A Deep Dive and Practical Guide to Adaptable Teaching

As adjunct professors, we know that teaching is not just about conveying information; it's about building bridges of understanding. We're also realizing that the one-size-fits-all approach to teaching might just be, well, outdated. Adaptable teaching — a dynamic methodology that acknowledges the myriad ways in which students grasp concepts, can be both exciting and a bit daunting. As a follow-on to last week’s introduction to adaptable teaching, here's a practical guide to help you navigate it.

1. Effective Assessment in Adaptable Teaching

Adaptable teaching is as much about listening as it is about instructing. But the underlying question remains: how do we evaluate whether these adaptive techniques are truly resonating with students?

Formative Assessments: The Classroom's Pulse

Unlike summative assessments that often occur at the end of a module or course, formative assessments are regular, informal checks. They act as barometers, gauging student understanding as lessons progress.

Practical Implementation:

• Quizzes and Interactive Polls: These aren't just tools to test recall. Designed effectively, they can stimulate critical thinking, enabling students to make connections between various topics.
• Socratic Seminars: Engage students in a group discussion where they question and ponder course content. It's a fantastic way to evaluate collective understanding and promote peer learning.
• Think-Pair-Share: A brief activity where students contemplate a question (Think), discuss with a partner (Pair), and then share their insights with the class (Share). This provides a quick insight into individual and collective understanding.

Feedback Loops: Two-Way Streets of Learning

The contemporary classroom is an evolving ecosystem. It's not just about professors imparting knowledge but also about students reciprocating with their insights.

Practical Implementation:

• Feedback Sessions: Dedicate time post-lessons or during office hours where students can candidly discuss what's working for them and what isn't.
• Interactive Platforms: Use discussion boards or platforms like Padlet, where students can post their feedback, questions, or share resources, fostering a continuous learning environment.
• Peer Reviews: Students can offer feedback on each other's assignments or projects. This not only provides diverse perspectives but also cultivates a sense of collective responsibility for learning.

Additional Tech Tools

In an era of digital natives, tech tools are more than just accessories. They're integral, aiding in real-time assessment and providing dynamic platforms for learning.

Practical Implementation:

• Kahoot!: Turn assessments into engaging games. Beyond the fun element, it offers immediate data on student performance, highlighting areas that might need revisiting.
• Google Forms: Its versatility is its strength. Whether it's a quiz, survey, or feedback form, its intuitive design allows for adaptive questioning, branching out based on previous answers, providing a tailored assessment experience.
• EdPuzzle: Integrate questions into videos, ensuring active engagement during media-based lessons.

By constantly assessing, listening, and using tech, we can ensure our teaching methods are not only adaptable, but also effective. As with any teaching methodology, the key lies in reflection, iteration, and a genuine commitment to student success.

2. Thematic Planning

Traditional lesson planning often involved a stringent, day-by-day breakdown of content, limiting educators to a prescriptive regimen. However, as education evolves, many of us are recognizing the benefits of a more fluid methodology, with thematic planning at its core.

Thematic planning revolves around teaching through themes rather than isolated subjects.  Instead of teaching math, science, and history as separate entities, we can identify overarching themes and weave multiple subjects into that theme. For example, a theme like "Globalization" offers an opportunity for interdisciplinary exploration. It's a phenomenon that touches almost every facet of our lives, from the foods we eat to the economies we participate in. Here's how it can play out:

• Economics: Delve into the rise of multinational corporations, global financial markets, and trade agreements. Understand the principles of comparative advantage, the role of international institutions like the World Bank and the IMF, and debate the economic pros and cons of a globally integrated market.
• Cultural Studies: Explore the global diffusion of cultures. How does pop culture permeate borders? What's the impact of globalization on indigenous cultures? This could also cover topics like cultural appropriation versus appreciation, the global spread of languages, and the emergence of global media.
• Political Science: Investigate the political ramifications of globalization. How do international alliances and organizations (e.g., the United Nations, NATO) function in a globalized world? Discuss global governance, sovereignty in a globalized context, and transnational activism.
• Environmental Science: Study the global environmental challenges exacerbated or alleviated by globalization, such as climate change, deforestation, and the international wildlife trade. Discuss international cooperative efforts like the Paris Agreement.
• Technology: Understand the role technology plays in accelerating globalization. Explore topics like the global digital divide, the spread of information through social media, and how technology impacts global job markets.
• Literature and Arts: Analyze works that encapsulate the sentiment of globalization. How do authors, artists, and filmmakers from different parts of the world depict globalization's effects on identity, relationships, and society?

