Dr. Mary-Ann Winkelmes defines Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) as, “an educational framework for engaging [instructors] and students in communicating together about how students are learning, how they can apply their learning in real-world situations in their lives after college, and why instructors manipulate the students’ learning experiences in the specific ways they choose.”
TILT is not a pedagogical philosophy, so much as a framework to articulate with students precisely why they’re being asked to engage in their learning in a specific way.
Why might TILT be important?
Using a TILT framework can promote equity, foster metacognition, and improve clarity. Making expectations explicit helps remove any guesswork around assignment or participation requirements. Explicit expectations can also encourage students to become more aware of their own learning processes. In turn, leveraging a TILT framework can result in a stronger sense of student belonging and increased confidence in their academic abilities. When students have a clearly articulated sense of what is expected of them, they can feel more equipped to engage in their coursework more effectively. If you’re interested in using the TILT framework in your own courses, please feel free to reach out to your Office of TEI liaison.
Here are some additional resources on TILT if you’re interested in learning more:
- About TILT
- TITL FAQ
- TILT Example and Resources
- Integrating Transparency in Teaching and Learning: An effective tool for providing equitable opportunity in higher education