First year Academic Experience (FYAE)

Positive first year academic experiences are crucial to student success and student retention. In 2015, the Centre for Teaching and Learning embarked on a collaborative project to develop a deeper understanding of the first-year academic experience at Trent. Based on recommendations from this study, we have complied a series of resources that can support quality first year instruction and to support the student experience within the classroom.

As a starting point, let’s take a look at the work of Chickering and Gamson. Chickering and Gamson introduced “The Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education” (1987). Decades later, these principals have stood the test of time and are widely accepted as the conceptual framework that best grounds good university teaching (Hanson et al., 2015).

When you think about your first year course, how can you incorporate Chickering and Gamson’s Seven Principals?

The Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education

1. Encourage contact between students and faculty
2. Develop reciprocity and cooperation among students
3. Encourage active learning
4. Give prompt feedback
5. Emphasize time on task
6. Communicate high expectations
7. Respect diverse talents and ways of learning

Now, let’s explore 4 other areas of first year teaching that may be of interest to you.