Current Educational Research Projects
Current Projects: Shaping the Future of Teaching & Learning
At CITL, our work is grounded in a commitment to inclusive, research-informed, and student-centered education. Our current projects span a wide range of initiatives—each designed to explore, evaluate, and enhance the learning experience at Illinois and beyond.
We collaborate with instructors, departments, and campus partners to support innovation, assessment, and continuous improvement. Here’s a glimpse into the kinds of projects we’re working on:
Course Redesign & Inclusive Pedagogy
We support efforts to redesign courses with a focus on closing achievement gaps, increasing student belonging, and improving learning outcomes—especially in high-enrollment and gateway courses.
Assessment & Evaluation
From program-level assessment to individual course feedback, we help design and implement strategies to evaluate learning, engagement, and instructional effectiveness.
Online & Hybrid Learning Research
Our team investigates best practices in online and hybrid instruction, including student experience, instructional design, and technology-enhanced learning environments.
Human-Centered Design in Instructional Support
In partnership with the Siebel Center for Design, we explore how to apply human-centered design principles to course development, ensuring that learning experiences are accessible, empathetic, and responsive to student needs.
Tool Development & Validation
We create and validate tools to better understand the student, TA, and instructor experience in the classroom. Tools focus on gathering student feedback on the course experience, assessing community and belonging, and assessing course effectiveness.
Interdisciplinary & Experiential Learning
We support the development and assessment of interdisciplinary courses and experiential learning programs that prepare students for real-world challenges.
Learning Environment Assessment
Our research explores how physical and digital learning spaces influence student engagement, performance, and equity.
Literature Reviews & Thought Leadership
We conduct literature reviews and synthesize research to inform campus initiatives and contribute to broader conversations about the future of higher education.
Collaborate With Us
Whether you're exploring a new idea, seeking support for an existing project, or looking to assess the impact of your teaching, CITL is here to help. Our work is collaborative, flexible, and centered around your goals as the instructor.
Contact CITL to learn more or get involved.