UTSA Academic Innovation

Course Development Strategies

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Overview

Whether you teach 10 or 1,000 students, creating a successful learning environment requires careful planning. The following outlines how to foster student success through consistency, communication, and community. 

Consistency is Key to Student Success

To optimize student success, maintain a consistent course structure. 

  • Centralize Course Materials: House all course materials, syllabus*, assignments, readings, videos, and lessons, regardless of modality, within the Learning Management System (LMS) for easy access. *NOTE: Starting Fall 2024, Simple Syllabus becomes a requirement for all undergraduate courses.  
  • Prioritize Course Navigation: Design a user-friendly course interface. Include a designated "Start Here" section with essential information like the syllabus and course schedule. Maintain a simple main menu with clear labels (e.g., Assignments, Content, Grades, Discussions). Duplicate links to important materials as needed for convenience. For more, review How do I manage Course Navigation links? 
  • Offer Clear Instructions: Provide clear and consistent rubrics for all activities, assessments, and assignments. Well-defined expectations boost student confidence and minimize confusion.
  • Embrace Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Offer multiple ways for students to engage with course content, process information, and demonstrate their knowledge. 
  • Provide Clear Module/Weekly Overviews: Post clear and concise announcements with overviews for each module or week. Include a video whenever possible, especially for online courses. Explain the module's objectives, required tasks, time commitments, and the learning benefits for students. Utilize Qwickly to automate this process and ensure timely delivery to students. 

By following these guidelines, you can create a well-structured, accessible, and effective learning experience for all students. 

Enhanced Communication Strategies for Effective Student Engagement

Open and Consistent Communication

  • Prioritize Consistent Communication: Maintain regular, clear communication with students through weekly announcements using automation tools like Qwickly. 
  • Positive Reinforcement: Cultivate a growth mindset through flexible course design and employing affirming language in all student interactions. Use tools like Zoom and Panopto to record and stream lectures, so students can catch up anytime. For more, review Supporting Student Wellness

Deeper Student Engagement

  • Personalized Interaction: Schedule regular meetings (at least one) with students to build rapport and address concerns. Offer both in-person and virtual options and utilize tools like Microsoft Bookings for efficient scheduling. 
  • Student-Centered Approach: Gain valuable insights into student preferences and expectations by administering a course survey. Utilize Microsoft Forms or iClickers for easy data collection and analysis. 
  • Reflective Learning: Encourage critical thinking and self-assessment through prompts, using digital platforms like Padlet and PlayPosit. These prompts should focus on assignment progress, connections between course material and prior knowledge, and overall learning experiences. For more, review Using Reflective Writing to Get Students Connected with the Material. 

Efficient Feedback and Assessment

By implementing these communication strategies, instructors can create a supportive and engaging learning environment that fosters student success. Open dialogue, timely feedback, and a focus on student needs are essential components of effective teaching. 

Fostering Community and Engagement  

Building Community

  • Model Engagement: Share personal experiences and insights to create a more personal connection with students.  
  • Cultivate Connections: Creating a sense of community requires intentional effort to foster student engagement and interaction. 
  • Interactive Learning: Incorporate icebreakers, group activities, and online discussion forums to facilitate student connections. For tips review, Make a Strong First Impression.

Empowering Student Learning

  • Collaborative Learning: Leverage small group work to enhance student interaction and support. 
  • Student-Centered Learning: Shift the focus from instructor-centered to student-centered learning. Empower students as knowledge creators by assigning them to research and present on topics that interest them to foster deeper engagement and knowledge sharing. 
  • Critical Thinking: Encourage students to evaluate information critically and develop their own perspectives. 

Resources

Support

For support, email [email protected], call 210-458-4520, or book a consultation with our TLDT experts.  

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