UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The John A. Dutton e-Education Institute has launched the Teaching and Learning Showcase, a web-based resource designed to help faculty members create inspiring educational materials and experiences.
The resource features research-based practices for teaching that focus on student success. The site is divided into three focus areas: content development and delivery, student engagement and assessment. It explores each area of focus for relevant research and also points to examples of each focus area used in practice.
Stevie Rocco, director of learning design for the Dutton Institute, said the resource pulls from the Dutton Institute’s decades of experience in creating learning tools for educators.
“We wanted to showcase the evidence-based approach we use when thinking about teaching and learning in higher education,” Rocco said. “Being able to show the research behind teaching practices helps us as we work with faculty members, and the research also supports the excellent teaching methods our EMS faculty members already engage in.”
She said the resource is primarily for faculty members, but the site is also useful for learning designers, curriculum developers, and others interested in the teaching and learning process.
Maria Wherley, a learning designer for the Dutton Institute, said the resource aims to inspire educators to try new things with the comfort of knowing the approaches are validated by science.
“We describe practices and methods, and we provide examples to show techniques in practice so that users can get a feel for how to implement them and gain an understanding of any incorporated tools and technologies,” Wherley said.
Jennifer Babb, a project manager at the Dutton Institute, said her team hopes the resource will be a jumping off point for instructors who want to expand the effectiveness of their teaching using new strategies and tools. Because so many educators are using powerful and innovative teaching strategies within the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, which is home to the Dutton Institute, she sees it as an opportunity to also showcase those working strategies.
“In addition to providing examples, we hope it spurs creativity and excitement as instructors create their online and residential classroom spaces to enhance learning and engagement for their students,” Babb said.