Teaching from the same side offers a perspective on the teaching relationship that sidesteps transactional and enforcement-driven interactions in favor of working together toward the common goal of learning. Rather than emphasizing points, policies, and punishments to motivate students and foster meaningful learning, the teaching from the same side framework provides both practical strategies and a pedagogical orientation that can help instructors dedicate less of their energy to enforcement and more to engagement.

In this interactive session, Dr. Michelle Miller will draw on research from psychology, pedagogy of kindness, transparency in teaching and learning (TILT), alternative grading, and her recent work on learning student names to explore how instructors can help shift students’ focus away from totaling up points and toward authentic engagement. Participants will consider practical ways to help students feel recognized, understand the purpose of their work, and engage more fully in the shared project of learning.”