Office of Academic Research
Institute for Innovation in Teaching and Learning Teaching is embedded in Norwich’s history, culture, and tenure and promotion guidelines, gaining increased visibility recently through the Faculty Development Program. In 2020, NU launched the Institute for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (IITL), which was kicked off in spectacular fashion by supporting faculty through the pandemic. The IITL functions as a place that provides faculty development for the whole professional—teaching, but also service and research.
What does “I will try” mean for the ITTL?
Dalyn Luedtke
Associate Professor, English; Director, Institute for Innovation in Teaching and Learning
Throughout our 200-year history, NUs professors have embraced the identity of “teacherscholars.” Even in non-pandemic times, teaching is an ongoing, developing practice. Disciplines, students, technology, and the learning context are constantly changing. The “I Will Try” mindset allows us to adapt and change to meet these challenges with innovationdriven, research-based pedagogical support.
How does the ITTL serve students? While faculty development is what the IITL does in practice, we do so in support of student success. We believe in engaged learning, where students and faculty are both active contributors to learning that connects with activities and communities across campus. The IITL supports this goal by helping faculty re-envision their classrooms as active, inclusive, and connected spaces, and by advocating for practices and policies that support student success.
How does the ITTL serve faculty? The IITL serves the faculty by providing ongoing support in teaching practices that are grounded in research and the use of academic technology, which is a vital component of the contemporary educational experience. It is a place where faculty can receive one-onone support such as peer review of materials, peer observations, and mentoring, as well as small group support and campus-wide programming. On a fundamental level, our goal is to provide the environment and resources that allow faculty to thrive at Norwich. 3
