Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence

Anderson Conference

Using-Rubric-to-improve-student-outcomes Using Rubrics to Improve Student Outcomes and Improve the Assessment Experience for Instructors
In a presentation on rubric design and implementation, Christine Fanning explains how rubrics enhance assessment for instructors and empower students. By clarifying expectations, reducing uncertainty, and promoting self-assessment, rubrics help students take ownership of learning. Fanning highlights practical strategies for teaching rubric use, addressing potential limitations, and creating effective rubrics in D2L Brightspace. Posted January 31, 2025
Mining-the-Gifts. Mining the Gifts of Improvisation Principles for Community Building
Patrick Tangredi and Kerry Leek demonstrate how improvisation principles foster inclusive classrooms and stronger community connections. Through low-stakes activities like word association and "Yes, And" collaborative storytelling, educators learn to build trust, encourage active listening, embrace diverse participation styles, and strengthen creative problem-solving without the pressure of performing or being funny. Posted January 31, 2025
Standard-Language-Ideology Standard Language Ideology in the Writing Classroom and Beyond
Yvette Rosales examines how standard language ideology creates linguistic inequities in writing classrooms. She advocates shifting from rigid grammatical correctness to a rhetorical approach focused on audience, purpose, and context. By utilizing syllabus diversity statements, context-driven feedback, and student-guided reviews, educators can empower students to make purposeful communication choices across diverse genres. Posted January 31, 2025
Academic-Advisors. Academic Advisors: What They Do and How It Supports Your Students Academically
In a presentation by Bonni Goldberg and Cherise Frehner, learn how PCC’s pathway-based academic advising model supports students through term-by-term planning, resource connection, and holistic guidance during academic or personal challenges. Discover how ongoing advisor relationships build student confidence and self-efficacy, and explore key strategies to strengthen faculty-advisor collaboration for student success. Posted January 31, 2025
Climate-Justice-Across-the-Curriculum. Climate Justice Across the Curriculum: Resources and Funding for YOUR Classes
Discover how to bring climate justice into any discipline using PCC resources, professional development, and SPARC support. Learn practical strategies to adapt existing course content, access project funding, and connect students with real-world environmental and social equity issues. Posted January 31, 2025
Food Pantry Beyond the Food Pantry: A Holistic Approach to Supporting Students
PCC’s Basic Needs program supports student success by addressing food insecurity, housing, healthcare, transportation, and childcare. Utilizing a peer-to-peer, mutual aid model with Basic Needs Hubs and Peer Resource Navigators, the initiative reduces stigma and simplifies resource access. Faculty play a key role through warm handoffs, syllabus integration, and active support. Posted January 31, 2025
ADA Aligning with Accessibility Requirements: Updates to the ADA
Learn how PCC’s Accessible Technology Policy and WCAG standards apply to digital course materials. Discover the distinction between proactive accessibility and individual accommodations, key design practices for document and multimedia structure, and available campus tools—including Grackle, Panorama, and specialist support—to build equitable learning experiences. Posted January 31, 2025
Building-Team-in-the-Classroom Beyond Breaking the Ice: Building a Team in the Classroom
In this presentation, Sarah Wheat shares how team building—rooted in performance psychology—fosters belonging, communication, and student success throughout the term. She outlines adaptable activities for in-person, synchronous, and asynchronous classes, emphasizing how effective facilitation and intentional debriefing transform interactive exercises into meaningful learning opportunities that strengthen classroom community. Posted January 31, 2025
Using-Short-Videos-Reels-and-More. You’re invited! Helping Students Feel Like They Belong: Using Short Videos, Reels and More to Increase Accessibility
Discover how short preview videos, reels, and transparent course materials reduce student anxiety and eliminate learning barriers. Featuring real-world examples from biology, field-based lab sciences, and environmental studies, this Anderson Conference session showcases practical ways instructors and students can collaborate to create more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive academic environments. Posted January 31, 2025
Navigating-Difficult-Conversations. Navigating Difficult Conversations
Co-hosted by CTLE and Student Support, this session explores proactive classroom management strategies to navigate difficult discussions. Learn to set clear group norms, apply effective de-escalation techniques, and identify key moments to submit CARE reports or connect students with PCC support systems to foster an inclusive, respectful learning environment. Posted January 31, 2025
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