UNM Framework for Teaching and Learning Success

Introduction

The University of New Mexico is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, innovative, and impactful learning environment. This Framework for Teaching and Learning Success at UNM is a collaborative resource designed to enhance teaching, inspire growth, and provide structured guidance for professional development for educators, students, and staff. Developed by the Faculty Senate Teaching Excellence Committee, this framework highlights key teaching and learning principles at UNM. Rooted in educational research and informed by peer institutions, it offers evidence-based strategies and practical guidance aligned with UNM’s mission, values, and 2040 goals.

Purpose

This framework serves as a practical tool for strengthening and expanding educational experiences at UNM. By incorporating proven methodologies and best practices, it fosters active participation and continuous improvement in teaching and learning. It also reinforces UNM’s commitment to supporting and celebrating educators in their pursuit of teaching excellence. The Faculty Senate Teaching Excellence Committee identified seven principles based on extensive research about teaching excellence and well-established teaching principles.

For a visual representation of these principles and their connections, we present them as a constellation shaped like a Lobo calling out to the pack. The Lobo constellation illustrates how the seven principles work together to support UNM educators and learners. No single star forms a constellation, and no single principle alone defines excellent teaching and learning. Each star is important, but together they form a larger picture that unites all Lobos in a shared mission. Wherever you are on your journey, we are all part of the same constellation shaping UNM’s learning community.

Shape the Future of Teaching and Learning at UNM

Educational excellence thrives through collaboration. We are grateful to the Faculty Senate for endorsing this Framework and invite the entire UNM community to help advance it through these actions:

  • Compile concrete examples that help educators and learners understand and apply the framework.
  • Organize professional development opportunities so educators can easily identify offerings aligned with the framework and describe their own work in relation to it.
  • Create clear, well-designed documents that make the framework accessible and highlight its value across campus.

Engage in Active and Relevant Learning

Engage in learning that includes local, national, and international perspectives, enriching understanding and encouraging deeper participation. Connecting education to students’ real-life experiences and actively involving them in the learning process creates a more vibrant and meaningful environment for both students and teachers. 

Educator Actions

Learner Actions

Administrative Actions

Design interactive activities that engage students in applying concepts.

Select resources that reflect students lived experiences to deepen relevance.

Value and integrate knowledge students bring from their homes and communities.

Participate actively with peers and instructor.

Engage with perspectives from local, national, and global contexts.

Share personal knowledge and experiences.

Provide sustained professional development in active and participatory teaching methods.

Foster interdisciplinary collaboration to broaden perspectives and enrich curriculum.

Acknowledge and support multiple knowledge systems as integral to teaching and learning.

Foster Open Communication and Assessment

Transparent communication and timely, thoughtful feedback clarify expectations, supports learning, and provides opportunities for growth. A shared understanding between educators, learners, and administrators nurtures trust and academic success. 

Educator Actions

Learner Actions

Administrative Actions

Communicate expectations and grading criteria clearly.

Provide timely feedback and respond promptly to questions.

Hold regular, accessible drop-in or office hours.

Align work with course expectations.

Ask questions and seek clarification when needed.

Reflect on and apply feedback to improve.

Encourage adoption and use of clear syllabi, regular grading feedback, and LMS use.

Foster open communication across the learning community.

Promote trust-building through active listening and clear feedback channels.

Embrace a Culture of Growth

A growth mindset, which includes adaptability and resilience, benefits students, educators, and administrators by encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning, while fostering an environment where challenges can become opportunities.

Educator Actions

Learner Actions

Administrative Actions

Set clear expectations and meet students where they are.

Use growth-mindset language.

Encourage curiosity and a willingness to explore.

Embrace challenges.

Try varied strategies to discover what works.

Approach learning with curiosity and cultivate lifelong learning habits.

Champion formal and informal professional development in curriculum and instruction.

Welcome innovation, experimentation, and reflection.

Model a culture of growth and foster continuous improvement. Support processes, such as program assessment and review, that contribute to this culture.

Cultivate Community

A sense of community enhances motivation, engagement, and collaboration. Students, educators, and administrators contribute to a supportive and welcoming learning environment by fostering connections.

Educator Actions

Learner Actions

Administrative Actions

Build trust and mutual respect.

Encourage student collaboration.

Create classroom practices that support student and educator well-being.

Foster a positive classroom culture.

Work respectfully with peers.

Contribute to a respectful class environment that provides dignity to all learners.

Encourage communities of practice around teaching.

Advocate for the engagement and participation of all students.

Promote connection and belonging across learning communities.

Integrate Research-Centered and Experiential Learning

Integrating research-centered, community-engaged, inquiry-based, or experiential learning in coursework deepens understanding and cultivates skills that translate to real-world contexts. These practices help students develop critical thinking, creativity, and engagement with the world beyond the classroom. 

Educator Actions

Learner Actions

Administrative Actions

Promote inquiry and critical thinking.

Use experiential strategies aligned to students’ goals.

Integrate research and real-world problems into assignments.

Engage in inquiry and problem solving.

Connect coursework to real-world goals through internships, research, or community engagement.

Reflect on experiences and articulate the skills gained.

Support and scale experiential learning.

Support the recognition of faculty who integrate research and other high-impact practices.

Build community and industry partnerships.

Support the Potential of All Learners

Understanding the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico helps students, faculty, and administrators advance UNM’s mission to serve both local and global communities. Supporting the potential of all learners encourages us to value different experiences and perspectives, leading to deeper discussions and increased knowledge. 

Educator Actions

Learner Actions

Administrative Actions

Include a range of perspectives so students both understand others’ experiences and reflect on their own.

Design learning experiences that are accessible to all students.

Select classroom resources that are accessible and affordable.

Respect others’ experiences and perspectives.

Challenge differing ideas with civility and openness.

Acknowledge and value everyone’s contributions.

Champion actions that advance UNM’s mission to serve local and global communities.

Provide faculty with professional development to help all learners reach their potential.

Support curriculum design that broadens access and promotes student success.

Practice Reflection and Continuous Improvement

Reflection supports learning and growth by helping individuals and institutions understand impact and adjust strategies. Ongoing self-reflection and making changes to support improvement enhance teaching, learning, and organizational excellence.

Educator Actions

Learner Actions

Administrative Actions

Reflect on pedagogy and use assessment results to guide instructional improvements.

Seek and act on student and peer feedback.

Build structured opportunities for student reflection into coursework.

 

Think about your own learning process. What works and what could be improved?

Ask for and use feedback to improve.

Adjust your approaches as needed to improve your learning and strengthen your self-awareness.

Assure continuous improvement processes of program assessment, academic program review, and affirmation of accreditation.

Include student and faculty voices in reflective processes.

Promote meaningful feedback and celebrate improvement.