Teaching and Learning Initiative
The Teaching & Learning Initiative at Mount Holyoke College is the campus hub for the study and development of learning-centered teaching and curricular innovation at the College. We are committed to academic excellence, creative collaboration, and the cultivation of an inclusive, 21st century student and faculty community.
Teaching Excellence at Mount Holyoke College
At Mount Holyoke College, we believe there are a multitude of ways to teach well—and that all teaching can benefit from critical reflection and faculty development. We also acknowledge that research into student learning has established some broad guidelines for understanding what “teaching excellence” means:
- Knowledge of one’s scholarly discipline
- Creative, responsive, and thorough course planning with attention to universal design
- Clear communication of learning goals to students
- Effective classroom practice, based on pedagogical goals
- Promotion of a bias-free and inclusive learning environment that values a diversity of learning styles, backgrounds, and perspectives
- Timely and detailed evaluation of student work with an eye to the student’s further development
- Engagement in supportive advising and mentoring of students, both in and out of the classroom
- Commitment to further development as a teacher, as demonstrated by engaging in conversations and reflection about one’s practice, faculty development programs, mutual mentoring, or the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Adopted by the Holistic Assessment of Teaching Faculty Seminar, July 2019. Sources consulted: Kenyon College Faculty Handbook; Schreyer Institute For Teaching Excellence at Penn State; Umass T-Eval Project and Rubric.
Learn about our commitment to student and faculty success.
Discover the programs offered through TLI, including lunches and workshops.
Find resources related to learning centered teaching, active learning, cooperative/team-based learning and more.
Our diversity is our greatest strength.
Find out about the small grants program offered through TLI as well as other sources of funding.
Learn the process of assessment and why it is important. Request an assessment consult.
Consultations are confidential and can include any area of interest within teaching and learning. Discover the types of consultations offered through TLI.
Meet the Teaching and Learning Initiative Team.
Learn about Teaching as Research (TAR) and the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning
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