Faculty Supporting Students

Learning is a complex process that builds on prior knowledge and requires spaced retrieval practices, reflection, and repetition. As an instructor, it is your responsibility to help your students navigate this process as they make their way through your course. Research shows that the human brain processes information through two modes of learning: Focused Mode and Diffused Mode. The brain alternates constantly between them, with both modes complementing each other while playing a vital role in information processing and retention.

• Focused Mode: When the brain uses energy to concentrate on the information received. 
• Diffused Mode: When the brain breaks that focused mode and wanders into random thoughts

Watch the Faculty Center training calendar for workshops on How Learning Works?

Here are the Faculty Center’s  top five tips on learning and how you can improve student success:

1. Learning builds on prior knowledge
2. Be aware of the novice vs expert trap 
3. Added value and motivation stimulate learning 
4. Understand that mastery requires time and practice
5. Clear, intentional, and active communication leads to deeper learning and student success

SQ4R Method

This method of studying is based on well-established principles of learning and findings from cognitive psychology.

• Survey – Take a look at the material; skim the chapter headings, the boldface words, and read the outline summary.
• Questions – Create questions about the things you found in the preview. Often, you can transform a section heading into a question.
• Read – As you read, try to answer the questions you developed. Make notes as you read. Understand the vocabulary. What is thought about while reading greatly predicts what is learned.
• Record – Write down succinct notes of ideas, facts, and details. This established the cue for immediate and future recall and review.
• Recite – Say around the material and put it into your own words.
• Review – Try to recall the material and test yourself. Ask yourself the what, why and how questions.

Adapted and modified from educational blueprints Pocket Guide for Evidence-Based Instruction: SQ4R

The Student Accessibility Resource Center website is the best starting point. SARC partners with students, faculty, and staff to facilitate disability access essential to advancing an inclusive campus experience.

• Syllabus Statement – Place the Student Accessibility Resource Center’s contact information and Syllabus Statement in your syllabus in Folio.
• Granting Special Access in Folio – This tutorial will assist you with granting special access to students in Folio.
  • Open your Course
  • Go to Communications => Classlist
  • Scroll down to the students name that requires accommodations
  • Click on the down arrow next to student’s name
  • Select Edit accommodations
  • Check in the box to Modify Time Limit and change the time (ie. double time, place a 2 in the space available.)
  • Save
• Add Captioning to Videos
• Web Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
• Student Accessibility Resource Center

Faculty may need to transition their course to remote instruction in specific circumstances. The learning experience of a course moved to remote instruction in response to crises or disasters differs from that of a course designed for online instruction. Moving instruction to remote allows for flexibility in teaching and learning, enabling access from anywhere at any time. Hodges et al. (2020) described emergency remote teaching as a temporary measure to provide quick and reliable access to instruction and instructional support during an emergency or crisis, rather than attempting to recreate a robust educational ecosystem. In the event of an emergency or severe weather affecting University operations or safety, updates will be posted to the University Alert Center.

1. Post an announcement
   • Create an announcement in Folio with information about the change.
2. Move Content to Folio (Prepare by having content visible in Folio)
   • Upload documents in an accessible PDF, DOC, or DOCX formats.
3. Set up Grade Book
4. Set up Activities and Assessments
   • Set up Zoom sessions.
   • Create assignment folders (Assignments) for students to upload their assignments.
   • Move quizzes to Folio.
5. Record Lectures with Yuja and post them to your course
   • Upload lecture materials to the content area.

Additional Resources

• Hurricane Preparedness
• Emergency Plans and Protective Action Guides
• Folio: Learning Management Documentation (LTS)