New Year's Teaching Resolutions

 

Dear Aggie,

It is a new year, and I want to resolve to reinvent all my courses and become the ace teacher that I know I can be. Do you have any suggestions to help me keep my resolution?

-Resolved to Ace 2026

 

Dear Resolved,

Happy New Year! I love your optimism. Really, I do.

I also want to gently remind you that your job is already full-time (or more), and reinventing one or more courses is non-trivial, and maybe not even necessary, particularly if they are not completely broken.

So, maybe try to keep it simple this year. If you are feeling antsy to do a complete overhaul, consider resolving to make just one change, enough to have an impact without killing yourself in the process.

For example, resolve to:

• add quick active-learning activities on a regular basis (think–pair–share, one-minute papers, low-stakes polls that align with and reinforce the course learning outcomes).
• try a new method to give feedback to your students (audio feedback, use rubrics, provide whole-class feedback when appropriate).
• use class time for a short problem-solving or discussion activity (instead of relying entirely on lecture).

If you feel like a broken record or trapped in a Groundhog Day-like experience with students repeatedly running into the same problems, try to break this cycle.

For example, resolve to:

• clarify expectations for problematic areas such as late work, attendance and participation, AI use, and collaboration rules (the new Simple Syllabus in Canvas is a valuable resource).
• build in some structured flexibility (late passes, a grace period, or dropping the lowest quiz).
• communicate regularly and include structured reminders about readings, prep work, deadlines, upcoming assignments and exams, etc. You might want to send out regular messages that include this week’s overview, as well as a look to the future.

If you are feeling positive about your students’ success, try something to enhance their sense of belongingness and confidence.

For example, resolve to:

• show students you care by getting to know them: use name tents, short surveys, and small group check-ins.
• add one early “win” assignment in week one or two.
• collect early feedback (~week 3 or 4): “What helps you learn? What should I keep doing? What could enhance your learning?” Then let students know what action you will take. Only do this if you are prepared to be open-minded to making a change.

And for any readers who may still be exhausted after the break or overcommitted for the coming semester, what can you do to make your teaching easier on yourself?

For example, resolve to:

• make one thing clearer. Fix the assignment prompt that students always misunderstand. Add a checklist for students. Include an example along with assignment instructions. Your future self will thank you!
• stop grading everything. Give some credit when students complete certain work, self-check or peer-check their work, or let students choose 8 out of 10 assignments to submit for a grade.
• use a predictable structure. Keep module structure and due dates consistent every week. Don’t use precious bandwidth (yours and your students’) keeping track of varying due dates and deadlines. This will also allow you to block off consistent prep and grading time in your schedule.
• set an email response policy you can live with and stick to.

 In closing, pick one (or maybe two) resolutions to adopt. You can still ace your teaching while preserving everyone’s sanity!

~Aggie