Phones Down, Eyes Up: 5 Tips to Set the Tone for a Successful Semester

01/02/2025 |

Phones Down, Eyes Up!

5 Tips to Set the Tone for a Successful Semester

The first few weeks of the college semester are crucial—they lay the foundation for a successful journey for both instructors and students. Let’s face it, though: getting students to put down their phones and focus can sometimes feel like a tall order, especially those first few weeks. With thoughtful planning and a focus on setting the right tone, you can sidestep common pitfalls, propel student engagement, and set the stage for a successful semester for you and your students!

So, you might be asking, “ACUE, do you have any tips from teaching and learning experts to help create an engaging classroom that motivates students?” You’re in luck—we’ve got you covered!

1. Engage! Don’t just read the syllabus.

Starting class by reading the syllabus word for word can turn even the most enthusiastic student into an unfocused daydreamer. Instead of a monotonous read-aloud, consider a syllabus scavenger hunt. Make getting to know the syllabus feel like an adventure! It promotes participation and ensures students absorb the course’s vital info while setting a fun, inclusive tone.

2. Make the first week count.

Think of the first class as a golden opportunity to inject enthusiasm into your course. If you treat it like a leisurely Sunday morning, your students might expect a leisurely experience rather than an exciting and even challenging adventure. Kick off with the types of learning experiences you will use throughout the course by including group work or facilitating a stimulating discussion that connects to your course objectives. Show them right off the bat that their time and learning matters!

3. Create a sense of community.

We all know that learning thrives in a social setting. If your classroom feels like a deserted island, your students might start feeling like castaways, too. Incorporate interactive icebreakers so students get to know one another and have them work with you to create a set of norms that reveal shared values and expectations. Building trust and camaraderie from day one will create a fantastic learning environment where students feel like they belong and thrive!

4. Connect course content to students’ lives.

If students can’t see how your course relates to their lives, they’re probably thinking about their next binge-watch Netflix session. Help them connect those dots. Highlight real-world applications, exciting career paths, or personal growth opportunities. Show them that your course is their ticket to the future, not just another requirement to check off the list.

5. Set clear expectations.

Nothing sends students spiraling into confusion faster than unclear expectations. Clear participation, behavior, and grading guidelines need to be laid down from the get-go. Think of it as giving them a GPS for the course. When your students know what’s expected, it diminishes anxiety faster than a late-night pizza eliminates hunger. Plus, it builds trust—because everyone appreciates a guide who actually cares.

New Semester, New Opportunity

Want to start every semester strong?

First impressions are powerful and lasting, so make yours count! Designed for educators of all experience levels, Effective Teaching 101: Starting the Semester Strong equips you with a set of powerful, evidence-based teaching practices that actively engage students and set them (and you) up for success from day one of the semester! By completing this new course, you will learn ways to avoid falling into common early-semester traps.

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Integrating Career Guidance: A Must-Have for Today’s Classrooms

12/09/2024 |

Integrating Career Guidance: A Must-Have for Today’s Classrooms

A teacher providing career guidance to a smiling student with a notebook in a classroom setting

In today’s rapidly changing job market, the demand for graduates ready to hit the ground running has never been greater.

Colleges and universities are under increasing pressure to ensure students leave with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to secure fulfilling careers. Meeting these expectations requires campus-wide support, including faculty being prepared to weave career guidance seamlessly into their courses, showing a clear commitment to student success and career readiness.

The research underscores this need, with 77% of faculty agreeing that higher education institutions should prioritize career preparation and nearly 75% recognizing it as part of their role to support students professionally (NACE). Integrating career guidance practices into courses can help institutions strengthen their reputations by preparing graduates to thrive in their careers, while enriching students’ learning experiences and providing them with the essential skills and knowledge for future success.

Let’s explore the ways integrating career guidance practices into courses can benefit students, faculty, and institutions.

1. Enhanced Student Engagement

When faculty integrate career guidance into their teaching, it bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

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Students are more motivated and engaged in their studies when they see how their coursework relates directly to the workplace. This helps students understand the relevance of their learning, motivating them to connect with the material in deeper ways.

