ABSTRACT

Teaching at Scale explores the characteristics and parameters of large-scale online learning by identifying, in its perceived drawbacks, a wealth of educational opportunities in disguise. Scalable learning platforms have exploded in popularity over recent years, with MOOCS (massive open online courses), online degree programs, informal learning communities, and alternative credentials all drawing significant enrollments. But, as many educators are asking, are the challenges to delivering education at scale too great and the compromises too many? This book guides instructors to leverage their complex responsibilities—open-ended assessments at scale, individuated feedback to students, academic integrity in less controlled environments, and more—into significant assets. Informed by real-world institutional experience as well as key research in cognitive science and the learning sciences, each chapter provides practical strategies for educators and administrators seeking to solve problems and fulfill the high-quality, broad-access potential of large-scale instruction for lifelong learners.

part I|50 pages

Scale in the Learning Landscape

chapter 1|20 pages

Scale: Promises and Perils

chapter 2|8 pages

Defining Scale

chapter 3|12 pages

The Teaching at Scale Landscape

chapter 4|8 pages

Background in Online Learning

part II|144 pages

Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies

chapter 5|15 pages

Asynchronous Instruction

chapter 6|15 pages

Question Volume

chapter 7|15 pages

Varied Audiences

chapter 8|14 pages

Student Motivation

chapter 9|13 pages

Social Isolation

chapter 10|13 pages

Campus Beyond Classes

chapter 11|15 pages

Consistent Grading

chapter 12|13 pages

Qualitative Feedback

chapter 13|15 pages

Academic Integrity

chapter 14|14 pages

Edge Cases

part III|50 pages

Principles for Teaching at Scale

chapter 15|8 pages

Frontload and Invest

chapter 16|8 pages

Reuse to Reinvest

chapter 17|8 pages

Centralize and Specialize

chapter 18|8 pages

Leverage Scale to Address Scale

chapter 19|8 pages

Leverage the Diversity of Scale

chapter 20|8 pages

Emphasize Lifelong Learning for All