University of Georgia

Active learning strategies involve students constructing knowledge and understanding by engaging them in the learning process through activities that promote higher-order thinking. An abundance of research studies on the effectiveness of active learning in the college classroom point to improved student engagement, long-term retention of course content, improved competencies, and high course grades.

The Active Learning Course Redesign Blitz (CRB) program is designed to support instructors who have gained essential knowledge from the Active Learning Workshop Series to incorporate robust active learning practices into a target course during a week-long course redesign process. Along with the Active Learning Summer Institute (ALSI), completing the CRB program leads to UGA’s Active Learning Leader Certificate, advancing university-wide adoption of active learning.

Applications for CRB are currently closed.

Eligibility

The CRB program is open to full-time faculty of all ranks. Instructors who satisfy one or both of the following prerequisites are eligible to apply for the CRB program:

  • Completion of a minimum of eight workshops from the Active Learning Workshop Series (all four Fundamental workshops and four Special Topics workshops of your choice) by the end of the Fall semester of the application year; and/or
  • Prior completion of the Active Learning Summer Institute. Candidates who have previously completed the Active Learning Summer Institute are invited to submit a proposal to redesign another course using active learning pedagogy.

Program Expectations

The CRB offers instructors a supported course redesign process, including workshop sessions and structured work time, consultative support from CTL faculty, and collegial support from cohort members as participants engage in active learning course redesign work over the week.

Participants in the program will be expected to:
✔ Attend all scheduled sessions and workshops (occurring December 14-17, as noted in the Program Schedule Overview);
✔ Complete course redesign work started during the CRB program, for implementation in the following spring semester or the subsequent academic year;
✔ Complete pre- and post-assessment surveys about current teaching practices and turn in existing course artifacts (e.g., syllabus) before and after participation in the CRB program;
✔ Submit draft course artifacts by designated deadlines during the CRB program, in line with work done during the program;
✔ Meet with your designated CTL consultant in Spring and/or Summer 2027, at least once before the first day of your redesign course, and once more between the end of the first implementation and the start of the second implementation;
✔ Schedule a Mid-Semester Formative Evaluation with the CTL in the first semester of implementation of the course redesign;
✔ Engage in assessment of the effectiveness of your course redesign, in ways discussed during the Course Redesign Blitz.
Upon successful completion of the CRB program, instructors will receive a $2,000 stipend, eligible for use as summer salary or operating expenses.

Program Schedule Overview

A detailed schedule of the program can be found here.

2026 CRB Call for Application

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:
1. Scope of course redesign:
Consider the extent to which the proposed course will be redesigned with active learning. Highlight specific changes in course structure, teaching approach, and any existing challenges related to this transformation.
2. Anticipated impacts:
The expected impacts of the proposed course redesign on both instructors and students. This includes, but is not limited to, enrollment numbers, curricula or pedagogical development, and student development of knowledge and skills.
3. Sustainability:
Evidence that the adoption of active learning and evidence-based teaching practices will likely continue beyond the program duration.
4. Readiness and commitment:
Applicants’ readiness and availability to actively participate throughout the course redesign process during the week of December 14-18. This involves attending all sessions and completing course redesign action items between meetings, with implementation planned for the following spring semester or subsequent academic year.
5. Alignment with other University initiatives:
Consider the proposed course redesign aligned with broader university initiatives. This encompasses the redesign of gateway courses (i.e., introductory courses or a prerequisite), general education courses, major requirements, and multidisciplinary studies. Focus on improvements that bolster student competencies in writing and communication skills.

Timeline & Selection Process

To apply to the CRB program, applicants will submit the following:

  • Your responses to a set of application questions (a Word template containing these questions is provided at the top of the application form).
  • Confirmation of teaching the proposed courses in the Spring 2027 or the academic year 2027-2028.
  • Commitment to meeting the expectations, if accepted into the CRB program.
  • A support letter from your dean, associate dean, or department head (a Word template for this support letter is provided in the form).

For further information, contact Ching-Yu Huang, Associate Director for Active Learning Initiatives, at [email protected].