Best Practices in Teaching Courses

Best Practices in Teaching icon
"I really enjoyed this course. I felt as though it validated some practices that I am already using but can continue to fine-tune. This course really helped to provide additional perspectives, education and strategies that feel feasible to include right away. This is one of the first times where I included a strategy while I was taking a course. It worked great!! I have found that the two strategies I implemented led to higher level of engagement, attendance as well as improved quality of work. There were noticeable improvements in connectedness from student-to-student and student-to-instructor. In addition, I observed improved scores on assignments, quizzes and exams."
“I would say this is a great course to take. It provides relevant, useful and somewhat simple strategies that can make a world of a difference from students. I also work to add 1-2 per class maximum per semester so that I don’t get overwhelmed."
"This was an eye-opening training. I thought I was aware and doing well with accessibility, but I quickly discovered I had a lot to learn. I thought this training was extensive and provided much information about the experiences of students and what they need but also specific tools to make these accommodations. Overall, I feel much more knowledgeable and confident in my ability to improve accessibility in my courses. I also observed students' ease in my course in accessing materials and easily engaging with my PPT slides."

The Best Practices in Teaching curriculum helps instructors explore evidence-based teaching strategies, apply them in their classrooms, and reflect on their effectiveness with colleagues.

Course Format and Expectations

Courses are delivered asynchronously through Canvas over three weeks with due dates, allowing flexibility while encouraging meaningful interaction with CSU colleagues. Each course includes readings, videos, discussions, and practical assignments. Participants must complete all assignments to receive a certificate of completion.

Each course aligns with two domains of TILT’s Teaching Effectiveness Framework (TEF) and supports the Teaching Effectiveness Initiative (TEI), a voluntary professional development program that recognizes CSU instructors for improving their teaching through evidence-based practices, classroom implementation, and reflection. Participants can earn Certificates of Achievement in seven teaching effectiveness domains, documenting their professional growth and commitment to teaching excellence.

View the Course Catalog

Complete course descriptions and objectives

Teaching Effectiveness Framework logo

Courses Offered

  • Accessible and Inclusive Electronic Content
  • Active Learning
  • Classroom Climate
  • Creating Assignments
  • First Four Weeks
  • Inclusive Pedagogy
  • Inclusive Pedagogy 2
  • Learning Outcomes and Course Alignment
  • Planning an Effective Class Session
  • Rethinking the Syllabus
  • Student Motivation
  • Teaching Online: Facilitation and Engagement
  • Critical Thinking
  • Rubrics to Support Student Success

Upon Completion of the Curriculum,
You Will Be Able To:

  • Use a variety of researched best teaching practices to support student success for all students.
  • Align and prepare teaching materials to best serve CSU’s diverse, evolving student body.
  • Cultivate a positive, engaging, and inclusive classroom.
  • Plan and implement an effective class session.
  • Use feedback and grading practices to inform instruction.
  • Identify support and resources available to CSU instructors.
  • Connect with colleagues across campus.

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Contact Info

Anastasia Williams

Anastasia Williams

Director of Faculty Development

Faculty Development

Contact

Email: [email protected]

Jennifer Todd

Jennifer Todd

Senior Faculty Developer

Faculty Development

Contact

Phone: 970-491-2975

Email: [email protected]

Course Information

Scheduled Courses

Best Practices in Teaching at CSU: Accessible and Inclusive Electronic Content

This three-week, mostly asynchronous course TAKES PLACE IN CANVAS. Participants can expect to spend 4-5 hours per week completing assignments, discussions and readings. Engage in self-reflection to consider your own...(Go to event for more details.)

Best Practices in Teaching at CSU: Classroom Climate

This three-week, mostly asynchronous course TAKES PLACE IN CANVAS. Participants can expect to spend 4-5 hours per week completing assignments, discussions and readings. Consider classroom techniques that create a positive...(Go to event for more details.)

Best Practices in Teaching at CSU: AI-Informed Teaching

This three-week, mostly asynchronous course TAKES PLACE IN CANVAS. Participants can expect to spend 4-5 hours per week completing assignments, discussions and readings. The purpose of this course is to...(Go to event for more details.)

All Upcoming Best Practices in Teaching Courses

Upcoming Best Practices in Teaching (BPiT) Courses

Jan 12 - Feb 1

Classroom Climate

Create Assignments

Feb 2 - Feb 22

Planning an Effective Class Session

Facilitation and Engagement

Feb 23 - Mar 15

Accessible and Inclusive Electronic Content

Rethink the Syllabus