Resource Collection Filter Page | Institute for Excellence in Teaching & Learning

This Resource Collection brings together practical, evidence-informed tools, strategies, and examples to support teaching innovation across BU. Designed for faculty and instructors, this curated hub offers resources on course design, assessment, academic technology, inclusive pedagogy, and emerging approaches such as AI in teaching and learning. Whether you are refining an existing course or exploring new ideas, these resources are intended to be flexible, actionable, and aligned with BU’s commitment to student engagement, academic excellence, and continuous improvement in teaching and learning.

7 result(s) found.

Active Learning

Active Learning

How can faculty inspire students to take a more central role in their learning? Active learning is a term used to describe instructional strategies that promote students' active participation in knowledge construction processes (Bonwell & Eisen 1991; Prince 2004). Such strategies may include hands-on activities, brief writing and discussion assignments, problem solving tasks, information gathering […]
Assessment

Exam Wrappers

When students receive graded work, they often look quickly at their final score with pleasure, disappointment, or relief, and move on. But this is also a moment when instructors want students to slow down, understand the feedback, and develop plans for academic success. Exam wrappers are a powerful tool designed by the instructor to facilitate […]
Course Design

First Class Preparation

James Lang’s “How to Teach a Good First Day of Class” offers a useful way to approach planning your first day of class. Lang argues that the first class meeting can be quite significant with the opportunity to offer students an exciting preview of the intellectual exploration ahead. [Students'] early, thin-slice judgments are powerful enough […]
Inclusive Teaching

Inclusive Teaching Strategies

Inclusive teaching strategies are intentional approaches that make learning accessible, welcoming, and equitable for students with varied identities, backgrounds, and abilities. Traditional, one-size-fits-all teaching often marginalizes students who do not match assumed norms. Inclusive practices work by combining transparent course design, varied modes of engagement, and relationship-centered teaching that builds trust and belonging (Dewsbury & […]
Active Learning

Learning Assistants

In traditional, large-enrollment courses, students learn primarily from instructors. But various kinds of peer interaction—from team-based learning to periodic group work— can help students enhance their learning. In a Learning Assistant (LA) program, trained undergraduates, i.e., “near peers,” are involved in planning and implementing activities in class that increase engagement and support learning. This method […]
Assessment

Low-Stakes Assessment

While high-stakes, summative assessments (e.g., final exams, term papers) remain a common feature of undergraduate education, a growing body of research and practice suggests that low-stakes, formative assessments are also powerful tools to support student learning. Part of a larger category of formative assessment that engages with students during the learning process through ongoing feedback, low-stakes […]
Course Design

Structured Learning Pathways

High enrollment courses can feel overwhelming for both instructors and students alike. Faculty may feel limited in what types of assignments to assign to students before and after lecture periods to make sure students are arriving informed and ready to dive deeper into course topics—especially when considering how to grade and incentivize student work. Students […]