What happens when we stop grading just for accuracy and start grading for learning? In this thoughtful Coffee with Colleagues conversation, instructors shared practical strategies for shifting from traditional grading to a feedback-rich, growth-minded approach. Learn how to encourage risk-taking, support neurodiverse learners, and implement ungrading techniques that prioritize student progress over perfection. Explore the full summary here! ... View more

Data isn't just for administrators—it’s for instructors who want to make every class session count. In this session, educators unpacked how Achieve’s powerful analytics tools can help track engagement, identify at-risk students, and fine-tune instruction in real time. Whether you’re looking to boost student outcomes or simply streamline your workflow, this conversation is full of actionable ideas. Get the insights here! ... View more

Coffee with Colleagues is a casual, collaborative webinar series where instructors come together to share real-world teaching experiences, explore educational tools, and exchange practical strategies. Each session is designed to spark fresh ideas and foster community among educators—all over a virtual cup of coffee. We will provide you with the top tips and tricks that were taken away from each session. Read below for insight into designing a low-stress classroom for your students—our first event of the semester! How can we design learning spaces that are both rigorous and relaxing? This session tackled that question head-on, with instructors swapping strategies for building community, using humor and music, and making assessments feel less intimidating. If you’re aiming to reduce anxiety and boost motivation in your classroom, this content is a must-read. ... View more

Cultivating Belonging Through Assessments: Ensuring Every Student Feels Valued Presented by Dr. Jill Dahlman and Dr. Scott Cohn Assessments are a powerful tool not only for measuring student progress but also for fostering a sense of belonging. This session explores how assessment strategies can be designed to ensure every student feels included, valued, and supported in their learning journey. You’ll discover how to use AI to create personalized, accessible assessments and provide feedback that encourages growth and connection. Leave with practical, actionable strategies to build an inclusive environment where assessments reflect the diversity of your students and help them thrive.   Watch the recording ... View more

Authentic Assessments for Every Discipline: Engaging Techniques That Reflect Real-World Learning Presented by Dr. Charlotte de Araujo, Dr. Jill Dahlman, and Troy Joseph Authentic assessments are key to preparing students for real-world challenges by evaluating their ability to apply knowledge in practical, professional contexts. This session will show how AI can streamline the creation of authentic tasks, analyze student responses, and provide personalized feedback. Leave with actionable strategies and AI tips to design assessments that not only measure learning but also mirror the demands students will face after graduation.   Watch the recording ... View more

Tackling Stress and Anxiety: Strategies For Resilient Students Presented by Christine Mancuso and Julie Moore Supporting students through stress and anxiety doesn’t have to add to your workload. This session offers practical techniques to help students manage mental health challenges while staying engaged and motivated. Discover how AI can simplify creating low-stress assessments, streamline feedback, and personalize support for struggling learners—all while giving you more time to connect with your class. Leave with actionable strategies to build a calmer, more resilient learning environment where students can thrive.   Watch the recording ... View more

Fostering belonging with AI Presented by Erika Martinez Creating an inclusive classroom is more important than ever, and AI tools can help make it easier. This session explores how to foster a sense of belonging for every student, with practical tips for designing activities, assignments, and communication strategies that support diverse learners. Learn how AI can streamline tasks like creating personalized materials or facilitating peer engagement, freeing up time to focus on what matters most: building connections and making every student feel seen and supported. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies and a new confidence in using AI to enhance your teaching.   Watch the recording ... View more

Taking AI Integration to the Next Level Presented by Ellen Moore and Jill Bonds Ready to go beyond the basics of AI in the classroom? This advanced session will explore practical strategies for gaining buy-in from reluctant colleagues, integrating AI tools into your syllabus, and managing classroom dynamics with ethical, accessible AI practices. Learn how to support students, streamline tasks, and foster inclusivity while preparing for the future of AI in education.   Watch the recording ... View more

Discover the transformative power of authentic assessment with the enlightening video, "Unlocking Potential: Achieve and Authentic Assessment." Join educational experts as they delve into dynamic strategies that revolutionize student learning. Erika Martinez from the University of South Florida reveals the innovative use of in-class response systems like iClicker, which not only capture real-time insights but fundamentally elevate students' learning experiences. Christin Monroe of Landmark College presents an intriguing argument for unlimited assessment attempts, inviting students to dive deeply into the material and refine their understanding in a supportive environment. Additionally, Matthew Ingram of Dakota State University discusses the flexible nature of learning curve quizzes that tailor progress tracking and inspire tailored instructional changes. Tune in to witness how Macmillan Learning tools champion engaging and effective assessments, empowering educators to unlock every student's potential. Click below to watch! ... View more