Implementing the Globalization Theme:

• Guest Lectures: Invite industry experts, cultural ambassadors, or policy-makers who can provide firsthand insights into the nuances of globalization.
• Interactive Seminars: Organize seminars where students from diverse disciplines come together to discuss and debate their perspectives on globalization.
• Research Projects: Encourage students to undertake research projects that allow them to delve deeper into specific facets of globalization, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Global Media Watch: A weekly session where students present news from different global outlets, offering diverse perspectives on current events, highlighting the interconnectedness of our world.

Adopting a thematic planning approach is about breaking down traditional silos in education, fostering an environment where subjects intermingle and enrich one another. It offers educators the creative freedom to craft lessons that aren't just informative, but truly transformative.

3. Layered Learning: Creating Inclusive and Comprehensive Learning Experiences

Higher education is a melting pot of diverse learners, each bringing a unique set of experiences, perspectives, and learning preferences to the classroom. We now know that a singular, monolithic teaching approach is insufficient. Instead, recognizing and incorporating varied teaching strategies ensures a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment.

Layered learning goes beyond traditional pedagogical practices, weaving multiple methodologies into a cohesive learning narrative. It's about intertwining various approaches to cater to a wider spectrum of learners.

Practical Implementation:

1. Interdisciplinary Synthesis: A topic as multifaceted as "Climate Change and Sustainability" demands a cross-disciplinary lens. Understanding this theme isn't just about the science behind it but also the social, political, and economic implications.

• Podcast Exploration: Initiate the learning journey with an auditory session. A podcast discussing the scientific basis of climate change can set the groundwork, elucidating greenhouse gasses' roles, oceanic changes, and the impact on biodiversity.

2. Data Visualization and Analysis: In an era inundated with information, visual data representation can offer clarity and insights.

• Interactive Charts and Graphs: Transition students to a segment that delves into climate data, using interactive graphs and charts. Analyzing global temperature variations, sea-level changes, or carbon footprint distributions over decades offers a tangible, visual understanding of the topic.

3. Experiential Application: Abstract concepts become tangible when students can apply them, especially beneficial for kinesthetic learners.

• Sustainability Workshop: Engage students in a session dedicated to sustainable practices. This could involve simulating carbon footprint calculations based on their daily activities or brainstorming sustainable campus initiatives. It's about translating theory into practice, understanding the real-world implications and solutions related to climate change.

4. Collaborative Reflection: Encouraging dialogue and discourse is essential, especially in a university setting.

• Group Discussions: Organize group seminars where students discuss their takeaways, challenges they foresee in implementing sustainable practices, and potential solutions. This space not only consolidates their learning but also emphasizes the importance of collaborative problem-solving in addressing global challenges.

By adopting a layered approach, we can craft lessons that are not only engaging and comprehensive but also deeply resonant, prompting students to think critically and act conscientiously long after the class concludes.

4. Feedback Mechanisms

The journey of teaching is a constant loop of learning, unlearning, and relearning. At its core, feedback from students is what informs, inspires, and innovates classroom dynamics. When approached systematically, it can be seamlessly integrated into the academic routine.

The Power of Open Forums

An open forum is a designated space within or outside class hours where students are invited to share their learning experiences. It breaks away from the traditional teacher-led classroom hierarchy.

Implementation Tips:

• Set Clear Guidelines: Before you start, establish ground rules. Encourage constructive criticism and ensure a respectful environment. This sets the tone and ensures a productive dialogue.
• Facilitate, Don't Dominate: As the professor, your role here is that of a facilitator. Listen more than you speak, and resist the urge to become defensive. The objective is to understand the student perspective.
• Document Insights: Documenting these sessions can help in revisiting and reflecting upon the feedback later.

Tapping into Anonymous Surveys

While open forums are powerful, not every student may feel comfortable voicing their opinions publicly. Anonymous surveys offer a platform where they can share candidly without the apprehension of being judged.

