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LAIC Book Discussion
Small Teaching Online: Applying Learning Science in Online Classes
By: Flower Darby with James M. Lang

Flower Darby is an Associate Director of the Teaching for Learning Center at the University of Missouri. Prior to that, she held roles such as Assistant Dean of Online and Innovative Pedagogies, Director of Teaching for Student Success, and Senior Instructional Designer. She met James Lang, author of the Small Teaching book while working at Northern Arizona University. Darby attended a presentation by James Lang on his book. Darby shared “I believe online classes can be better, and I'm convinced the small teaching approach is a powerful way to help make that happen. So, I introduced myself to Jim that very day”. Following that meeting, the collaboration in writing Small Teaching Online began.
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Schedule:
Part One: Designing for Learning
- Surfacing Backward Design
- Guiding Learning Through Engagement
- Using Media and Technology Tools
Option 1:Tuesday, October 3rd from 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Option 2: Wednesday, October 4th from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Option 3: Thursday, October 5th from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Part Two: Teaching Humans
- Building Community
- Giving Feedback
- Fostering Student Persistence and Success
Option 1: Tuesday, October 24th from 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Option 2: Wednesday, October 25th from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Option 3: Thursday, October 26th from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Part Three: Motivating Online Students (and Instructors)
- Creating Autonomy
- Making Connections
- Developing as an Online Instructor
Option 1: Tuesday, November 14th from 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Option 2: Wednesday, November 15th from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Option 3: Thursday, November 16th from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Related resources
- Small Teaching Online - In an interview with Inside Higher Ed, Flower Darby shared how she met James Lang and they decided to embark on a Small Teaching book for online course instructors.