KISS Method - or how not to hate everything about course design

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received when I began teaching was this: KISS. But, I didn't really like it when I first heard it because surely simple was bad, simple was lazy, simple showed that I didn't care about my course - right?

No. Simple doesn't mean any of those things. Simple means manageable, it means clarity, it means streamlined. Simple means it's something you can accomplish, and accomplish well. It's how you thrive as an instructor, as a student, as a curriculum designer. It's showing finesse in what you do. In the words of Coco Chanel: Take one thing off before leaving the house.

As I think about the participants in this program, I'm reminded of KISS because there is an urge to overindulge in "newness", in trying new things.

Newness isn't bad. Trying new things isn't bad.

Here's my urge, maybe my challenge: PICK ONE.

Only one. One thing to try. One assignment to redesign. One instructional delivery method. Maybe even, one lecture. Just one.

It's not impossible. It's vital. 

It will force you to focus. Force you to identify the most important, most vital, most in need of attention element of your course. Maybe you focus some other way. Maybe you focus by choosing something you know you can handle during a busy fall semester. However you chose, the important part is to chose. 

Remember: