Introduction

Welcome to the Teaching Handbook, your guide to teaching resources at Western Washington University. Please explore this guide for ideas and direction to support your teaching endeavors, and consider doing a Customized Resource Request for personalized assistance.

This collection is the result of a collaboration between the Center for Instructional Innovation and Assessment, the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, the Chair of the ACC, the Director of the Learning Commons, and the Instruction & Research Services Librarian. Learn more on the About page.

Table of Contents

Quick Start Essentials

First day, syllabus, course design, and technology

1. Course Design

Assessment & outcomes, backward course design, big ideas, threshold concepts, course objectives, planning assignments

2. Course Materials

Student-centered syllabus, coursepacks and course reserves, Open Education Resources (OER), Canvas

3. Student Considerations

Academic integrity, accessibility and diversity, Inclusive Teaching Toolkit, first-year student support, graduate student instructors, student civility

4. Student Engagement

Motivation, active learning, group work, Critical Thinking Toolkit, service learning, discussion, inquiry-based learning, large classes, social media

5. Teaching Delivery

Teacher presence, blended/online learning, lecturing effectively, learning communities, lecture capture/podcasting, web conferencing

6. Evaluation of Learning

Assessment goals and methods, classroom assessment techniques, student response systems, peer review, writing assignments, exams, grading tips, rubrics

7. Evaluation of Teaching

Faculty peer review, student feedback, course portfolios, professional development, excellence in teaching

8. Resources & Support

Assessment and Outcomes handbook, campus resources, Creative Commons & Public DOmain resources, FERPA toolkit, Open Educational Resources (OER), Policies That Protect You