Playlists → Welcome to Teaching at MSU Playlist
This is a collection of resources aimed at supporting instructors as they prepare for teaching at Michigan State University. Each section of the playlist contains a list of posts on discrete topics to support you in your preparations and throughout the semester.
Syllabus
This section contains two downloadable syllabus templates, and some handy guides about best practices and MSU’s syllabus expectations.
Course Materials
This section offers a collection of suggestions, considerations and resources. Please remember, determining texts to be required for courses happens on a different timeline (much earlier than the start of the semester). For questions about required texts and the associated process, please contact the MSU Office of the Registrar.
Design Your Course’s D2L Site
Brightspace’s Desire2Learn (D2L) is the Learning Mangagment System that is used at MSU. This is a starter selection of content you might find helpful if you’re exploring D2L for the first time. Also know there are a collection of educators in MSU IT who can help you troubleshoot any D2L related challenges. Submitting a ticket or calling (517) 432-6200 are the best ways to get technical support.
Write, Develop, Plan
Intentionally thinking through the way you want to design the learning experience in your course. How will you connect course materials, activities, and assessments? What mechanisms can you use to check in with learners for feedback? Can you transparently explain the rationale behind your pedagogical decisions?
- Designing Your Course “Backward”
- Writing Measurable Outcomes for Students from SOIREE
- Lecture / Session Outline
- Best Fit: 4 Reasons to Use Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Avoiding Learning Myths
- Using Learning Scenarios
- Course Alignment
- The Assessment Triangle
- What is formative feedback? (and why we should care)
- Lighten Your Load: Designing Semester and Feedback Plans
Administrative Tasks & Class Logistics
There are some important considerations and non-negotiables educators must take lead on at the start of each term.
Day 1 Planning
The first day is an important moment for educators to set the tone, culture, and expectations for the course. The section outlines some considerations, suggested activities, and workshop recordings!
Getting in the Groove: Considerations for Moving Forward
There are some additional responsibilities and considerations for educators to keep in mind throughout the entirety of the semester.
- Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI) Student-facing Surveys Library
- Enhancing Academic Success Early: EASE Reports
- EASE Report Upload Tutorial
- Rescource Center for Persons with Disabilities
- Reporting and Making Referrals
- What is cheating and how do I define it?
- Action planning with data: Checking in throughout the semester
- Civil Discourse for Educators in the Classroom: A Guidebook
- Teaching High-Stakes Topics Resources
Continue Growing
As educators, we should always be learning and improving our practice. Here is a starting list of resource for you to consider as you continue on your practitioner journey!