Instructional Resources

Our instructional resources are thoughtfully written and curated by the CIPD staff to support instructors in enhancing teaching and learning. Each resource page reflects current, evidence-informed practices in faculty development and pedagogy in higher education, providing practical guidance and insights to help you succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Browse Resources by FITE Dimensions

Developed through campus-wide collaboration and research, the Framework for Inclusive Teaching Excellence (FITE) outlines Illinois State University’s vision for professional development, highlighting six dimensions that support inclusive, evidence-based teaching. Browse resources by FITE dimensions to explore strategies for creating accessible, high-quality learning experiences for all students:

Science of Learning

Optimize learning through cognitive science.

Motivation

Strategies and theories of motivation to improve student motivation and engagement.

Trauma-Informed Pedagogy

Consider how an awareness of students’ prior experiences can inform your teaching.

Self-Regulated Learning

Explore strategies to foster goal setting, self-monitoring, and adaptive learning in your classroom.

Metacognition

This resource page offers strategies to increase students’ awareness and regulation of their own thinking to help them become better learners.

Learn more about the Science of Learning FITE dimension

Impact of Course Design

Create innovative and effective courses.

Online Teaching and Learning

Find practical strategies and tools for teaching online, hybrid, or enhanced face-to-face courses using Canvas to support student success.

Syllabus and Course Materials

Access templates, required and suggested syllabus statements, and sample syllabi to support course planning and instructional goals.

Creating Learning Outcomes

Learn how to create effective and impactful learning outcomes with Bloom’s Taxonomy and Fink’s Taxonomy of Significant Learning.

Learn more about the Impact of Course Design FITE dimension

Evidence-Based Pedagogy

Employ tested teaching techniques.

Civic Engagement

Discover how ISU supports civic and community engagement through classroom experiences that build critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and communication skills.

Teaching Large Classes

This resource offers a variety of strategies the instructors can implement before the semester starts, first week, the middle and the end of semester to make the large class feel smaller and manage grading loads.

Generative Artificial Intelligence

This collection of resources offers strategies for incorporating or mitigating the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom.

Active Learning

Use interactive teaching strategies that promote student engagement, deepen understanding, and encourage meaningful participation during class sessions.