Self-assessment is a formative process where students evaluate the quality of their own work. This paper describes a strategy for using student created rubrics as self-assessment tools to increase student engagement. Initially, the instructor models how to identify criteria for mastery in an assignment. This is followed by students in small groups…

In response to ongoing expansion of neoliberal ideology in democratic education, this essay details a classroom experiment that attempts to "redo," or "recraft" democracy. Recrafting democracy, in this context, takes shape in active efforts to compose an agonistic public sphere through a specific kind of "lettering a…

In this paper we provide two concrete examples of class assignments, developed by the authors, which challenge students to think more critically about themselves, their cultural values and beliefs, and the "invisible forces" that shape their perspectives. We include samples from students' work and our reflections to demonstrate the types…

This article outlines a method used to successfully breakthrough student bias surrounding controversial issues in the classroom. The method uses a debate with randomized position assignments to encourage students to consider all sides of the topic. Student feedback is overwhelmingly positive and students appear to develop a newfound respect and…

What began in a library science course as a collection development project serendipitously transformed into varied learning experiences for students across disciplines and program levels. This article shares the journey of how a singular lesson idea blossomed into an unintentional, multidisciplinary project that led to unexpected learning outcomes…

In recognition of various power systems within and surrounding their classrooms, U.S. women's studies instructors have for several decades worked to reconfigure the college classroom as an environment that enables all students to speak, thus creating empowered communities and ultimately inspiring the next generation of leaders. As some of the most…