2.2.1 How well did the instructor help you understand course concepts?

Why this teaching practice matters:

• Research has shown a strong relationship between student success and a teacher’s ability to translate difficult concepts into ways students can understand. [1, 4, 11]
• This principle is emphasized in widely used teaching quality frameworks. [10, 13, 15]
• Helping students understand course concepts is central to effective teaching. When instructors clearly explain ideas, connect new concepts to prior knowledge, and address misunderstandings, students are better able to apply what they learn and build deeper understanding over time.

Student examples of this principle in action:

• “The professor tested my knowledge by asking me to explain a concept. I was not confident, but they assured me this was the best way to learn it. I taught what I could, and they explained the gaps. I learned this concept faster than any previous ones.”
• “I was able to understand course concepts very well last semester when my instructor gave opportunities to take pre-tests and showed what was wrong on quizzes and tests I did not always do so well on.”
• “I really appreciated it when I got to practice what I learned with my teacher watching and stepping in to help when I absolutely needed it. It was cool to then learn from my mistakes and be better in the future.”
• “The instructor took extra time to explain a concept that many of us were struggling with. Instead of just repeating the information, they broke it down into smaller, real-life examples that made it much easier to understand. They also encouraged questions and didn’t make anyone feel embarrassed for not getting it right away. What helped me most was how patient and clear they were, and how they connected the principle to everyday situations.”

Ways to triangulate your data:

• Review student performance on assignments, especially key assessments of course learning outcomes. Assignments with low scores may indicate areas where students could be better supported in their learning.
• Examine student work for evidence of conceptual understanding. Reviewing a small sample of student work—such as written explanations, problem-solving steps, or applied tasks—can provide insight into how well students are grasping underlying concepts, not just producing correct answers.
• Invite a peer instructor or SCOT to come observe a class session focused on explaining or practicing a key concept.

Ideas for improvement:

• After reviewing assessments where student performance may be low, consider how the activities and resources aligned with the assessment could be improved.
• Consult with or observe other teachers of the course on how they help students learn the challenging concept or skill.
• Consult with a curriculum designer on tools or resources that could support student learning.