TEACHxperts
A speaker series sponsored by TEACHx
TEACHxperts is a speaker series for Northwestern instructors featuring experts in teaching and learning with technology. Join us to learn more about topics that spark new pedagogical experiments in your class!
Join Our Upcoming Events
Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Speakers: Yiji Zhang, Mindy Thorpe, and Danielle Gilbert
Alternative Assessment in Practice: Seven Voices of Experience
Date: Thursday, October 9
Time: 11:00 a.m. - noon
Speakers: Veronica Berns (WCAS Chemistry), Ordel Brown (McCormick Office of Undergraduate Engineering), Lisa Del Torto (WCAS Writing), Meaghan Fritz (WCAS Writing), Katie Gesmundo (WCAS Chemistry), Chris Riesbeck (McCormick Computer Science), Kiki Zissimopoulos (McCormick Office of Undergraduate Engineering)
Join us for a session featuring seven WCAS and McCormick faculty who have implemented alternative assessment methods across a wide range of courses—from lab-based STEM classes and writing seminars to computer programming and hands-on design. Presenters will share their approaches, the principles guiding their work, and the outcomes they have achieved through practices such as specifications grading, feedback-driven assessment, engagement-based grading, and reflection and self-assessment.
The session will also introduce a new mentoring initiative, launching in Winter Quarter 2026, designed to support a faculty community of practice in advancing innovative assessment and pedagogy. Participants will leave with a digital packet of resources to help them explore and adapt alternative assessment strategies in their own courses.