Creating a positive learning climate in which students feel comfortable and believe they can be successful inspires students to care more deeply about what they are learning and put forth more effort to engage with classmates, building a stronger learning community. The strategies we suggest apply to both on-site and online courses. The first seminar will discuss best practices for designing assignments to ensure positive student interactions. The second seminar will focus on strategies for supporting and managing groups.

Designing Assignments for Positive Student Interaction

In this interactive session we will discuss best practices for designing assignments to ensure positive student interactions for both on-site and online courses. During this session, we will introduce design techniques to mitigate negative student interactions and provide support to students. We will also share a detailed example of an assignment that includes these techniques. Participants will leave the session with an understanding of how to scaffold an assignment, prepare a rubric, and provide clear procedures for students to follow.

Managing Groups for Positive Interactions

Engaging students in group work is one of the key practices to create meaningful learning experiences. In this interactive session we will discuss the best practices for designing and managing group work online as well as in person. We will also introduce the tools available to help you design and facilitate group work. Participants will leave the session able to identify content that is best learned collaboratively, strategies for creating equitable groups, strategies for supporting and managing groups, and best practices for assessing group work..

If you would like to speak to an instructional consultant, you can request a consultation here. To speak with any other Technology Services group, you can reach them by emailing LSATechnologyServices@umich.edu