I first encountered the term “desirable difficulties” in Marsha Lovett’s (2023) book  How Learning Works. I was intrigued by this seemingly contradictory statement about teaching and learning. Lovett spoke about how making learning challenging for students can be beneficial. Surely, I am not going to make learning too difficult especially in a way that is…
For Health and Human Services and Trades and Technical Programs Are you ready to transform your students’ learning experience? How many of your students believe learning myths, such as highlighting is the best way to learn? Or that cramming the night before a test will result in success? Cognitive psychology research suggests these methods…
As artificial intelligence (AI) ramps up and we settle into a new norm of having a personal assistant for everything our lives will slowly change. What knowledge is important and valuable? What knowledge can we let die with this generation? These discussions may become commonplace as the expertise required to accomplish different tasks is slowly…
How many times have your students self-professed their mastery of learning while brandishing an oversized highlighter and showcasing fluorescent, yellow-coated pages of text? When we hear this, our minds respond with thoughts such as “you studied but what did you learn?” According to the online Britannica dictionary (2024), “when you study something, you have not…
Dead Ideas in Teaching and Learning is a podcast hosted by Columbia University’s CTL Executive Director, Amanda Irvin. Check out the URL to see all seasons listed, summaries, transcripts and topics! Dead ideas are persistent myths about teaching and learning that instructors believe and use! Check this great podcast series out. See more recommended podcasts…
CTLI wants to encourage all faculty to complete the 2024 Faculty Academic Integrity Matters Tutorial. This is an instructor learning resource designed to address the changing landscape of ethical behaviour in post-secondary education including suggestions for using Gen AI. As students increasingly explore and experiment with artificial intelligence and assistive technology, educators should continue to…
Video can be a very effective learning tool. Many research studies have shown its value in enhancing student learning in a variety of disciplines and delivery formats. Video created or curated by instructors can often allow students a more thorough understanding of content and concepts and engage them in more meaningful ways while learning. Students…
By Rosemary Vogt, Teaching and Learning Specialist, CTLI Troublesome knowledge refers to information or concepts that challenge existing beliefs, norms, or paradigms, causing discomfort, uncertainty, or cognitive dissonance. This concept is often discussed in the context of learning, where students may encounter ideas that contradict their previous understanding or cultural upbringing. Here are a few…
by Rachel Goodliffe, Teaching and Learning Faculty Developer, CTLI and Practical Nurse Instructor, Practical Nursing Program Memory is a key factor to successful learning. When information in long term memory is repeatedly accessed, it supports easier recall and consolidation (Oakley, ND, Zakrajsek, 2022). Repeated recall of information from long term memory strengthens the pathways to…
by Rosemary Vogt, Teaching and Learning Specialist, CTLI Learning a new subject is like exploring a maze where students encounter various obstacles and challenges that can make their journey both exciting or daunting. Now within the maze, there are special keys hidden along the way. These keys are called threshold concepts. They are not just…
