Teaching Resources

Learning and assessment

Assessment provides instructors and students a window into students' learning and growth.

By articulating clear goals for the facts, skills, knowledge, and concepts students are expected to master, an instructor can design learning activities that move students toward those goals and assessments that track their progress.

In goals-based assessment, learning, assessment, and reflection are intertwined as learning activities are driven by goals, and assessment provide opportunities to reflect on learning and re-direct learning activities.

Visit our assessing student learning page for more discussion about defining learning goals and developing tools for assessing student learning and activities to support that learning.

Inclusive classrooms

Inclusive classrooms have an intentional focus on providing equitable learning experiences for all students.

Inclusive teaching practices align course content, norms, assessment, and instructional practices to create learning environments in which all students can learn at high levels.

Learn more at our page on creating inclusive classrooms.

Online teaching & learning

Instructors can create effective online courses by drawing upon decades of research and practice in online education.

Effective online teaching is built around course activities specifically designed for the online learning environment. It requires particular attention to creating a personal presence for instructors and students, and has unique challenges for engaging students.

Visit our page on teaching mathematics online for practical strategies from experts in online education to help you build an effective online learning experience for your students.

Active learning

Active learning improves student learning and a number of other outcomes, and helps build more equitable classrooms.

Active learning engages students in mathematical investigation and communication.A central goal of active learning is to shift class time away from the transmission of information and toward students actively applying course concepts.

MAA members can find Active Learning resources at the MAA Connect Active Learning Exchange. If you are not a member of MAA, you can access this Community by creating a free profile.

Inquiry-based learning (IBL) engages students with open-ended tasks that require them to reason mathematically. You can learn about IBL at the Academy of Inquiry-Based Learning.

Team-based learning is an active learning approach using activities, assessment techniques, and social processes to foster team development and accountability.

Effective mentoring

Effective mentoring is built around a web of sustained interpersonal relationships to support mentees' professional and mathematical growth.

Students who receive effective mentoring are more likely to complete degrees, enter graduate school, become integrated into their academic programs, and publish. These outcomes are even more pronounced for women and members of underrepresented minority groups. Based on an extensive review and synthesis of research, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, & Medicine have developed the online interactive guide The Science of Effective Mentorship in STEMM, which includes evidence-based recommendations and strategies.