Implementation Tips:

• Crafting Questions: The quality of feedback largely depends on how questions are framed. Use a mix of open-ended questions (e.g., "What did you find most challenging this semester?") and Likert-scale type questions (e.g., "On a scale of 1-5, how effective was the group assignment in enhancing your understanding?").
• Sharing & Timing: Don’t wait until mid-semester evaluations or course evaluations at the end. While you certainly can, it’s advisable that you periodically take the opportunity to gain student insights when they’re fresh on the students’ mind throughout the course.
• Analyze and Reflect: Once responses pour in, use the analytics features to discern patterns. Are multiple students flagging off the same issue? This points to areas of improvement. Are there certain aspects they particularly enjoyed? Consider enhancing them further.

These strategies offer a roadmap to refine and redefine your teaching methodologies, ensuring classes are not only informative, but also transformative.

5. Potential Challenges and Criticisms

Academia, while it opens doors to newer, more inclusive methods of teaching, also comes with its set of challenges. Here's a more in-depth look at some of these obstacles and how educators, particularly adjunct professors, can overcome them:

Time Constraints: The Tug-of-War Between Aspiration and Reality

The Challenge: Every educator wishes to provide the best for their students. Yet, with limited hours in a day and a plethora of techniques at their disposal, managing time becomes an uphill task.

Overcoming It:

• Prioritize: Not every technique needs to be used in every lesson. Assess the core objectives of a session and choose strategies that best align with them.
• Blend Techniques: Instead of isolating different strategies, consider integrating them. For instance, a group discussion can be paired with digital tools, maximizing engagement in a constrained timeframe.
• Lean on Technology: Automated tools can reduce administrative tasks, freeing up time for pedagogical planning and execution. Also, learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle allow us to organize course content, assign and grade coursework, and communicate with students, all in one place. This consolidation reduces the time spent shuffling between different platforms or physical paperwork.
• Grading Software: Tools like Turnitin not only check for plagiarism but also offer grading capabilities. Features might include voice comments, drag-and-drop reusable comments, and rubric-based grading, making the assessment process more streamlined.
• Attendance Trackers: Using a combination of Google Forms and QR code generators like QRCode Monkey, you can take attendance by having students actively ensure their attendance is recorded by scanning the QR code and having them answer one or two questions.
• Calendar and Scheduling Tools: Platforms like Calendly can simplify the process of scheduling office hours, group meetings, or project consultations, eliminating the back-and-forth often associated with finding suitable times.

By integrating these tools into their routine, you can reduce the time spent on administrative tasks, allowing them to focus more on teaching, interacting with students, and refining your pedagogical techniques.

Criticism: The Dance between Tradition and Transformation

The Challenge: New methods can often be met with skepticism, especially from those firmly rooted in traditional pedagogies.

Overcoming It:

• Open Dialogue: Engage critics in constructive conversations. Sometimes, resistance stems from a lack of understanding. Demystifying adaptable teaching can lead to more acceptance.
• Stay Updated with Research: Arm yourself with the latest research and case studies that highlight the benefits of adaptable teaching. Data can be a powerful ally in convincing skeptics.
• Stay True to the Mission: Criticism can be disheartening, but remember the primary objective: the holistic development of students. As long as methods are grounded in this ethos, the path, despite its challenges, is worth it.

Concluding Thoughts

The landscape of teaching is continually evolving, and in today's diverse classrooms, the emphasis on adaptable teaching has never been more important. From the nuances of thematic planning to the layered integration of varied learning styles, the approach necessitates a blend of innovation and introspection. 

Also, the road to adaptable teaching is not without its hurdles. But it's imperative for us to remember that the focus isn't just about introducing multiple techniques, but about delivering impactful, personalized experiences for each student. Technology plays a pivotal role in this journey, offering solutions that simplify administrative tasks and foster interactive learning.

As we enhance our teaching styles, feedback remains our North Star. Whether through open forums, anonymous surveys, or individual interactions, it's the students' insights that help refine the process. Their voice guides the continual evolution of teaching strategies, ensuring they resonate effectively.

As educators, the mission remains clear: to ensure every student, regardless of their background or abilities, has the opportunity to thrive, to discover, and to be inspired. 

Join our community!

In the Professors Progress community, our mission is to empower adjunct professors through a supportive and nurturing community that conquers academia's challenges, cultivates professional growth, builds confidence, fosters meaningful connections, and promotes teaching excellence through transformative mentorship and collective support. Join us on this dynamic journey of continuous learning and self-discovery in the world of education.

Yours,

Nicole Cacal

Adjunct Professor at the Parsons School of Design

Visiting Associate Professor at the Pratt Institute