As students learn to apply theoretical concepts in practical situations, they better understand course material. This connection to real-world applications fosters a greater sense of purpose, transforming academic studies into a foundation for future career success.

2. Boosting Career Readiness

Career readiness is more than just an outcome; it’s a critical component of the learning process.

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By building career guidance into academic programs, institutions empower students to develop essential skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—qualities employers consistently seek.

Furthermore, when faculty provide insights into industry trends and specific employer expectations, students gain a clearer understanding of the skills they need to thrive. Faculty members can offer insights into evolving career requirements, helping students prepare effectively for current and emerging job markets.

3. Informed Decision-Making

Career exploration is essential for students who may feel uncertain about their goals or lack exposure to diverse career options.

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When faculty share potential career paths related to their area of expertise, they open the door for students to consider a broader range of opportunities that they might not discover on their own.

Also, by initiating career-focused conversations with students, faculty can help students reflect on their interests and goals while guiding them to valuable on-campus resources like the career center. This support empowers students to make more informed decisions about their future career paths.

4. Meeting Students Needs

An inclusive approach to career guidance addresses the unique challenges faced by many student populations.

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Students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, may benefit from more access to career resources or professional networks. Providing career guidance in the classroom ensures that all students have access to career resources to move ahead no matter where they come from.

Additionally, continuous career guidance supports adaptability in a fast-paced job market, equipping students with the resilience to adjust their career paths and skills to meet evolving demands.

5. Bridging Academia and Industry: Building Career-Ready Graduates

To achieve these goals, partnerships with businesses and industry organizations can offer insight into real-time labor market needs.

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Higher education can better tailor programs to match workforce demands, providing students with clear pathways to job opportunities and career advancement.

For example, the City University of New York (CUNY), in partnership with the New York Jobs CEO Council, brings employers into the conversation. This yearlong program connects faculty with industry professionals to redesign curricula that embed career competencies directly into coursework.

6. Strengthened Institutional Reputation

Institutions that integrate career guidance into academic programs build a reputation for prioritizing student success and employability.

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By actively preparing students for meaningful careers, colleges and universities are committed to providing a solid return on investment (ROI) for students and families.

Successful career outcomes also contribute positively to alumni relations, with graduates likely to engage with and support their alma maters, fostering a community of success and networking opportunities for future students.

Preparing Students for Lifelong Success

By embedding career guidance into the academic fabric, faculty can prepare students for their career and foster a lifelong approach to professional growth and adaptability. This commitment to career-focused education aligns with a more holistic vision of higher education’s role in society: nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in dynamic, evolving industries.

As students graduate with both knowledge and practical career competencies, they enter the workforce as confident, capable professionals who embody the value of their education. This, in turn, strengthens the institution’s reputation, attracts prospective students, and creates a cycle of success that fuels both individual and community progress. In an era where the ROI of higher education is closely examined, institutions prioritizing career readiness stand out as leaders, proving that the future of education is deeply connected to the future of work.

Eager to explore how to successfully integrate career guidance into your curriculum?

We’re thrilled to share that ACUE is launching three new Career Guidance Quick Study courses! The first course, Embedding Career Guidance into Your Course, is available now, with two more courses set to launch in 2025.

The Embedding Career Guidance into Your Course Quick Study equips faculty with strategies to engage students in initial career conversations. These conversations will motivate students to seek support from the campus career center and help them understand how internships can shape their future!

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Why OER Is a Game-Changer for Education

12/04/2024 |

Why OER Is a Game-Changer for Education

Open Educational Resources (OER)—free and publicly available materials for teaching and learning—are revolutionizing higher education. They offer invaluable tools that empower educators and enhance students’ academic journeys. These carefully curated, adaptable resources alleviate student financial burdens and foster a more inclusive learning experience. As instructors investigate innovative strategies for enriching course content and boosting accessibility, OER opens a world of possibilities. Let’s explore some powerful ways OER supports students and faculty!

