Backward course design, also known as backward design, is an approach to creating educational curriculum that begins with identifying the desired outcomes and then working backwards to create learning activities and assessments that align with those outcomes. This approach, first introduced by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe in their book "Understanding by Design", is considered to be more effective than traditional course design, which often starts with the selection of content and then tries to fit assessments and activities around it.

As an educational consultant, one common concern I encounter when working with educators is how to best prepare for the start of a new semester. To assist my clients, I often share resources that have proved helpful in the past, such as the pre-semester checklist I used when I was a faculty member at Penn State. If you'd like to receive a free download of this checklist and other valuable educational resources, be sure to sign up for my monthly newsletter. One important item on the checklist is to send a welcoming email to your students. Below is a sample email that I used, which you are welcome to use as a template.

Holding office hours can be a crucial part of being an educator or mentor, as it allows you to be available to your students or mentees for additional support and guidance. Scheduling these meetings can be a challenge, especially if you have a busy schedule or if you work with people in different time zones. This is more common for those who teach online. That's where a scheduling app like Calendly comes in handy.