Transparency in Learning and Teaching
What is TILT?
The Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) framework was developed by Mary-Ann Winkelmes, PhD and others from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Transparency in learning and teaching aims at improving the quality of higher education experience for both the faculty and students.
“Transparent teaching and learning strategies aim to give all students a fair chance to succeed. They make the hows and whys of the learning process more intelligible to all students and how they will use that learning in their lives after college, because teachers and students discuss the rationale for a course’s teaching and learning strategies explicitly, as part of the course.”
— Mary-Ann Winkelmes, Ph.D
What are the Benefits from Implementing this Framework?
Enhances students’ success, especially that of first-gen, low-income, and underrepresented
students.
Reported gains in three areas that are important success predictors:
- Academic confidence
- Sense of belonging
- Employee-valued skills (e.g., making connections across content; writing skills)
Winkelmes, M. A., Bernacki, M., Butler, J., Zochowski, M., Golanics, J., & Weavil, K. H.(2016). A teaching intervention that increases underserved college students’ success. Peer Review, Winter/Spring.
What Makes an Assignment Transparent?
Purpose articulated. What knowledge will students gain from this assignment? What skills will the students practice?
Task defined. Students know what to do and how to do it.
Criteria clear. Students have access to a checklist, rubric, or examples of excellence.
Watch as Dr. Julie Estis introduces the Transparency In Learning and Teaching (TILT) framework in this brief video.