1. Tailored Content to Fit Learning Goals

OER empowers educators to customize course content to align perfectly with specific learning objectives. Instead of settling for a one-size-fits-all textbook, faculty can blend resources from diverse OER sources, ensuring the curriculum reflects the latest advancements in their field while catering to their students’ unique needs. This flexibility fosters a curriculum that is relevant and genuinely engaging.

Real World Impact

Consider a history professor who adapts an OER textbook to include case studies relevant to their region or skillfully removes sections that don’t align with their course focus, crafting a resource that directly supports their educational goals.

2. Significant Savings for Students

The escalating prices of traditional textbooks and digital learning solutions can pose challenges for students, impacting their overall learning experiences. Fortunately, OER removes this financial strain by providing free, openly licensed materials that educators can easily adopt or customize. By integrating OER into your courses, you can help create a more affordable educational landscape, allowing students to immerse themselves fully in their studies without the stress of hefty bills.

Real World Impact

When students no longer need to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive textbooks, individuals from all income backgrounds can pursue their education more easily. This financial relief helps level the playing field, enabling more students to achieve their academic goals without the burden of financial barriers.

3. Engaging Learning Through OER

By embracing OER, educators can venture beyond traditional resources and explore a wealth of multimedia formats, such as videos, simulations, and interactive activities. This rich variety not only makes courses more dynamic and enjoyable but also helps students connect with the material in fresh and exciting ways.

Real World Impact

A psychology course could benefit from interactive simulations illustrating intricate concepts like cognitive biases, providing students with hands-on experiences that deepen their understanding of the theoretical material.

4. Encouraging Collaboration and Resource Sharing

OER nurtures an enriching culture of collaboration by allowing educators to share modified materials with their colleagues. This spirit of cooperation not only encourages knowledge sharing within departments but also extends across institutions, fostering a vibrant network of educators continually refining and enhancing each other’s work. By collaborating and sharing resources, faculty contribute to a dynamic teaching environment that benefits everyone involved.

Real World Impact

A sociology professor might collaborate with peers from other universities to create a series of case studies that leverage the unique insights of each contributor, resulting in a comprehensive and diverse resource.

4. Encouraging Collaboration and Resource Sharing

OER nurtures an enriching culture of collaboration by allowing educators to share modified materials with their colleagues. This spirit of cooperation not only encourages knowledge sharing within departments but also extends across institutions, fostering a vibrant network of educators continually refining and enhancing each other’s work. By collaborating and sharing resources, faculty contribute to a dynamic teaching environment that benefits everyone involved.

Real World Impact

A sociology professor might collaborate with peers from other universities to create a series of case studies that leverage the unique insights of each contributor, resulting in a comprehensive and diverse resource.

5. Keeping Content Current and Relevant

In contrast to traditional textbooks, which can take years to revise, OER can be updated frequently, ensuring that course content remains cutting-edge and aligned with the latest developments in a field. However, it is important to regularly review OER materials to ensure they are free of errors or discrepancies. This diligence, combined with the flexibility of frequent updates, guarantees that students learn from materials reflecting contemporary knowledge and best practices.

Real World Impact

Take a rapidly evolving field like computer science; instructors can readily incorporate new programming languages or recent technological advances into their curriculum without the long wait for a new textbook edition!

Leveling the Playing Field

By eliminating textbook costs and enhancing accessibility, OER inherently promotes equity in education. When every student gains immediate, free access to learning materials from the very first day of class, no one faces disadvantages due to financial limitations.

Furthermore, the flexibility of OER allows educators to address their students’ diverse needs and experiences, creating content that resonates across various backgrounds and learning styles.

Through OER, teachers can cultivate a more inclusive classroom, ensuring every student has an equal opportunity to thrive.

Unlock the Benefits of OER Today: ACUE's New Quick Study Course

Incorporating OER into your courses creates an accessible, affordable, and personalized learning environment that enhances engagement and delivers students a cost-effective learning experience. Discover how to effectively identify, evaluate, and integrate OER into your course by completing ACUE’s new Quick Study, Integrating Open Educational Resources.

