Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Medical workspace with laptop, molecules, and stethoscope on green background.

I thought adding theory would create barriers. Instead, it removed them.

In this guest blog post, Dr. Kristen Alley Swain shares a reflection on how adding theory boosted students’ performance and empowered greater understanding.

A woman in the center of the picture has a hand up as she makes a point while discussing with two others. In the background are other tables of faculty discussing.

Recap: Facilitating Effective Classroom Discussions

On Wednesday, September 2, CETL kicked off our fall workshops with a session on “Facilitating Effective Classroom Discussions: A Tried-and-True Way to Maximize Student Learning and Engagement.” The facilitator for the workshop, CETL Senior Director Josh Eyler, started off by asking attendees to share the most challenging part

A large number of students attend a workshop in a ballroom. They are sitting at round tables with blue tablecloths.

Meet CETL's 2026-27 Graduate Teaching Fellows

Three new graduate teaching fellows joined the CETL team for the 2026-2027 academic year. Learn more about them and their work with us.

Recap: Welcome Week takeaways

CETL offered multiple opportunities for instructors to plan for an engaging fall semester ahead. Here are a few of our key takeaways.

A girl sits at a table, reading "Hop on Pop" by Dr. Seuss.

What we read this summer

The CETL team is a group that loves to read (and write)! Here are a few things we read this summer.

A woman in a deep red long-sleeved button-down shirt is talking to others at a round table with a blue tablecloth. The room is seen in the background with a crowd of people engaging similarly

CETL Fall 2026 Programming Preview

We at CETL are excited for another year of connecting with UM instructors to facilitate honest and useful conversations about teaching.

A certificate appears beneath a rolled piece of paper secured by a black ribbon.

CETL Honors Graduate Teachers

Meet the winners of the 2025-2026 Graduate Excellence in Teaching Awards, Anna Platt and Godwin Egbe.

Three adults sit at a table in a white industrial space. They have books and notebooks open in front of them. No digital devices are in view.

Recap: Analog Approaches in the Age of AI

Designing learning environments that encourage student thinking and learning requires intentionality. Three professors share how they’re approaching teaching in the age of AI.

Flower Darby speaks. Behind her and projected on the wall is a slide that reads, "Enjoyment promotes intrinsic and extrinsic motivation."

Recap: Harness the Science of Emotion in the Age of AI with Flower Darby

Drawing on affective neuroscience, Flower Darby provides several ideas for engaging students and deepening learning.

Four college students are in a classroom with a chalkboard in the background and single desks + chairs arranged in rows. Two of the people are giving each other a high five.

Recap: When and Why Students Participate in Class

Understanding common barriers to classroom engagement can help instructors create many ways for students to participate in class--and boost student learning.

The University of Mississippi Grove is shown under a light dusting of snow.

Recap: Teaching in Light of Delays

Read key takeaways from a Q&A about revamping our course calendars after two weeks of campus closure.

Savannah Draud and Dr. Emily Pitts Donahoe hold Draud's certificate awarded at the 2025 Celebration of Doctoral Achievement.

Graduate Excellence in Teaching Awards

Nominate an outstanding graduate TA or instructor at UM today!

CETL's mission is to promote exemplary teaching and effective learning at the University of Mississippi.

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