From Theory to Practice: AI's Influence on Teaching Economics Presented by Justin Wolfers and Joshua Hill Join renowned economist Justin Wolfers and AI technologist Joshua Hill for an insightful session on the revolutionary impact of AI on economics education. Discover how AI is reshaping student engagement with course material and how educators can leverage this technology to enhance their teaching methods. In this session, Justin and Joshua cover practical strategies for integrating AI into your courses. They address key challenges and showcase cutting-edge tools designed to elevate your teaching experience. Highlights include a demonstration of our proprietary AI Tutor, an innovative question generator, and a sneak peek at future AI developments from Macmillan.   Watch the recording ... View more

Your comprehensive student organization leader guide for running effective, powerful, and engaging meetings and events. Photo credit: Drazen Running a student organization is all about making sure everyone’s voice is heard and that no one feels left out. But let’s be real—keeping people engaged and tracking attendance can be tricky. This guide is here to help you boost participation and spark real conversations that matter. Inside, you’ll find tips that make it easier to get everyone involved, keep discussions lively, and stay on top of attendance without the hassle. These strategies are all about keeping your group active, energized, and connected. Meet your members where they are by asking the right questions, and creating a safe space for feedback. Whether you’re running an academic club, a community service group, or any other student-led organization, it’s crucial to create a space where everyone feels comfortable being honest. Let’s be real—some topics are tough to talk about in front of a crowd. That’s where anonymous polling comes in. It gives everyone a chance to share what they’re really thinking without worrying about what others might say. This helps ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, leading to more genuine and useful insights for your organization. Sample Question #1: How comfortable do you feel discussing mental health challenges with your peers? Very comfortable—I often share my experiences. Somewhat comfortable, but I only discuss with close friends. I struggle to talk about it, even with people I trust. I prefer to keep my mental health private. Sample Question #2: How comfortable are you speaking up in group discussions or meetings? I’m very comfortable—I actively participate. I’m somewhat comfortable, but I only speak up when I feel confident. I’m usually quiet and prefer to listen. I find it difficult to speak up in group settings. Another great advantage of anonymous polling is the ability to get real-time feedback, which allows you to adjust your approach on the spot. If you notice that certain responses indicate discomfort or confusion, you can shift the tone of the conversation, address concerns immediately, or dive deeper into areas that need more attention. This kind of flexibility ensures that your meetings are not just productive, but also responsive to the needs of your group in the moment. Photo credit: Africa Studio Plan campus events easily and use the feedback to make things happen. Make Your Events Interactive: Keeping your audience engaged can be tough, but getting everyone involved in decisions—like choosing the next trivia category—keeps the vibe fun and lively. By actively involving everyone, you ensure that all voices are heard and make everyone feel like they’re part of the event’s success. Drive Productive Discussions: Real-time feedback lets you quickly gather and analyze data from your event. This helps you see what people liked and where improvements are needed. For example, if feedback reveals which activities were a hit or where you can improve, you can make instant changes or plan more effectively for your next event. This way, you stay on top of things and make sure each event hits the mark. Keep It Inclusive: Make sure everyone can participate by using simple tech and offering different ways to get involved, like through written responses or spoken feedback. Providing clear instructions and support helps everyone, no matter their tech skills or needs. By focusing on inclusivity, you make sure everyone feels valued and engaged, turning accessibility into a natural part of your events and building a more supportive community. Beyond the Basics: The Hidden Benefits of Inclusivity in Your Organization Inclusivity isn't just about making everyone feel welcome—it brings some amazing, less obvious benefits to your organization. Enhancing group dynamics is a big one; when everyone’s voices are heard, you get a richer mix of ideas and avoid the pitfalls of groupthink, leading to smarter decisions.  It also boosts resilience and adaptability. With diverse perspectives in play, your group can handle changes and challenges with more creativity and flexibility. Plus, inclusivity encourages diverse leadership styles. It supports different approaches and ways of communicating, so everyone gets a chance to lead in their own style. Embracing inclusivity makes your organization stronger, more dynamic, and ready to tackle whatever comes next. Just as inclusivity strengthens your organization, having the right tools can amplify your efforts and support your goals. Here’s how to justify iClicker’s investment to your university. When it comes to finding the perfect tool for your campus, it’s essential to choose one that fits seamlessly into both academic and student life. You need something that’s not only effective but also easy to use and adaptable to various needs. Here’s why iClicker stands out as the ideal solution: It’s user-friendly. iClicker’s intuitive interfaces make it easy for anyone to use, without needing advanced tech skills. Getting started is quick and hassle-free, ensuring that both faculty and students can seamlessly integrate it into their routines. It’s scalable and flexible. iClicker offers flexibility that meets diverse needs across various departments. Its robust features are designed to support different academic and student affairs requirements without being overwhelming or costly. It’s proven and reliable. With a foundation in research-based development and a strong track record of success, iClicker provides clear, actionable analytics. This helps faculty and administrators make informed decisions backed by solid data. Learn More About iClicker Check Out iClicker Events ... View more