Leveling the Playing Field

By eliminating textbook costs and enhancing accessibility, OER inherently promotes equity in education. When every student gains immediate, free access to learning materials from the very first day of class, no one faces disadvantages due to financial limitations.

Furthermore, the flexibility of OER allows educators to address their students’ diverse needs and experiences, creating content that resonates across various backgrounds and learning styles. Through OER, teachers can cultivate a more inclusive classroom, ensuring every student has an equal opportunity to thrive

Unlock the Benefits of OER Today: ACUE's New Quick Study Course

Incorporating OER into your courses creates an accessible, affordable, and personalized learning environment that enhances engagement and delivers students a cost-effective learning experience. Discover how to effectively identify, evaluate, and integrate OER into your course by completing ACUE’s new Quick Study, Integrating Open Educational Resources.

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How Can Experiential Learning Improve Classroom Outcomes?

11/28/2024 |

Experiential learning is a vital pedagogical approach, seamlessly connecting theory with real-world practice. Institutions and educators play an essential role in creating these meaningful opportunities. By being exposed to experiential learning, students can greatly enrich their academic journey and prepare themselves for future careers. Let’s explore five reasons why engaging in experiential learning is a worthwhile opportunity for every student.

1. Connecting Theory to Real Life

Experiential learning opens a remarkable door for students, allowing them to witness the real-world significance of lessons learned in the classroom. This interactive approach does more than just impart knowledge; it creates a memorable learning experience that resonates long after students leave the classroom. By applying their theoretical knowledge to tangible challenges, students enrich their understanding and ensure that their education extends past the pages of a textbook.

2. Cultivating Essential Skills

One of the most exciting aspects of experiential learning is its power to nurture crucial skills. Students actively engage in problem-solving, effective communication, leadership, and adaptability—qualities that are indispensable both personally and professionally. These experiences prepare them for the shifting landscape of today’s job market. Employers consistently emphasize the importance of these skills, making experiential learning an invaluable pathway for students to refine abilities that will translate classroom outcomes into career success.

3. Boosting Engagement and Motivation

The beauty of hands-on activities and real-life experiences is found in the vibrant educational environment they create. When students can directly relate their studies to real-life situations, their motivation soars! This enthusiasm translates into enhanced academic performance and a deeper commitment to learning, creating a positive feedback loop that inspires curiosity and passion for knowledge.

4. Elevating Career Readiness

Experiential learning is a key ingredient in preparing students for success in a competitive job market. Through planned internships, co-op programs, and project-based experiences, students build impressive resumes and forge valuable professional networks. These opportunities equip them with practical skills and industry insights that set them apart in the eyes of potential employers, ensuring they graduate with the hands-on experience that helps them land their first job.

5. Encouraging Lifelong Learning

Experiential learning promotes an exciting mindset of continuous growth and exploration. By facing new challenges head-on, students learn to adapt and seek knowledge in varied contexts, fostering a passion for lifelong learning. This adaptability is crucial in our ever-evolving world, encouraging a proactive approach to both personal and professional development. This incredibly valuable attitude serves them well in all walks of life.

Inspiring Real-Life Examples of Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is not just a concept—it’s a transformative approach with real-world applications that showcase its profound impact. In an Inside Higher Ed article, students share how immersive experiences enable them to explore potential career paths firsthand, empowering them to make informed choices about their futures. Rebekah Layton recounts how her military experiences illuminated that career’s rewards and challenges, ultimately guiding her toward a more compatible profession. This hands-on exploration gives students a clearer understanding of how their interests align with their strengths.

Additionally, EdTech Magazine highlights the University of Texas at San Antonio’s (UTSA) experiential learning initiative called the Bold Careers program. In this initiative, students gain invaluable experience working on real technology projects within the university’s tech department. Not only do they develop technical expertise, but they also cultivate vital workplace skills such as problem-solving and effective communication. By participating in impactful projects, students gain industry-relevant experience that boosts their confidence and prepares them for the workforce.

