Our Teaching Resources offers practical guidance for instructors at every stage of their teaching. For timely updates on these resources, sign up for our twice-monthly mailings and weekly teaching tips. OU faculty and staff with ideas for additional teaching resources can contact cetl@oakland.edu.

Syllabus Guides

A syllabus does more than outline course policies—it sets the tone for student engagement and success. This page offers templates, checklists, and examples to help you craft a clear, welcoming, and effective syllabus. Explore strategies for making your syllabus a guide students reference throughout the semester. 

Teaching Practice Essentials

From active learning to course design, this collection of resources addresses key aspects of effective teaching. Browse topics like authentic assessment, student engagement, and classroom management. Whether you're looking for a quick teaching tip or a deep dive into evidence-based practices, you’ll find timely insights in a variety of formats, including articles, videos, and podcasts.

Inclusive Teaching

Creating an inclusive classroom means actively valuing diverse student experiences and addressing structural barriers to learning. This page offers evidence-based strategies for equitable teaching, including Universal Design for Learning, trauma-informed practices, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Learn how our Inclusive Teaching Academy is supporting faculty in building more inclusive learning environments.

Assessing Student Learning

Assessment is more than grading—it’s a way to gauge and support student progress. This page provides guidance on designing meaningful assessments, setting clear expectations, and offering constructive feedback. Explore innovative approaches, such as alternative grading and transparent assignment design, to help students demonstrate their learning in multiple ways.

Teaching and AI

With tools that can write a “passable” paper, how do we adjust our assessment and teaching practices accordingly? Do we allow students to use it, and engage in discussions of how they will use it in the discipline work and careers? What authentic assessment practices keep students engaged in learning while not overburdening teachers? 

Engaging Students in Learning

As humans, we largely learn by doing and persist in that learning out of necessity, curiosity, desire to belong, and many other motivators. Sometimes students have clear motivations to engage in our classes; other times, the relevance is unclear to them. While every class context is different, actively engaging students in class can increase their learning outcomes. These are a few factors to consider in engaging students in learning.

Sustainability and Community

Sustainability may initially seem complex, but its core principles are accessible and essential for fostering a balanced and equitable future. While the systems, research, and global actions behind the Sustainability movement are diverse, central themes unite this field, guiding individuals and organizations toward meaningful action.