Teaching at CNC involves creating meaningful and engaging learning experiences that align with institutional priorities and meet the needs of diverse learners. While Curriculum Development focuses on preparing the foundational components of your course—such as syllabi, learning materials, and assessment frameworks—Design & Delivery is about the direct application of those foundations to your daily teaching. 

Actionable strategies and resources are available to help faculty create dynamic learning experiences that adapt to the diverse needs of students at CNC. Whether you want to explore the different teaching modalities at CNC, develop a lesson plan that resonates with your students, or enhance your classroom culture, this page is designed to provide practical next steps, tools, and resources to help you go deeper and connect you with the right people at the CTL. By focusing on what happens in the classroom, we aim to support your journey in delivering impactful and engaging instruction. 

Learning Modalities 

The choice of learning modality significantly impacts the teaching and learning experience. Understanding the strengths and challenges of each modality ensures you can make informed decisions to maximize engagement and learning outcomes. 

Learning occurs independently and without real-time interaction. Students access materials and complete activities at their own pace, allowing for flexibility but requiring strong self-regulation and clear instructions.

Involves real-time interaction between instructors and students, whether in person or online. This format fosters immediate feedback and collaboration but requires effective time management and active facilitation.

Traditional classroom-based teaching that allows for rich, direct interaction. It emphasizes relational teaching and hands-on activities but may limit flexibility for remote learners. Face-to-face learning is held synchronously.

Fully virtual learning, where all materials and interactions occur in a digital space. This modality requires well-organized content and tools that support engagement, such as discussion forums and video conferencing. Online learning can be either asynchronous or synchronous.

Combines simultaneous face-to-face and online learning, giving students the choice to attend both in person or online. While it offers maximum flexibility, it requires careful planning to ensure both the face-to-face and online environments offer equitable learning experiences. HyFlex learning is held synchronously unless an individual instructor has included an asynchronous pathway.

A blend of in-person and online components, designed intentionally to integrate both formats. This modality supports varied learning needs and leverages the strengths of both environments. Hybrid learning is held synchronously unless an individual instructor has included an asynchronous pathway.

Lesson Planning 

Lesson planning transforms course-level design into actionable and engaging classroom experiences. It involves organizing content, learning activities, and assessments in alignment with the Course Map. 

This involves breaking down overarching course outcomes into smaller, actionable module or unit outcomes that provide the focus for a single lesson or series of lessons. These refined outcomes guide the selection of activities and assessments. Drafting lesson outcomes could be part of the Course Mapping process.

Start with the end in mind by focusing on desired learning outcomes and planning lessons to achieve them. This approach ensures alignment between learning outcomes, assessments, and learning activities.

Incorporate activities where students actively engage with the material, collaborate with peers, and contribute to their own learning process. Strategies like group discussions and problem-solving tasks make learning more interactive and meaningful.

Classroom Culture 

Classroom culture is the environment and relationships you create within your teaching space. A positive culture is critical for fostering student engagement, inclusivity, and academic success. 

Cultivate a sense of inclusion by acknowledging diverse student backgrounds and creating a welcoming environment. Practices such as learning students' names and integrating culturally responsive content can strengthen belonging. Belonging is one of the desired results of using Inclusive Pedagogy.

Design activities that encourage teamwork and peer-to-peer interaction. Collaboration builds critical thinking skills and helps students develop interpersonal competencies essential for real-world success.

Establish mutual respect by setting clear expectations for behaviour and communication. Encourage a classroom dialogue where differing viewpoints are valued and all voices are heard.

Next Steps

Dig Deeper

Browse the Design & Delivery Resources folder in SharePoint for more in-depth tools and information on more advanced teaching strategies, integrating participatory learning, and enhancing your classroom culture.

Read About It

Read the CTL Blog posts on Design & Delivery for personal insights and responses from the CTL team on this important topic impacting education.

Learn More

Visit the CTL PD on Demand Moodle shell for on-demand PD offerings on Design & Delivery.

Request Help

Need tailored support? Schedule a one-on-one consultation with a CTL member to discuss your teaching practice and receive personalized advice.

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