These examples illustrate how experiential learning enriches students with authentic experiences beyond the boundaries of traditional classrooms. Programs like UTSA’s Bold Careers empower learners to make informed career decisions, build essential skills, and nurture a love for lifelong learning—bridging the critical divide between education and the professional world. As educational institutions embrace innovative teaching practices, experiential learning will remain an essential pillar of student success, inspiring the leaders of tomorrow!

Ready to dive deeper into experiential learning and bring its benefits into your own classroom?

ACUE’s new Quick Study course, Preparing Students for Experiential Learning, enables educators to help students connect theory to practice in order to foster personal growth and career readiness and prepare them to tackle real-world challenges with confidence.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance student engagement and outcomes—take the next step in empowering your students for lifelong success!

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College at Thanksgiving

11/25/2024 |

College at Thanksgiving

November 25, 2024
Op-Ed
by Jonathan Gyurko, PhD, and Kevin Reilly, PhD

Every Thanksgiving, college students take a break to celebrate with family. Around dining tables, between servings of mashed potatoes, Uncle Frank, Cousin Sue, or Nonna will eventually ask, “How’s it going?”

It may seem like innocent small talk. But Uncle Frank is good friends with a state representative who’s on the higher ed committee. Sue still has a landline and participates in public opinion polls. And Nonna votes.

Meaning, how confident are we that more than most of our students will say, “It’s great! I’m learning so much! I really see the value!”

Elite institutions are likely just fine. Their carefully selected students are buying a brand that, by definition (if circularly), must be great because of the brand. But others have reason to worry:

Now let’s do the math: with 14 million undergraduates in BA programs and 4.6 million at community colleges, that’s 7.7 million Thanksgiving conversations—among tens of millions of Americans—doubting what we do.

‘I’ve always got a job down for you at the shop,” offers Uncle Frank, despite the $1 million more a degree holder earns, on average, over a lifetime. “I’m not surprised,” adds Sue, who just told a pollster she has “no confidence” in higher ed; she’s among a third of Americans, with another third only reporting “some” confidence. Then Nonna quips, “Were you in one of those encampments?”

When it comes to street-level politics, higher ed’s value isn’t earned by yet another report about how much we add to the nation’s GDP or contribute to national security. It’s at dining room tables, in family conversations, among those paying the bills and taking classes.

The trouble is, higher education is not convincing ordinary Americans that it values what they value—a good education. And this needs to change.

A rash of recent articles in USA Today, The Washington Post, Washington Monthly, Forbes Magazine, Deseret Magazine, the Chronicle of Higher Education, and elsewhere is bringing increased public attention to two facts: 1. The college rankings game prioritizes research, and 2. professors are largely not taught how to teach.

Combined, this means that our sector is not designed to deliver what families want and expect—good teaching and learning that motivates students to finish their degrees, delivered by well-supported professors who are as expert in their teaching as they are in their scholarship. To make matters worse, today half of all professors—750,000—work part-time. These “contingent” employees aren’t expected to do any research but aren’t supported to teach well, either.

Growing public awareness (of problems that higher ed has long known) will further erode confidence in what we do. It will send more high school students into non-degree certificate programs that are increasingly popular among policymakers and ed reformers. Left unattended, it will do little to win back the 37 million Americans with some college but no degree, many carrying debt and unable to get jobs that expect a college education.

But it’s not too late.

Groups like the National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH) recently partnered with the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) to prepare and certify professors in effective teaching. Today, 42,000 college instructors hold an ACUE credential, and interest is growing. Nationally recognized scholars, including American University’s Corbin Campbell and Florida Atlantic University’s Bryan Dewsbury, are publishing guides and toolkits for faculty and administrators to strengthen teaching on campus equitably for all students. Major commissions, including the Boyer 2030 Commission of the Association of Undergraduate Education at Research Universities (UREU) and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, are centering effective teaching in higher ed’s “student success” agenda.

