Course Development Institute

2025 Foundational Course Development Institute for Active Learning

Twenty-one people stand in three rows in a classroom. They are in front of two screens showing the Foundational CDI Map.Photo Caption: The Summer 2024 Cohort of the Foundational Course Development Institute.

As part of Provost Rahul Shrivastav’s commitment to active learning, the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) will be offering the 2025 Foundational Course Development Institute for Active Learning.

Looking to revamp your course or build something brand new? Wanting to partake in and learn new active learning strategies while developing a course? The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning’s 2025 Foundational Course Development Institute (CDI) is your chance to design an engaging, student-centered course with expert guidance and a supportive community of peers! The CDI will take place May 12–16, 2025, on the Bloomington campus, with sessions held daily from 9 AM – 12 PM.

Seven people sit at three different tables, facing their left. Many of them are laughing. Photo Caption: CDI participants engage in a group discussion. From left – right: Ayman Elbarbary (World Languages and Cultures), Joseph Coleman (Journalism, Media School), Nicole Bennett (School of Public and Environmental Affairs), Stacey Dunham (Anatomy), Kim Jenkins (Groups Scholars Program), Jenny El-Shamy (Informatics, Luddy), and Thomas Youle (Business Economics and Public Policy, Kelley).

Over five interactive morning sessions, you’ll dive into course design! Through collaborative activities, guided discussions, and active learning strategies, participants will engage in the fundamental phases of course design, receiving structured feedback from colleagues in interdisciplinary teams along the way.

By the end of the week, participants will walk away with:

  • Clearly defined and meaningful course goals and learning outcomes that promote student engagement and success.
  • A major final assignment that aligns with course objectives.
  • A plan for incorporating active learning strategies that keep students engaged.
  • A structured sequence of assignments that supports skill-building and mastery.
  • A strong foundation for your syllabus that communicates course expectations and learning goals effectively.

Six people sitting at three different tables face and listen to Jenny, while she talks with both hands slightly raised. Photo Caption: CDI participants engage in a group discussion. From left-right: Joseph Coleman (Journalism, Media School), Broc Pittsford (Operations and Decision Technologies, Kelley), Ayman Elbarbary (World Languages and Cultures), Abigail Rawleigh (English), Jenny El-Shamy (Informatics, Luddy), Katie Silvester (English), and Thomas Youle (Business Economics and Public Policy, Kelley).

This is an intensive, high-impact experience, requiring approximately 40 hours of engagement over the week, including Institute sessions and independent work. You’ll have the support of institute facilitators and a multidisciplinary community of colleagues who share your passion for teaching. Furthermore, Provost Rahul Shrivastav is awarding faculty participants a stipend of $1,500 upon completion of the institute. Graduate students and staff are welcome to apply, but will not receive a stipend and priority will be given to faculty participants.

Ready to join us? To apply, submit your application by Monday, April 28, 2025, at 9 AM ET. Applicants will be notified of their status by May 2, 2025.

For questions, contact the facilitators: