Teaching Guides

Below is an overview of some of the most popular pedagogical guides designed to help Boston University instructors provide engaging learning experiences for students.

Active Learning Guide

Active learning is a term used to describe instructional strategies that promote students’ active participation in knowledge construction processes. Such strategies may include hands-on activities, brief writing and discussion assignments, problem solving tasks, information gathering and synthesis, question generation, and reflection-based activities, among others. Together, these approaches seek to engage learners’ higher order thinking skills through the production and articulation of knowledge, as opposed to through the passive transmission of facts and ideas. Access the guide.

Blended Learning

Blended learning is the strategic combination of face-to-face and online learning experiences and when properly implemented, the popular teaching method can result in improved student success, satisfaction, and retention. Learn more about the benefits of blended courses, get tips to enhance in-class learning, and access the tools you need for implementation here.

Case-based Learning

Case studies are stories that are used as a teaching tool to show the application of a theory or concept to real situations. Connect with the Center for Teaching & Learning and explore ways to create a case study.

Project-based Learning

Project-based learning (PBL) involves students designing, developing, and constructing hands-on solutions to a problem. The educational value of PBL is that it aims to build students’ creative capacity to work through difficult or ill-structured problems, commonly in small teams. Learn more.

Questrom Team Learning

QTL works to enable successful academic team learning experiences by providing resources and support to both faculty and students who engage teamwork practices in their courses. Learn more.

Simplify Grading with Gradescope

Gradescope is a centrally supported software designed to streamline and simplify grading exams in large classes. Learn about the tool, how it automates grading, and streamlines the workflow among teaching assistants. Read more.

Teaching with Multimedia/Flip Your Class

Why teach with video? When students have access to video content to watch outside of class, class time can be used for comprehension checks, discussion, and reinforcement of content. Multimedia content helps to vary and enhance the learning process, and leads to better knowledge retention. Learn more.

Using Pronto to Enhance Student Engagement

BU College of Communication Master Lecturer Anne Danehy and Associate Professor of the Practice Amy Shanler share their experiences building classroom community using the communications tool, Pronto. Learn about the technology, watch a video, and access their how-to guide.

Technology Support

For ideas and tools that support these strategies, email the Educational Technology team at askedtech@bu.edu and schedule an appointment today.