Every college and university should support these efforts. But, of course, there’s always a chance that institutions wait for US News and World Report, among others, to include teaching metrics in their rankings or keep pursuing a vaunted “Research” designation through the Carnegie Classification system. Meaning, they will wait to be told what to do—in law, by regulation, or through market pressures.

But the risks are too high, as measured by public confidence, much-needed enrollment, and a new administration in Washington eager to dismantle the status quo.

It’s time for higher ed to author its future, not Uncle Frank.

About the Authors

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College Students want Great Teaching, Not Easy “A”s

11/04/2024 |

College Students want Great Teaching, Not Easy “A”s

November 4, 2024
Blog
by Jonathan Gyurko, ACUE President and Co-Founder

“Take the professor, not the class.” It’s a common refrain on campus when students ask friends for advice. But it’s not to get an easy “A” or an entertaining semester. When asked, students more highly recommend professors who are better teachers.

New research finds that students are more likely to recommend professors who help them navigate challenging concepts, set clear expectations, and create a supportive learning environment. Clarity is key: 40 percent praised instructors who simplify complex topics and are transparent about goals and grades. Students also recommend professors who use interactive practices, and nearly a third praised instructors who bring real-world relevance into class.

A quarter of respondents appreciated teachers who are responsive, offer additional resources, and show genuine care for student success.

These and other findings are from a new paper sponsored by the Lumina Foundation, from survey research of 1,300 college students across 22 institutions conducted by the Association of College and University educators (ACUE).

We shouldn’t be surprised. Despite patronizing stereotypes about how students are more interested in football games, parties, and social media, the data add to our understanding of what students and families value in a college education—effective teaching for real learning. Plus, it confirms that students know what they’re looking at; they’re able to distinguish instructional approaches that work better than traditional “chalk and talk.”

These findings have important implications for higher ed policy and practice.

Finally, it’s time to rationalize our human resources—the country’s 1.5 million hardworking professors. For too long, higher education prepared and expected professors to conduct research, at the neglect of teaching. Then, adjunctification created a de facto teaching force, albeit just as untrained or supported to teach well. Yet this new study also finds that adjunct instructors and tenure-track professors received higher recommendations than their more experienced, tenured colleagues. It suggests that our new generation of professors is ready for more differentiated and equitable roles, relative to our student success imperative. It’s not unlike what’s happened in healthcare, with different practitioners trained, staffed, and supported for different responsibilities. Like good healthcare, effective teaching matters.

Students know it, and we should listen.

Interested in learning more about great teaching through the eyes of students?

Join us on Thursday, November 14 from 3 – 4:15 p.m. ET for “Why Students Recommend Professors: Good Teaching Through Student Eyes,” where we will bring together a member of the ACUE research team, a faculty member certified in ACUE’s Framework, and a professional academic advisor/adjunct instructor to discuss the Student Perceptions of Teaching research findings and their impact on teaching and learning in 2024 and beyond.

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Empower Your Teaching Journey: A Deep Dive Into ACUE Commons

10/17/2024 |

Empower Your Teaching Journey

A Deep Dive Into ACUE Commons

October 17, 2024
Blog

The pursuit of excellence in teaching is a journey, and for faculty certified in ACUE’s framework, it never ends! Our recent webinar, “Your Hub for Great Teaching: Explore the ACUE Commons Live,” served as a captivating introduction to a dynamic hub poised to revolutionize the way educators connect, collaborate, and push the boundaries of teaching.

The webinar, led by the amazing ACUE Commons Community Manager, Kelly Williamson, and faculty leaders from our founding members, Kiki Heintz (Pulaski Technical College) and Nicole Rice (Palm Beach State College), was an in-depth exploration of ACUE Commons. Through a live demo, participants got to see firsthand how the intuitive, user-friendly interface of the ACUE Commons can support their teaching while connecting them with faculty nationwide.

Search Tools

Let’s start with the platform’s powerful search capabilities, that make it super easy for educators to find exactly what they need, when they need it. From staying up to date on the latest trends and topics in higher education to accessing a wealth of ACUE course materials, including resources from completed pathway courses, the search tools put the power in your hands.

