More
Culturally Responsive Teaching and Digital Pedagogy
In the Spring of 2020, the Institute for Faculty Development is conducting a survey regarding our faculty members’ use of culturally responsive teaching, as well as the ways in which we use educational technology to meet a more diverse student body. As we sent around a draft of the survey, several people mentioned that it…Read More
New Designing and Teaching for Impact Course
David Rhoads, our Director of Teaching Excellence and Digital Pedagogy, has customized an online course from Indiana University, one of the leaders in online learning across the nation. So far over 20 professors are currently enrolled and three professors have now completed the course and are now certified! Below are the topics included in the…Read More
Course goals and student motivation
Being Open Creates Opportunities for Student Openness, Success, and Growth Early on in my career in Higher Education, I worked as an admissions counselor. Our main goal as counselors was to begin our conversations with prospective students by finding out what their motivations were for going to school. I would just ask them simple questions…Read More
Responding to Gender-Based Microaggressions
Question: Does implicit bias between men and women working together in Christian higher education result in microaggressions? Vanguard University is an Assemblies of God University, which has credentialed women since its start and holds an egalitarian stance on issues around male and female roles. As 2020 begins, we celebrate our 100th birthday at the same…Read More
Columbia University Inclusive Teaching Online Course Overview
Over the summer of 2019, a group of about 15 of us at Vanguard took the online Inclusive Teaching Course offered through edX and developed by Columbia University. Their subtitle for the class offered the promise that we would “explore the principles of inclusive teaching and learn how to apply them in your classroom to…Read More
Changes are Coming to Canvas
There are changes coming to the Canvas LMS. This post provides an overview of what’s coming in terms of: the new gradebook, analytics, and quizzes. It also shares about an event coming up that will provide an overview of the changes and an opportunity to have your questions answered. New Gradebook (switches over for everyone on 01/18/20;…Read More
How to Get Students to Join You for Office Hours
This article on How to Get Students to Join You for Office Hours was originally posted on the EdSurge website and is reposted here with permission. It is part of the guide Toward Better Teaching: Office Hours With Bonni Stachowiak. You can pose a question for a future column here. Dear Bonni, I work at a small institution, where the…Read More