This course was developed in response to faculty requests for help with increasing learner engagement, exploring new ideas and professional development opportunities. This course was also an opportunity to get exposure to the Canvas LMS (the university currently uses Blackboard Learn) and to explore a course designed to enable maximum flexibility in modality and choice. Furthermore, this course demonstrates a variety of instructional techniques and content types throughout. Finally, this program was an opportunity to issue competency-based micro-credentials.
Course Description
This course combines research-based principles of learner engagement (from Susan A. Ambrose’s “How Learning Works”) with the university’s technology subscriptions. Mastery is demonstrated based on evidence of competency in diagnosing situations, developing and assessing options, formulating an action plan, and implementing actions are based at least 3 of the areas below depending on professional needs and interests.
Activating Knowledge Activation
Organizing Knowledge
Empowering Motivation
Developing Student Mastery
Cultivating Self-Directed Learners
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, learners will be able to do the following:
- Effectively identify and analyze factors contributing to student disengagement and lack of motivation.
- Critically assess and select effective strategies for enhancing learner engagement.
- Analyze the feasibility and potential impact of various engagement options.
- Formulate an action plan for integrating evidence-based teaching strategies with relevant educational technology tools and practices to create engaging and effective learning experiences for students.
- Equip learners with strategies to facilitate authentic learning experiences and foster workplace readiness in higher education settings.
Course Evaluations
The class is highly effective in providing instructor, and aspiring instructors, insight into how to attain better engagement and outcomes based on their subject matter, their situation, and their options. Click here to view the course evaluations submitted. Also, here are the results of the mid-point check-in.