Learning Lab

The Learning Lab is a goldmine for continuous professional development. With brief, self-paced Quick Study courses covering relevant topics in higher ed like AI and constructive conversations, it’s the perfect place for faculty (including adjuncts!) to quickly gain the knowledge and skills needed to continue to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.

Community & Collaboration

ACUE Commons isn’t just about resources; it’s about networking with a vibrant community of educators. The webinar highlighted the hub’s potential to connect faculty from different disciplines and institutions, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and support.

Whether you’re a seasoned professor or a new faculty member, ACUE Commons is here to support you every step of the way. The webinar highlighted the platform’s versatility, catering to a variety of needs and aspirations. With ACUE Commons, you can:

Join ACUE Commons Today!

Ready to take your teaching to the next level? Eager to connect with an energetic community of educators? Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity.

Connect with us today to learn more about becoming an ACUE Commons member. Whether you’re interested in joining as an individual or bringing ACUE Commons to your entire institution, we’ve got you covered!

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ACUE’s Webinar: Creating Safe Spaces for Constructive Classroom Conversations

10/09/2024 |

About ACUE's Webinar

Having Constructive Classroom Conversations in Challenging Times

October 9, 2024
Blog

In an era marked by polarization, educators were tasked with a pivotal challenge: facilitating classroom conversations where students could freely express diverse opinions, foster empathy, and enhance critical thinking.

On Thursday, October 17, Adam Smith hosted a dynamic webinar in which three distinguished panelists shared their insights on fostering productive classroom conversations around challenging topics.

Adam Smith

Host, Nationally Recognized Higher Education Expert

Timothy Berry, EdD

Professor of Educational Leadership, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Teresa A. Nance, PhD

Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Chief Diversity Officer, Villanova University

Zack Ritter, PhD

Lecturer , UCLA and Cal State Dominguez Hills

Unlocking the Secrets to Civil Discourse in Classroom Conversations

ogether, these leaders broke down the barriers to productive conversations in the classroom and provided participants with practical tools to navigate tricky discussions with confidence and clarity. Attendees walked away from the session with key strategies that not only transformed how they managed classroom discussions but also empowered their students to think critically and engage meaningfully.

By fostering an environment where questions were encouraged, using skilled moderation to turn heated debates into learning moments, teaching students to find credible sources, and addressing cognitive biases, educators were able to effectively guide their students through even the most challenging topics.

Why Dialogue Matters Now More Than Ever

Educator leading a classroom discussion, fostering inclusive and productive classroom conversations.

As we approach the 2024 U.S. presidential election, campuses across the nation are becoming hotbeds of civic discourse. The stakes for maintaining constructive dialogue have never been higher. How faculty handle these classroom conversations will be a key sign of whether colleges and universities can weather the potential storm ahead.

Recent findings by the Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement Coalition, as highlighted by The Chronicle of Higher Education, emphasized that “civil-discourse training must be embedded into the curriculum.”

Inside Higher Ed has shed light on the proactive measures campuses are taking to brace for the forthcoming presidential election. They remind us of the last time higher education faced challenges like these, in the race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in 2016, acknowledging the reality that the 2020 election was a very remote experience because of the pandemic. Localized approaches, like those undertaken by several universities in New York City, are embracing a national trend to preemptively prepare students for possible conflict.

Empowering Faculty to Empower Students

Our Having Constructive Classroom Conversations in Challenging Times webinar is designed to help educators keep classrooms as spaces for meaningful, respectful conversations. This initiative builds on ACUE’s work to guide faculty through the intricacies of community building and constructive dialogue.

Previously, ACUE has explored the importance of supporting faculty in building community. In June, a blog written by Felice Nudelman outlined five guidelines and processes for making constructive conversations possible.

By watching this webinar, you’ll gain firsthand insights from leading experts and acquire actionable strategies to apply in your classroom. Whether you’re seasoned in facilitating challenging discussions or are contemplating how to approach them, this webinar will equip you with the strategies you need.

