Authored/Posted by: Cara Mack
Monica Mills, the Engagement Assessment Development Specialist at Michigan State University’s Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation [CTLI], brings a unique blend of psychology, cognitive science, and educational expertise to her role. Her journey into this field wasn’t a straight path but rather a series of explorations that shaped her deep understanding of how people learn and how they can be better engaged in the classroom.
Growing up in Central Florida, Monica’s early interests ranged from becoming a high school teacher to an animal behaviorist. It wasn’t until she encountered the field of psychology at the University of Central Florida that she found her true calling. “Cognition and behavior can be analyzed and changed was very interesting to me,” Monica shared, reflecting on her fascination with cognitive psychology. Her curiosity led her to pursue graduate education in psychology at the University of Nebraska, where she delved into the nuances of human attention, perception and environmental factors that shape thinking.
Monica’s transition from academia to instructional design was driven by a desire to apply her knowledge of cognitive psychology from the research lab to real-world educational challenges. Now, with her experience in research, teaching, and instructional design, she is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Her role at CTLI allows her to make a significant impact on the way education is delivered, particularly in fostering student engagement and enhancing instructional practices.
In her role at CTLI, Monica draws upon her diverse experience to foster meaningful engagement in the classroom. Her time as an adjunct professor at Alma College provided her with invaluable insights into the challenges instructors face. “You can say to instructors all day long what the textbook says you need to do, but unless you’ve felt those pushbacks in the classroom, you don’t have a leg to stand on,” she explained. This hands-on experience has been instrumental in her ability to relate to professors and offer practical, empathetic advice.
One of Monica’s most memorable projects, a research project that spanned three years, involved experimenting with different instructional approaches to improve student engagement. “Does giving autonomy and choice to students improve engagement?” was the research question Monica sought to answer. The results were clear: small changes can have significant impacts. This experience solidified her belief in the power of experimentation and the importance of giving students a voice in their own learning journey.
At the heart of Monica’s work is a commitment to transparency and inclusivity. She believes that no student should be left in the dark about how they are being assessed. Her dedication to creating equitable learning environments is evident in her advocacy for ‘Transparent Assignment Design’, where she explains a framework that provides clear expectations and support for students.“It’s about making clear the expectations in how students are being assessed ,” Monica emphasized, underscoring her belief in the importance of student-centered education.
Looking ahead, Monica remains passionate about innovation in education. Whether it’s experimenting with new assessment techniques or exploring the potential of educational technology, she is constantly “tinkering” with ways to improve the learning experience. For Monica, success in higher education is not about reaching a final destination but about the journey of continuous improvement and discovery.