Jessica (Jess) Templeton
Course
PSYC 1310 Introduction to Psychology
Reflection on Using High-Impact Teaching Practices
In Summer 2024, I was welcomed into the General Education Scholars Institute hosted by ETSU’s Center for Teaching Excellence, and I could not have been more ecstatic. From this Institute, I gained valuable information, resources, and support, which were especially helpful for teaching my general education course (Introduction to Psychology) this Fall.
For this course, I originally wanted a traditional classroom, but after attending the Institute, I made dramatic changes to my teaching, most notably adopting an ungrading approach. This shift emphasized qualitative feedback and self-assessment over numeric grades, fostering student ownership of their learning.
Additionally, I integrated more High Impact Teaching Practices (e.g., think-pair-share, thinking routines, reflective spaces). These changes created a more dynamic, interactive classroom environment, and the students had overwhelmingly positive experiences to report (e.g., reporting less anxiety and higher comfortability in failing and being able to focus on the material rather than a grade). The only thing I would adjust would be including more check-ins with the students, as this grading style and high volume of engagement can be quite a transition from the typical classroom environment.
Reflection on Gen Ed Scholars Institute
Overall, the Institute has been a transformative experience, inspiring me to embrace innovative, student-centered teaching practices that align with my values as an educator.