The Hidden Link Between Reflection, AI, and the Student Success [Achievement] Gap

Описание: #reflectiveteaching #learningdesign #studentsuccess
Join The Mindful Academic Challenge: https://bit.ly/mindfulsemester

In this episode, I show how a simple weekly reflection rhythm + a few targeted design tweaks (with the help of your favorite AI tool) can turn confusion into competence and give your students the practice they need to make mastery realistic.

I Will Cover:
How to use reflection to combat three common causes of the student success or achievement gap--assumptions, one-size instruction, or misaligned assessment.
A quick “map the practice” audit to ensure students get enough reps with feedback.
My 5-part assignment formula that makes the path to "high-quality" achieveable.
Small, high-yield changes you can make this week as you design meaningful active learning experiences.

Watch Video 1 of the Reflective Practice Series:    • How to Easily REVIVE Your PASSION for [Col...  

Tools & References Mentioned

The Professor’s Week in Review
(choose your favorite format)
The Professor’s Week in Review is available in three formats to fit your lifestyle:
📘Paperback + Pen → https://bit.ly/thewirejournal
💻 Fillable PDF → https://bit.ly/thefillablewire
📓 Hardcover Edition → https://bit.ly/hardcoverwire

References (mentioned)
How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching. Designing and Assessing Courses and Curricula: A Practical Guide (3rd ed.).
“Lecture Instruction: Alive and Not So Well.” Inside Higher Ed. (and related AAU efforts to improve science teaching).
On accreditation and course standardization in higher education (overview discussions).
Peer Instruction: A User’s Manual.
Historical perspectives on medieval universities and the rise of lecture are summarized in common texts like Norton’s Readings in the History of Education.

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https://bit.ly/mindfulsemester

Learn more: https://www.kelliealston.com/the-mind...

If these strategies helped, show your love by liking, subscribing, and even sharing this video or this channel with a colleague who deserves to flow differently this semester.

The AI Prompt for More Active Learning Experiences In Your Course:

You are a college instructor who teaches [course name].

Course description: [copy and paste from your syllabus]

Target learning outcome: [write the specific outcome].

Mastery goal: Students demonstrate at least 85% proficiency by the end of the course.

Design THREE cooperative active-learning tasks (small groups) for a face-to-face or synchronous online class that give students repeated, authentic practice toward this outcome. The tasks can be different, or one major task broken into three parts.

Allowed approaches include: discussions, case studies, problem-based learning, scenario-based learning, experiential learning, story-based learning, game-based learning, and design-based learning.

For EACH task, provide:
• Length of time (minutes)
• Group set-up (size), clearly defined roles, and what each role does
• Step-by-step instructions
• How this activity improves proficiency on the outcome (be explicit)
• Materials/resources needed

Finally, propose ONE summative assessment students can complete to show ≥85% proficiency on the outcome (include criteria and brief rubric rows aligned to the outcome).

Asynchronous or individual version? Tweak the first paragraph:
• Asynchronous option: “Design three independent active-learning activities students can complete asynchronously (no live meeting). Include peer or instructor feedback mechanisms appropriate for async delivery.”
• Individual products: “Focus tasks on individual projects/products rather than group work.”

Pro tips to sharpen the output:
• Add student skillsets/interests (e.g., “many are paraprofessionals,” “strong with visuals, need writing support”).
• Specify course constraints (e.g., “45-minute session blocks,” “no paid tools”).
• Ask for fillable worksheets, checklists, or templates you can drop into your LMS.
• Always review and edit for accuracy, feasibility, workload, and alignment before adding to your syllabus. AI drafts: you design.

Wishing you the most active, enjoyable, and meaningful semester!

Connect with Me:
https://www.kelliealston.com/

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#reflectivepractice #studentsuccess #HigherEd #TeachingTips #FacultyDevelopment #Assessment #instructionaldesign #activelearning #achievementgap