Becoming an excellent teacher is a continuing, life-long challenge.  The identification and sharing of proven teaching techniques contributes to teaching improvement, and, in turn, to increased student learning.  These Best Practices reflect our shared responsibility to define,  document, and collect proven teaching techniques that contribute to increased student learning.  We recognize that good practice in undergraduate education:

• encourages contact between students and faculty,
• develops reciprocity and cooperation among students,
• encourages active learning,
• gives prompt feedback,
• emphasizes time on task,
• communicates high expectations, and
• respects diverse talents and ways of learning.

from Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education at http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/7princip.htm