A structured guide that teaches students how to actively mark up texts using symbols, margin notes, and highlighting. Builds the habit of engaging critically with material rather than reading passively.

Your Guide to Awesome Annotations

A digital discussion format combining Canvas Discussion Boards with annotation tools to facilitate peer-to-peer dialogue around shared texts. Ideal for asynchronous online courses.

(Piloting in my Summer I courses, Summer 2026)

Students collaboratively annotate a shared Google Doc, building on each other's observations in real time. Works in both online and face-to-face settings to deepen collective understanding.

A free web annotation tool enabling students to highlight and comment on any online text. Fosters close reading and asynchronous discussion directly on the source material.

A time-tested note-taking system that divides the page into a cue column, notes section, and summary area. Helps students organize information logically and review material more effectively.

A guided template for recording key ideas, vocabulary, and personal reflections while reading. Supports comprehension and retention across disciplines by giving students a consistent framework.

A legal reasoning framework — Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion — applied to Supreme Court cases. Develops students' analytical skills by requiring them to break down arguments systematically.

Mock Student Example

Blank Template 

A pre-writing framework standing for Role, Audience, Format, and Topic. Helps students understand writing purpose and context by assigning a specific perspective, intended reader, and format before they begin drafting.

Mock RAFT Student Example

A research-backed strategy pairing POW (Pick ideas, Organize notes, Write and say more) with TREE (Topic, Reasons, Explain, Ending) to scaffold persuasive essay writing step by step.

Mock Student Example

Blank Template

An argumentative writing framework — Claim, Evidence, Reasoning, Counterargument, Audience — that walks students through every component of evidence-based writing in a clear, repeatable structure.

Mock Student Example

Student work or discussion prompts are posted around the room and students rotate in groups to engage, respond, and build on ideas — like moving through a gallery exhibit. Energizes the classroom and surfaces diverse perspectives.

Includes instructions and templates needed for putting together a Gallery Walk.

This takes some planning and preparing ahead of time but is an excellent way for students to have the opportunity to discuss ideas in a low-stakes setting.

A student-led, text-based discussion format rooted in Socratic questioning. Students practice civil dialogue, deep listening, and critical inquiry by posing and responding to open-ended questions about shared texts.

Includes instructions and templates needed for putting together a Socratic Seminar

This takes some planning and preparation ahead of time but is a good method of student discussion that is more medium stakes and requires students to prepare ahead of time.

A structured discussion exercise designed to help students explore multiple valid perspectives on complex issues simultaneously. Encourages nuanced thinking and resists the tendency toward binary either/or conclusions.

Slide Deck with instructions in the notes section of each slide.

This is another low stakes method to get students to discuss important issues, sharing their opinions without judgement and helping them to understand that there are multiple perspectives on complex issues.

Instructor guide for facilitating the Harkness method: a collaborative, student-centered discussion using a circular seating arrangement. All participants share equal responsibility for advancing the conversation.

Similar in nature to a Socratic Seminar.  The student led discussion with the teacher acting as a facilitator.  A little more high stakes and requires student and teacher preparation.

Student-facing companion guide to the Harkness method, outlining expectations for preparation, listening, responding, and contributing to a self-directed group discussion.

An applied activity that builds students' understanding of civic processes, democratic institutions, and responsible participation. Connects classroom learning to real-world citizenship and community engagement.

A reflective self-assessment tool helping students identify their current digital competencies and gaps. Prompts honest evaluation across areas like information literacy, online communication, and responsible technology use.

Adapted from Capella University’s Digital Literacy in Education. Can be used to help students and teachers be more aware of how well students can utilize digital literacy in the classroom.

A comprehensive guide introducing students to AI concepts, ethical considerations, and practical applications. Equips learners to engage thoughtfully with AI tools in academic and professional settings.

From AI-U, a resource for students but helpful for teachers in demonstrating AI usage in the classroom.

An evidence-based framework outlining the essential digital competencies for modern learners. Useful for curriculum design, helping educators align instruction with the digital skills students need to succeed.

A practical article offering educators five actionable methods for leveraging technology to increase student engagement, participation, and motivation in digital learning environments.

From Point Loma Nazarene University, this article gives a good starting point for engagement of students in the digital world.

An accessible overview covering core digital literacy skills including information evaluation, safe online communication, and ethical technology use — written directly for student audiences.

A career-forward resource defining essential digital skills — from data literacy to collaboration tools — and providing clear pathways for self-directed skill building and professional development.

An academic text offering discipline-specific strategies for cultivating analytical reasoning, argument evaluation, and evidence-based thinking within political science courses and curricula.

An accessible article from SNHU exploring why critical thinking is a foundational skill for student success in college, career, and civic life — and how to begin developing it.

A curated collection of brief, classroom-ready exercises designed to build analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Activities can be used as warm-ups, exit tickets, or discussion starters across disciplines.

A guide aimed at pre-college students and educators that outlines concrete habits — questioning assumptions, evaluating sources, reasoning through problems — needed to think critically in an academic setting.

An in-depth exploration of critical thinking as a measurable competency, with frameworks and benchmarks educators can use to assess where students are and how to move them toward higher-order reasoning.

Student designed critical thinking and information literacy active learning modules - a series of nine learning modules.