Teaching at Hunter College: Strategies for Success
As an institution of higher learning, Hunter College is committed to providing its students with a world-class education. Effective teaching is at the heart of this mission, and faculty members are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to engage their students and promote academic success. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most effective teaching strategies used at Hunter College, and provide tips and resources for faculty members looking to enhance their teaching practice.
Active Learning
One of the most effective teaching strategies used at Hunter College is active learning. This approach emphasizes student engagement and participation, rather than passive listening. Active learning techniques include think-pair-share, group discussions, and hands-on activities. By incorporating these strategies into their teaching practice, faculty members can promote deeper learning and improve student outcomes.
Benefits of Active Learning
- Improved student engagement: Active learning encourages students to take an active role in the learning process, leading to increased motivation and engagement.
- Deeper learning: By applying concepts to real-world problems, students develop a deeper understanding of the material.
- Better retention: Active learning helps students to retain information more effectively, as they are actively processing and applying the material.
Technology-Enhanced Learning
Hunter College is committed to leveraging technology to enhance the learning experience. Faculty members use a range of digital tools and platforms to engage students, promote collaboration, and provide feedback.
Popular Digital Tools
- Blackboard: Hunter College’s learning management system, which allows faculty members to post course materials, assignments, and grades.
- Kaltura: A video platform that enables faculty members to create and share video content with students.
- PollEverywhere: A polling tool that allows faculty members to gauge student understanding and promote class discussion.
Flipped Classroom Model
The flipped classroom model is a teaching strategy that involves reversing the traditional lecture-homework format. In a flipped classroom, students watch lectures at home and work on activities and projects in class.
Benefits of Flipped Classroom
- Increased class time: By watching lectures at home, students can use class time to work on activities and projects, receiving feedback and guidance from faculty members.
- Improved student understanding: The flipped classroom model allows faculty members to gauge student understanding and provide targeted support.
- Enhanced collaboration: The flipped classroom model promotes collaboration and teamwork, as students work on activities and projects in class.
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Hunter College is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom. Culturally responsive teaching is an approach that takes into account the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students.
Principles of Culturally Responsive Teaching
- Awareness of own biases: Faculty members must be aware of their own biases and cultural assumptions.
- Understanding of student experiences: Faculty members must understand the diverse experiences and backgrounds of their students.
- Inclusive curriculum: Faculty members must incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences into the curriculum.
Assessment and Feedback
Effective assessment and feedback are critical components of teaching at Hunter College. Faculty members use a range of assessment strategies to gauge student learning, including formative and summative assessments.
Types of Assessment
- Formative assessments: Ongoing assessments that provide feedback to students and inform instruction.
- Summative assessments: Evaluations that occur at the end of a lesson or semester, providing a final grade or evaluation.
📝 Note: Regular feedback is essential to student success. Faculty members should provide feedback that is timely, specific, and actionable.
Conclusion
Effective teaching is at the heart of Hunter College’s mission to provide a world-class education. By incorporating active learning, technology-enhanced learning, flipped classroom model, culturally responsive teaching, and effective assessment and feedback into their teaching practice, faculty members can promote deeper learning, improve student outcomes, and enhance the overall learning experience.
As we continue to evolve and improve our teaching practices, we must remain committed to our core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. By working together, we can create a learning environment that is inclusive, engaging, and supportive of all students.
What is active learning?
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Active learning is an approach to teaching that emphasizes student engagement and participation. It includes techniques such as think-pair-share, group discussions, and hands-on activities.
What is the flipped classroom model?
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The flipped classroom model is a teaching strategy that involves reversing the traditional lecture-homework format. Students watch lectures at home and work on activities and projects in class.
What is culturally responsive teaching?
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Culturally responsive teaching is an approach that takes into account the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students. It involves being aware of one’s own biases, understanding student experiences, and incorporating diverse perspectives into the curriculum.
