Making Education More Accessible and Engaging for Students
Reducing or eliminating material costs for English 110
Aaren Pastor, a passionate post-doctoral researcher in the Department of English at the University of Delaware, is on a mission to make education more accessible and engaging for students. Through her work in English 110, a required course for all University of Delaware students, Pastor has successfully eliminated material costs for students, demonstrating that high-quality education doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Reimagining writing education
Pastor’s journey into open educational resources began with a simple but powerful goal: to explore ways to reduce or eliminate material costs for English 110. Drawing inspiration from the open-access work of writing and composition scholars, Pastor questioned whether the same accessibility could be extended to undergraduate writing seminars. The result was a dynamic and innovative approach to course design that redefined the role of textbooks and class materials.
Collaboration and support
The transition to open resources was a collaborative effort. “My research librarian liaison, Yalonda Green, was amazing,” Pastor said. Green’s expertise provided a wealth of resources, encouraging Pastor to rethink traditional textbook formats. Collaborating with Green also led to a workshop that helped students engage with key rhetorical concepts such as invention, style and memory.
Additional support came from a network of dedicated professionals, including Meg Grotti, Rachel Lapp, instructional designer from Academic Technology Services and Rose Muravchick of the Center of Teaching and Assessment of Learning, who ensured that the transition to a fully accessible course on Canvas was seamless. Their collective effort made reimagining English 110 not only feasible but also remarkably efficient.
Impact on students
Pastor’s work has had a profound impact on students. By eliminating textbook costs, sheremoved a significant financial burden, enabling students to focus entirely on their learning. The innovative and engaging “textbook” used in the course sparked conversations among students about what textbooks can and should be. “Could they be fun and engaging instead of dull and repetitive? Could they contain writing from actual students?” Pastor said.
Encouraging fellow faculty
For faculty considering adopting open educational resources, Pastor’s advice is clear: “The team facilitating and providing resources for this grant is stellar. You’re not left to find resources on your own.” Pastor emphasized the importance of open resources in general education courses, where reducing costs can significantly lower barriers to participation.
Through their dedication and collaboration, Pastor exemplifies how open resources can not only reduce costs but also transform the educational experience, making learning more accessible, engaging and equitable for all students.
For more information on sourcing and using Open Source materials, please contact the library!