Teaching Tips for Engaging Graduate Students

Graduate students are valuable contributors to our campus ecosystem. By incorporating evidence-based teaching practices, faculty can positively impact the learning environment. As WSSU seeks to expand our student population, teaching practices that will engage adult learners are a strategic priority. Below are five teaching tips that you can implement into your courses right away to positively impact student retention and performance.

 The Inclusive Syllabus

The first tip is to create an inclusive syllabus. An inclusive syllabus serves as a virtual handshake with students. Design a liquid syllabus that clearly outlines essential course information, such as major assessments and due dates. By providing this information, adult learners can adjust their schedules to accommodate course expectations. To demonstrate representation, embed photos of the textbook authors in your syllabus. An inclusive syllabus sets the tone that all students belong in your course.

 Building Community

The second tip is building community. Survey students’ upfront about their technological skills and potential challenges that could impact course performance. Don't just overview the syllabus on the first day of class - get students interacting with community building activities to reduce anxiety. Leverage technology to enhance collaboration and critical thinking. A sense of community positively impacts retention and engagement.

 Communicate with Care

The third tip is to communicate with care. The instructor sets the tone for the course. Develop a consistent cadence for reaching out to students. Intentionally connect with all learners using the “Message Students Who” feature in Canvas. High performing students also need motivation and not just those who are facing academic challenges. To reinforce a growth mindset, empathetic communication models for students how to engage in constructive conversations.

 Voice and Choice

The fourth tip is to give students voice and choice. Expand assessments beyond papers to include digital options. Design course assignments that are transparent with clear purposes, tasks and criteria. Offer guided notes to support long-term memory and engagement of diverse learning preferences. Autonomy and customization are motivating factors for adult learners.

 Check for Understanding

Finally, the fifth tip is to continuously check for understanding. Pause for at least 5 seconds after asking questions. Resist the urge to call on the first student with their hand raised. Waiting provides additional processing time for all learners. Get feedback from students by asking what you should stop, what you should start, and what you should continue doing to support their learning. Informally check comprehension with a “Muddiest Point, “1-Minute Thread,” or Exit Ticket to gain valuable insight from students. Checking for student understanding is an effective tip for student engagement.

I hope these five tips provide a starting point for engaging the graduate students in your course this semester.