Sparking Teaching Innovation: Highlights from the Summer ActiveLearn Institutes

This summer, the Center for Teaching and Learning brought together faculty from across RIT for two immersive programs — the ActiveLearn Institute and the Advanced ActiveLearn Institute.

The ActiveLearn Institute welcomed instructors who were new to active learning, introducing them to practical strategies for fostering student engagement in any discipline. Through hands-on activities, real-world examples, and collaborative discussion, participants explored ways to redesign lessons and assignments so students could take a more active role in their learning.

The Advanced ActiveLearn Institute built on these foundations, inviting past participants and experienced practitioners to take their active learning strategies to the next level. Faculty shared successes and challenges from their own classrooms, experimented with new approaches, and refined their plans through peer feedback and one-on-one consultations.

On August 5, the SHED buzzed with energy as both Institutes came together for a joint Showcase. The faculty proudly unveiled their assignment and course redesigns, exchanging fresh ideas and sparking conversations about innovative ways to enhance their courses this fall.

Across both institutes, the energy was contagious. The faculty left with concrete plans, fresh ideas, and a network of colleagues eager to keep the momentum going. As two participants shared, “I especially enjoyed learning new strategies to use in the classroom from members of CTL and my peers. My experience with this institute is invaluable in helping me design and modify my courses.” and “This institute gave me the space to think more about my teaching practices and actually make a change. I'm very excited to get back into the classroom and try out the plan that I came up with!”

By the end of the summer, these programs had not only sparked innovative course redesigns, but also strengthened a community of educators committed to making learning more active, inclusive, and impactful.

Learn more at the ActiveLearn Institute webpage.