What if small changes to how you structure your courses could dramatically improve student learning outcomes? In this episode, we sit down with Justin Shaffer to explore the world of high-structure course design and its transformative impact on STEM education.
- Justin shares insights from his collaborative project with CCA and Ohio, revealing practical strategies that faculty can implement without completely overhauling their courses. Whether you’re feeling constrained by institutional limitations or simply don’t know where to start, this conversation offers actionable advice for educators at any stage of their teaching journey.
- We dive into the balance between innovation and reality, discuss emerging trends that make course redesign more critical than ever, and explore how thoughtful structural changes can create more inclusive and effective learning environments for all students.
- Perfect for faculty, instructional designers, and education leaders looking to enhance their teaching practice through evidence-based course design principles.
And some helpful resources Dr. Shaffer shared with us:
- His website: STEM Course Design and Teaching Workshops and Consulting
- His book: High Structure Course Design, 1st Edition | Macmillan Learning US
- UVA resources on high-structure course design: High Structure Course Design — UVA Teaching Hub
- Research on benefits of high-structure course design: Increased Structure and Active Learning Reduce the Achievement Gap in Introductory Biology | Science
- Research showing that high-structure course design reduces gaps: Increased Structure and Active Learning Reduce the Achievement Gap in Introductory Biology | Science
- Research showing that high-structure course design increases belonging: Getting Under the Hood: How and for Whom Does Increasing Course Structure Work? | CBE—Life Sciences Education
- Research on barriers to change: Barriers to Faculty Pedagogical Change: Lack of Training, Time, Incentives, and…Tensions with Professional Identity? | CBE—Life Sciences Education