Read about iClicker's impact in first-year experience courses at Boise State University below. ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we share valuable insights and practical ideas on various educational topics. Our goal is to provide educators with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that can be implemented in classrooms and institutions. This week, we’ve rounded up five resources on the importance of Authentic Assessment. Check them out below: 1. Why You Should Care About Authentic Assessments Authentic assessments involve the application of knowledge and skills in real-world situations, scenarios, or problems. This guide by UIC's Center for the Advancement of Teaching Excellence highlights several elements that make an assessment more "authentic," including accuracy, demonstration of learning, and collaboration. Read the full guide 2. Authentic Assessment's Long Term Impact on Student Learning Indiana University's Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning provides a comprehensive explanation of authentic assessments. These assignments require students to apply what they've learned to new situations, making judgments on what information and skills are relevant. Explore the resource 3. Alternative Authentic Assessment Methods UConn's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning offers a detailed overview of authentic assessments and alternative methods. This resource emphasizes the practical application of knowledge and skills by performing real-world tasks. Discover the methods 4. Macmillan Learning's Approach to Authentic Assessments This article from Macmillan Learning explores the relevance and challenges of authentic assessments. It highlights the importance of assessing higher-order critical thinking and self-regulated learning skills, with a focus on real-world contexts. Read the full article 5. Re-Imagining Authentic Assessment in the Age of Open AI A webinar on re-imagining authentic assessment amidst widespread AI usage. This session offers insights into preserving assessment integrity while leveraging AI for fair and meaningful evaluations. Access the recording We'd love to hear your thoughts on implementing authentic assessments in education. How do you create real-world assessment opportunities in your own classrooms? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below. ... View more

In higher education, fostering a sense of belonging can transform classrooms into dynamic communities focused on learning and growth. The video below delves into this pivotal theme, offering insights from three educators who reveal their strategies for promoting connection and inclusivity. Through methods such as interactive introductions with GoReact and guided peer instruction using iClicker, these educators illustrate how building relationships among students not only enhances learning but also boosts retention and engagement. Watch the video to understand why a sense of belonging is crucial and discover tips to nurture it. ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we share valuable insights and practical ideas on various educational topics. Our goal is to provide educators with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that can be implemented in your classrooms. This week, we’ve rounded up five resources on Student Preparedness. Check them out below: 1. How To Identify Gaps in Student Preparedness and Address Them Conversations around student preparedness are becoming increasingly critical and challenging to have. While varying levels of student preparedness have long been an issue, many educators feel that it has only worsened in recent years. This blog aims to shine a light on the gaps in student preparedness and offers actionable steps for addressing these issues. Read the full blog 2. Assessing the Impact of Remote Learning on Students’ Preparedness & Progress The pandemic has influenced students' learning contexts and contributed to uncertainties related to the knowledge, skills, and experiences students have acquired. This resource from Northwestern University includes feasible practices for diagnosing gaps in preparation and making informed decisions about course design and instruction. Read the full article 3. Supporting Students with Diverse Levels of Student Preparedness This whitepaper explores how Achieve empowers each student to excel and equips them for academic and social-emotional readiness in their courses. It offers educators practical tips for supporting students at different readiness levels and strategies for fostering inclusive learning environments. Access the whitepaper 4. Student Readiness Challenges are Here to Stay. Is Your Institution Prepared to Tackle Them? EAB research identified four dimensions of student readiness that institutions must prepare to address both today and across the next decade. This blog explores the readiness challenge and provides insights and recommendations for addressing this crisis on your campus and beyond. Read the full article 5. Secondary Transition Toolkit: College Assessments The Maryland State Department of Education provides a toolkit to help students identify their learning styles, examine their study skills, and assess their college readiness. This toolkit includes an observation form and a planning tool to compare different educational options. Explore the toolkit We'd love to hear your thoughts on student preparedness. How do you address gaps in your own classrooms? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below. Don't miss out on the upcoming webinar, "Beginning with the End in Mind: Evidence-based Course Design Practices to Improve Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes". on October 10th. Register today! ... View more