Key Points in the Semester
As you plan and teach throughout the semester, small, intentional choices can have a powerful impact on student engagement and success. The following videos and resources are designed to support instructors at key points in the term—from setting the tone on the first day to wrapping up the semester with meaningful reflection. You'll find strategies for developing a professional teaching persona, learning students' names, and building a sense of classroom community early on. Midway through the semester, we offer tools for gathering student feedback and making timely course adjustments. As the term concludes, you'll find practical tips for effective exam reviews and promoting student reflection to help learning stick. Each resource is grounded in common teaching moments and provides simple, evidence-informed practices you can implement right away.
Beginning of Semester
Developing a Teaching Persona: Your First Day of Class
The first day of class sets the tone for the rest of the semester. This video encourages you to approach that day with intention—balancing professionalism with warmth—to help establish a strong foundation for learning.
Knowing your students’ names is a small but powerful way to build rapport and foster a sense of belonging. This video offers practical strategies to help you learn and remember names more effectively.
Building a Community of Learners with One-Pagers
Creating a classroom culture grounded in kindness, respect, and social belonging increases student motivation and engagement. One-page assignments used early in the semester can help students connect with one another and establish a sense of community.
Middle of Semester
Mid-Semester Check: Collecting Student Feedback
Collecting feedback at the midpoint of the term provides insight into student experiences and learning needs. When used thoughtfully, this feedback can guide instructional adjustments that enhance both teaching effectiveness and student outcomes.
ITLE Teaching Support Specialists can help facilitate the collection of mid-semester student feedback as part of our course observation process. This protocol is best utilized during weeks 4-12 of a typical 16-week semester.
End of Semester
Engaging review sessions can reinforce key concepts and improve exam preparation—without requiring extensive instructor prep. Active learning strategies help students organize their knowledge and identify areas for further study.
Intentional reflection at the end of a course supports long-term retention and deeper understanding. Setting aside time for students to look back on what they’ve learned helps them internalize course concepts and recognize their progress.