As we come to the close of the fall semester, we hope that you all have a chance to rest and recharge. When you begin to prepare for the spring semester, the Trefny Center is here to help. Here are several resources to help you get a jumpstart on the spring semester. And please schedule an individual consultation with a faculty developer if you would like to meet to discuss ideas or questions you have.
Create your syllabus:
- Start with the Mines syllabus template
- Review the student-centered syllabus checklist for ideas about how to improve your syllabus.
Create an inclusive classroom environment:
- Review the checklist of inclusive teaching practices to get some ideas for how to set up the classroom environment to be more inclusive.
- If you are interested in scheduling a “Creating an Inclusive Classroom Environment” workshop for your group or department, request a workshop on the Trefny Center Events website.
Incorporate activities to promote learning:
- Help students connect what is happening in your course with their prior knowledge and experiences. Review this handout for more information and ideas.
- Incorporate activities in your course to help students practice applying the material in your course. Consider these strategies to help students activate prior knowledge, organize knowledge, and practice applying concepts.
Consider assessments and grading:
- Review these assessment considerations to identify strategies to support students’ learning and decrease students’ propensity to cheat.
- Review the Using Canvas for Exams and Quizzes Teaching Guide for tips and helpful reminders for building Canvas quizzes (note: accessing link may require Canvas login).
- Check out these resources on Gradescope, a tool to help you grade student work (note: accessing link may require Canvas login and/or self-enrolling in a Trefny Canvas course).
Set up your course in Canvas:
- Take the Canvas 101 for Instructors Canvas course to learn more about Canvas (note: accessing link may require Canvas login).
- Watch the Teaching and Learning Online Using Canvas video to get a brief overview of Canvas including common features.
- Learn more about third-party tools that are integrated with Canvas and can further enhance teaching and learning (note: accessing link may require Canvas login).
- Review the Canvas start of term checklist to ensure that your Canvas course is ready to go before the semester starts (note: accessing link may require Canvas login).
- If you run into technical issues in Canvas, chat with Canvas support (or call 1-833-291-3239) or submit an ITS Ticket for assistance.
Explore other campus resources:
- Reach out to the Library for support using Open Educational Resources, incorporating readings and text into your course, and more!
- Reach out to Disability Support Services for information about accommodations, the testing center, and accessibility.
- Reach out to the Writing Center for a variety of resources and supports for incorporating writing and communication in the classroom.
- Reach out to ITS for assistance with technology. Review the ITS Guide to Services for more information.