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Teaching Styles Series: Formal Authority Style

August 08, 2022
This is the third in a series of pieces examining online instructor teaching styles through the lens of Anthony Grasha’s (1994) typology. This piece focuses on the formal authority style and how both course developers and instructors can embody this style in online courses.

Teaching Styles Series: Introduction

July 19, 2022
This is the first in a series of pieces examining online instructor teaching styles. In this introductory piece, we will characterize teaching styles, summarize Anthony Grasha’s typology of teaching styles, and discuss how identifying your teaching style (or styles) can inform online course design and instruction. In subsequent pieces, we will explore each of Grasha’s teaching styles in depth.

Problem-Based Learning

September 27, 2021
Problem Based Learning is a teaching method used to facilitate student knowledge acquisition. This teaching method is often confused with Project Based Learning, which centers on students applying knowledge. The focus of Problem Based Learning is students acquiring the knowledge. Since the two methods use the same acronym, they are easily confused, but have different objectives for students.

Project-Based Learning

September 27, 2021
Project-based learning is learning that is organized around a project (Bell, 2010). It is a student-centered approach to learning, where students choose their topic of study and design an integrative project around the topic (Bell, 2010; Astawa et al., 2017). This form of study promotes self-efficacy in the learning environment. Such self-efficacy enables students to perform more difficult tasks and develop confidence in their abilities (Shin, 2018). These abilities generally help students to transfer their skills to the real world.

Beyond Traditional Grades: Alternative Assessment Methods

March 18, 2025
As educators navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI (genAI), many are reconsidering traditional assessment approaches. Alternative assessment methods offer innovative ways to evaluate student learning that go beyond conventional grading systems, focusing on authentic learning, skill development, and meaningful engagement. These approaches not only address the challenges posed by AI but also align with research on effective learning and motivation (Furze, 2023; Pitts Donahoe, 2023).

Implementing Metacognitive Strategies in Online Learning Environments: Personal Experience Insights

March 18, 2025
In our Personal Experience Insights series, members of the Everspring Learning Design department share first-hand accounts of creating online learning content and meaningful takeaways from their professional experiences.

Learning a New LMS: Personal Experience Insights

October 09, 2024
In our Personal Experience Insights series, members of the Everspring Learning Design department share first-hand accounts of creating online learning content and meaningful takeaways from their professional experiences.

Designing and Managing Large Online Courses

September 24, 2021
Teaching in the online modality can be tricky on its own, so what can you do when you have a large class?

Inclusive Language

September 16, 2022
Inclusion entails creating an environment of open participation for all individuals. Using inclusive language across course content and communications can help reach every learner and ensure all students feel heard, valued, and validated (Márquez & Melero-Aguilar, 2022). This piece will explore the thoughtful use of inclusive language in online learning environments.

Implementing Social Media

September 27, 2021
Many students use social media platforms in their daily lives, and “emerging evidence indicates that students express positive attitudes toward using social media for learning in general” (Baisley-Nodine et al., 2018). However, there are many concerns connected with using social media in an educational setting. These include issues related to a lack of familiarity with the platform, the potential for distraction, and privacy concerns. Therefore, it is important to carefully plan the use of social media in a course to address any potential issues or concerns.