The New College Classroom

College still looks like it did a century ago, with instructors delivering lectures to silent rows of students. Yet research shows unambiguously that active learning is more effective and inclusive. The New College Classroom translates the evidence into hands-on guidance for teachers in every discipline and institution, so all students can excel.

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Frederic W. Ness Book Award, American Association of Colleges and Universities
A Forbes Best Higher Education Book

“A practical guide to more effective and engaged college teaching.”—Forbes

“Everyone who teaches (or hopes to teach) college will find this book a provocative and stimulating source of ideas about how to make our classrooms more equitable, participatory and interactive.”—Steven Mintz, Inside Higher Ed

“A pedagogical treasure trove...Required reading for educators who aspire to follow in the footsteps of our predecessors by teaching students not only to navigate the world, but to change it.”—Danica Savonick, Public Books

“A guidebook and a DIY manifesto for change in college teaching...This book can help any instructor striving for just and excellent teaching.”—Margaret Fuller Society

The New College Classroom helps instructors in all disciplines create an environment that is truly conducive to learning. Cathy Davidson and Christina Katopodis, two of the world’s foremost innovators in higher education, translate cutting-edge research in learning science and pedagogy into ready-to-use strategies to incorporate into any course. These empirically driven, classroom-tested techniques of active learning—from the participatory syllabus and ungrading to grab-and-go activities for every day of the term—have achieved impressive results at community colleges and research universities, on campus, online, and in hybrid settings.

Extensive evidence shows that active learning tools are more effective than conventional methods of instruction. Davidson and Katopodis provide detailed case studies of educators successfully applying active learning techniques in their courses every day, ensuring that their students are better prepared for the world after college.