Welcome to the Tuesday Teaching Tip, an easy-to-implement tool that you can use immediately in your classroom teaching. 

TUESDAY TEACHING TIP: Empowering Students to Take Charge of Their Learning

We know we want students to be motivated to learn – and for this learning to be self-driven. Research consistently shows that student agency is crucial for deep, meaningful learning. Inspired by the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) “Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environment” course, this week we challenge you to incorporate one element that empowers students to take more ownership of their learning.

Here's one way to do it

Choose one of these five strategies to implement in your next class or course module. Try it out on even one assignment!

1. Use a transparent assignment design template to help students focus on learning rather than deciphering assignment expectations.
2. Offer students choice on assignment topic and/or submission formats (ie a voice recording rather than a written reading response) to increase their project ownership.
3. Discuss the “growth mindset” with students, explaining how it can enhance their learning approach.
4. Provide specific, timely feedback and opportunities for assignment revision.
5. Send targeted messages of encouragement, highlighting specific student efforts.

DID YOU DO IT?

Let us know how it went. We would love to hear your feedback about how you implemented today’s Tuesday Teaching Tip in your classroom. Click here to fill out our 3-question survey. The survey is anonymous, but if you choose to enter your name, you’ll be entered in a drawing at the end of the quarter to win a new book from Faculty Development!

UPCOMING EVENTS 

• Join us TODAY at 12:15 for lunch and conversation in Varsi 222 and hear from colleagues across campus in our CAFE on Meaningful Advising: Connecting Students with Opportunities Beyond Campus.
• Join us tomorrow (4/23) for cookies and a workshop on best practices advising with Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies, Katie Heintz, 1 - 2 PM in Varsi 222.
• Join us next Monday (4/28) at 2:15 - 3:15 PM in Varsi 222 for a workshop with tips and strategies on how to write strong letters of recommendation. Sign up here or just show up!

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITY

Help us celebrate educational excellence! Nominate yourself or a colleague for the Brutocao Family Foundation Award for Curriculum Innovation—honoring faculty whose bold, creative approaches to teaching and curriculum have transformed learning for Santa Clara students. Submit your nomination by Monday, April 25th, 2025!

WANT TO READ A LITTLE MORE?

• Motivating Students page on DRT
• Inclusive Teaching page on DRT
• More information and resources related to Transparent Assignment Design can be found on SCU’s SWIRL website
• Information about teaching a growth mindset and other strategies for enhancing belonging among First-Generation College Students is on DRT here
• View ACUE’s “Expert Dive: Motivating Students to Learn: A Q&A with Dr. José Bowen”

This week’s Tuesday Teaching Tip was prepared by C.J. Gabbe on behalf of the Faculty Collaborative.

 

Missed a teaching tip? Read them all here. Don’t forget to check out our Faculty Associates office hours here.

And check out our full calendar of CAFEs and other Faculty Development and Faculty Collaborative events.