SUMMER ACT
Addressing Challenges in Teaching


Each summer, we invite you to join us for ACT, as we form communities to address common challenges in undergraduate education such as academic support for students, building meaningful group work, responding to the rise of Al, and exploring novel grading strategies. Educators at all stages of their academic career are welcome to join us as we meet new colleagues while we explore, reflect upon, learn, and deepen our teaching practices.
NIST ACT
SUMMER PROGRAM
2026 Topics
Group Work
Developing critical thinking skills for today's student
Teaching with others (team-teaching, multi-section, TAs, LAs)
Grading Strategies
Universal Design or Bridging the Gap to Teach Students with Variable Skills
AI Literacy for
Faculty and Students
AI as a Teaching Assistant
Designing Assignments for an AI-Enabled Environment
Building Student Ownership of the Learning Experience
AI and Assessment Alignment
Academic Integrity in the Age of AI

ACT
Each summer, the National Institute on Scientific Teaching hosts a flexible, small group learning event: Addressing Challenges in Teaching (ACT). We invite you to join us as we form new communities to address common challenges in undergraduate education, such as academic support for students, building meaningful group work, responding to the rise of AI, and exploring novel grading strategies. Educators at all stages of their academic career are welcome to join us as we meet new colleagues while we explore, reflect upon, learn, and deepen our teaching practices.The ACT program involves the establishment of small groups formed around themes chosen by participants during registration. The program will begin with an opening session on July 14. Groups will then work together to schedule 5 to 6 meetings over the following 3 weeks to discuss the teaching challenge, develop strategies to address this challenge, and produce materials that will be useful to their own teaching practice. These products will be shared at the closing session in late July. An experienced coordinator will help guide each group as they work to find a deeper understanding of how to meet their challenge using the three pillars of the Scientific Teaching Framework (Active Learning, Inclusivity, Assessment). Participants will also reconnect as a community at a January meeting to reflect on their implementation and future plans.Join a flexible, collaborative program to address challenges in teaching this summer.
The Committee
Get to know the dedicated educators behind the scenes! The ACT Committee is a passionate group of faculty and staff who design the summer experience, curating sessions, fostering community, and ensuring every moment supports your growth as a scientific educator. They're here to guide, support, and inspire you throughout the program.







