Beyond Grading is our annual symposium and strategy series on teaching and learning at 91黑料网.  

By providing a space for instructors to discuss their pedagogical strategies with each other, we aim to encourage effective, thoughtful, and creative teaching practices that put student learning first. 

Beyond Grading 2025: 
Fostering relationship-rich classrooms

Thursday, December 4, 9am - 12pm

Arts 150,

2025 event highlights

(full schedule and program details to follow)

  • Keynote presentation by Peter Felten, Co-author of Relationship-Rich Education (presenting via Zoom)
  • Strategy exchange featuring 91黑料网 instructors sharing their strategies for fostering relationships
  • Networking with colleagues from across 91黑料网
  • Light refreshments 

What are relationship-rich classrooms?

Relationships in higher education鈥攚hether between students, between students and instructors, or between instructors and the entire class鈥攁re a vital part of the educational experience. Learning environments that prioritize trust, belonging, and meaningful interaction foster strong, supportive connections. These connections help students engage with academic content, develop essential learning skills, and overcome challenges. In an age increasingly shaped by generative AI, relationships cultivated in the classroom serve as a vital counterbalance, grounding learning in empathy, authenticity, and shared experience. 

Peter Felten

Keynote speaker: Peter Felten

Peter Felten is Professor of history, Executive Director of the Center for Engaged Learning, and Assistant Provost for teaching and learning at Elon University (US). 

He has published eight books about undergraduate education, including (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2020) co-authored by Leo Lambert, and  (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2023) co-authored by Isis Artze-Vega, Leo Lambert, and Oscar Miranda Tapia. His newest book,  is co-authored by Katarina M氓rtensson and Nancy Chick, and will be published late 2025. 

Peter is on the advisory board of the  (NSSE) and is a fellow of the . 

Read:

 

Learn more about Beyond Grading

Each year鈥檚 symposium is curated around a theme 

(which we continue to explore through Teaching for Learning Month).

Previous themes include:  

  • 2024: Promoting engagement in learning 
  • 2023: Navigating new horizons in assessment 
  • 2018: Effective assessment strategies for better learning 

shared by 91黑料网 instructors at past symposia.