Instructional Design Philosophy
When designing instructional materials, my central focus is on the audience: what does the learner need to achieve the learning objectives? To make that happen for every class, one must be flexible and willing to adapt. I taught composition at three different colleges and Shakespeare at two. Each time, I had more or less the same learning objectives, though I revised them to some degree as I acquired more experience. But even though my objectives were similar, I found I needed to modify my instructional materials and strategies for each new environment. My students at small liberal arts colleges with high acceptance rates were radically different than my students at a large, selective public university. They differed in preparation, in motivation, and in their career goals. To reach the members of each new student body, I had to pay attention to their unique needs and make adjustments accordingly.
As often as I can, I follow the Roman writer Horace's advice to "instruct and delight" at the same time. Among my tools are creating games, like the bingo activity you see below, and including memes and jokes in my presentations wherever possible. In my experience, students absorb knowledge better if it comes with a side of fun.
As often as I can, I follow the Roman writer Horace's advice to "instruct and delight" at the same time. Among my tools are creating games, like the bingo activity you see below, and including memes and jokes in my presentations wherever possible. In my experience, students absorb knowledge better if it comes with a side of fun.
Instructional Design Portfolio
Designed for instruction in a technical context
Designed for my own teaching in college theatre and literature courses
Designed for an asynchronous literature course
Instructor Commentary for Richard III (This proprietary material is password protected due to my contract with The University of Texas at Austin. To get the password, please contact me using the link at the bottom of the page.)
Designed for a study website as a supplement to course content
eNotes Study Guide (This proprietary material is password protected due to my contract with eNotes. To get the password, please contact me using the link at the bottom of the page.)