Technical Support Contacts

1. AV Support: Audiovisual Hotline: (617) 998-8595, brattlemedia@extension.harvard.edu 

2. Immediate Tech Support: Help Desk: (617) 998-8571, academictechnology@dce.harvard.edu

3. Classroom Production: production@extension.harvard.edu  

Why Adapt to Course Format?

1. Small Seminars (less than 30 students)

Use peer feedback, case discussion, jigsaw, or shared whiteboard activities.

2. Mid-Sized Courses (30–70 students)

Use think-pair-share, problem solving, rotating stations, or gallery-style sharing.

3. Large Lectures (more than 70 students)

Use same-row discussion, pair reflections, polling, or small-group summaries.

4. Short Sections and Labs (1 hour or less)

Choose one structured cycle (e.g., pair activity + quick report-out).

5. Longer Classes (2–3 hours)

Combine multiple techniques: small groups, movement, synthesis, reflection.

6. Tiered Lecture Halls

Group students by proximity. Use verbal reporting, mini-debates, or shared prompts.

7. Movable Furniture or Flexible Classrooms

Maximize engagement through rotations, stations, or team-based tasks.

Strategies and Steps for Implementation 

1. Think-Pair-Share

1. Use When: You want quick engagement, peer reflection, and broad participation in any class size or room layout.

   1. Materials:

      1. Printed prompts or reflection questions

      2. Blank index cards or sticky notes for silent thinking

      3. Whiteboard or chalkboard to list shared ideas

2. Peer Interview

1. Use When: You want to build community, compare perspectives, or prompt students to articulate their understanding.

2. Materials:

   1. Interview question handouts or worksheets

   2. Notetaking templates

   3. Chairs arranged in pairs or concentric circles

3. Case Discussion

1. Use When: You want students to analyze real or hypothetical scenarios, apply theory, and engage in problem-based learning.

2. Materials:

   1. Printed case study handouts or reading excerpts

   2. Discussion guides with key questions

   3. Chart paper or whiteboards for summarizing takeaways

4. Problem Solving

1. Use When: You want groups to work through tasks, equations, data sets, or applied challenges together.

2. Materials:

   1. Problem set handouts or visual prompts

   2. Whiteboards, chalkboards, or easel pads for solution steps

   3. Scratch paper and markers for group work

5. Jigsaw

1. Use When: You want students to master specific content in expert groups and teach others in peer groups.

2. Materials:

   1. Color-coded content packets for expert groups

   2. Note-taking templates or role sheets

   3. Clear group reshuffling plan and timing cues

6. Gallery Walk

1. Use When: You want students to share work visually, analyze peer contributions, and move around the room

2. Materials:

   1. Easels with poster paper or large sticky notes

   2. Whiteboards or open wall space.

   3. Sticky notes for peer comments or reflection worksheets

   4. Guiding questions printed for each station

Instructor Planning Guide

1. Set a Goal: What should students learn or do?

2. Plan Setup: Match to class size, time, and room and choose group size and roles

3. Prepare Materials: Print prompts or handouts, set up boards, markers, paper, and post instructions

4. Facilitate: Explain task and time, circulate and support, and manage transitions

5. Wrap Up: Groups share or post work, quick debrief, and reflect for next time

Instructor Checklist

• I chose an activity that matches my learning goals and course format. 

• I planned group size, roles, and how students will be grouped. 

• I prepared all materials and made instructions clear and visible. 

• I explained the task and timing to students and managed timing and transitions. 

• I supported groups and monitored engagement during the activity. 

• I gave students a chance to share or post their work.

• I led a brief debrief to connect the activity to course goals. 

• I noted what worked well and what to adjust next time. 

Resource

Course Delivery: Considerations for Your Online and Face-to-Face Delivery Format (Faculty Focus)