A courese by Dr. Sheraz, October 2023

 Innovative pedagogy and assessment

The course started in an innovative way, with a brainstorming session that raised many diverse questions. We discussed various dimensions of our academic life and points of view. To maintain good discipline and work effectively, you need to be driven by a sense of purpose. If your goals don't evoke a sense of determination, it may indicate that your goals aren't ambitious enough for your capabilities. Another point to consider is how to stay motivated in your career. We need to collaborate in groups and share common interests to fulfill a mission.

Another fascinating topic in the context of learning outcomes is how to formulate and tailor them according to the audience. Learning outcomes should be established at the beginning of the session, and students should be assessed based on the list of learning outcomes. Bloom's Taxonomy provides a general framework for specifying learning outcomes.

Effective pedagogy was another prominent theme in this course. To achieve effective pedagogy, we need to employ multiple approaches to enhance its effectiveness. Teaching should be authentic, and a combination of methods should be used for maximum impact. The learning environment is one of the fundamental components of a successful learning strategy. The curriculum, education system, and academic policies should all contribute to creating an effective learning environment, which needs to be adapted and adjusted according to the subject matter.

The flipped classroom, where students do their homework in class, is an innovative learning method. This approach allows each student to learn at their own pace, maintain their engagement, and take breaks as needed. Teachers are available in the classroom to monitor and facilitate the learning process.

There are numerous teaching approaches, with around 40 methods discussed during this course. Teaching should take on various forms to break the monotony of instruction. Among these approaches, there is a strong emphasis on active learning and learning by doing. Students should take responsibility for their learning in the context of effective pedagogy.

Assessing students should be an integral part of the learning process. The goal of assessment is to gauge students' understanding, track their learning progress, and evaluate our teaching methods.

Managing the classroom was another important topic of discussion. Professionals encounter various challenges, and dealing with such issues requires specific skills. Plagiarism, cheating, and inappropriate behavior are common in classrooms. The initial step is to identify the causes of such offenses and work towards resolving them calmly. Teachers should not take these issues personally, and students involved in such behaviors should be interviewed to find ongoing solutions to conflicts.

Finally, the topic of academic integrity was discussed. It means doing the right thing even when nobody is watching. Honesty is the minimum expectation in academia, and teachers should put forth great effort to make students aware of all aspects of academic integrity. Pedagogy should be characterized by commitment and consistency, and teachers should continually emphasize students for their honesty.

I suggest that the topics be more specific, and participants should be limited to discussing subjects within the defined context. Better time management is needed to use our time more effectively.

I would like to express my appreciation to Dr. Sheraz for her significant effort and the success of this course. I recommend that all teachers consider participating in this course, as it will greatly enhance your skills in your academic career.