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ACUE October 2024 Newsletter

10/04/2024 |

Welcome to the Fall Semester!

We hope everyone had a great summer and look forward to sharing with you exciting highlights from this summer, tools you can use, and more in our August 2023 newsletter.

In this Issue

National Higher Education Teaching Conference

Tools You Can Use

Grant Opportunity

The Student Lens

Partner Spotlights

ACUE on the Road

Share Your Story

ACUE's Inaugural National Higher Education Teaching Conference

On June 22–23, presidents, provosts, professors, students, policymakers, and philanthropists gathered for two inspiring days of bridging policy and practice, learning practical strategies, and centering the impact of faculty on higher education’s agenda at the inaugural National Higher Education Teaching Conference. Additionally, seven institutions were honored as “Movement Makers.”

View coverage and learn more about the event at the links below. And stay tuned; NHETC 2024 information will be available in September.

Technology Translated Podcast

NHETC Recap

The Chronicle of Higher Education

Teaching: Does higher education value good teaching?

ACUE

Why Faculty and Effective Teaching Make All the Difference

"NHETC was a great experience. Our engagements at the conference re-charged our campus-wide focus on teaching and learning. Dr. Pettis and I were happy to have had the opportunity, and we look forward to having ASU representative(s) at the 2024 convening.”

Patrice W. Glenn Jones

Executive Director of Online Education and Programs, Alabama State University

Tools You Can Use

Webinars

Resources

Earlier this summer, ACUE announced that the ECMC Foundation is joining our national initiative, “Fostering a Culture of Belonging: The National Higher Education Excellence Challenge Grant Program,” as a founding sponsor.

Designed to strengthen the higher education experience for hundreds of thousands of U.S. students, this new program will allow up to 2,000 professors and staff to complete ACUE’s “Fostering a Culture of Belonging” course. Given typical teaching loads, the course will benefit an estimated 250,000 students annually.

To learn more and see if your institution is eligible to apply for this grant, visit go.acue.org/NCTCGS.

The Student Lens

In our latest episode of The Student Lens, we hear from Amanda, a Texas A&M University-Central Texas student, who explains how her professor, Dr. Shell, motivated her to participate and engage with others in their online course.

Partner Spotlights

Miami University

Last year, Miami University launched a pilot program on inclusive pedagogy. One year later, its success has led the university to scale up the program by offering three cohorts of 99 participants the opportunity to take ACUE’s “Fostering a Culture of Belonging” course this fall.

University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College

At its 2023–24 convocation on August 14, University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College Chancellor Summer DeProw praised the college’s “Movement Maker” recognition from June’s National Higher Education Teaching Conference for its commitment to enhancing student learning.

Winston-Salem State University

This summer, Winston-Salem State University celebrated faculty that earned their Certification in the Effective Practice Framework during an ACUE pinning ceremony. This brings the college’s total number of certified faculty to 93. Faculty reflected on their experience with ACUE in the university’s 2023 Yearbook.

Waubonsee Community College

In a feature on the Waubonsee news site, Professor of Biology Dani Fischer shares her experience with ACUE and how it was one of the most meaningful professional development experiences her college offered.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

During the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Academic Summer Affairs Meeting, UNC-Greensboro’s Associate Vice Provost Regina McCoy held the presentation “Investing in Faculty & Empowering Students to Enhance Student Success.”

ACUE on the Road

ACUE will be at the following upcoming events this fall. Stop by and visit us!

Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) Student Success Learning Institute

Columbus, OH
September 14–15
Event Link

California Community College Association for Occupational Education (CCCAOE) Fall Conference

Rancho Mirage, CA
October 18–20
Event Link

Share Your ACUE Story

Interested in sharing a short video about your favorite ACUE practice? We would love to hear from you! To share, find all details and submission information at acue.org/share-your-acue-story.

Newsletter

Leave a Legacy: Northwest Mississippi Community College Prioritizes Teaching Excellence, Sees 7.3x ROI

08/08/2024 |