Touchstones’ student-centered discussion courses actively foster student engagement, habits of lifelong learning, reflective thinking, and greater self-awareness. Our curricula are research-based and grounded in best practices.

Touchstones teaches students through interactive practice to work cooperatively, explore what it means to grow intellectually, and chart their roles and responsibilities as individuals and leaders in a civil society. These are the cornerstones of success in school, work, and life.

Photograph credit: Becca Shwartz UNLV


HIGHER ED PROGRAMS

Our higher ed partners include administrators and educators in public and private colleges and universities, community colleges, graduate and post-doc programs, and schools of education. Touchstones programs are designed to support learning in higher ed by engaging each student individually and as a member of a community. From bridge programs to educational research, Touchstones is here to help you achieve your professional and institutional goals.

Check out what students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas have to say about their Touchstones seminar classes!


PROFFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Touchstones staff is expert in training educators to achieve optimal outcomes in their instructional settings. Our workshops range from introductory experiences to intensive trainings that enhance your pedagogy to foster greater student engagement and growth. We work remotely and in-person, depending on your needs. Bring your teaching and learning skills to the next level with Touchstones!

What are professors saying about Touchstones in higher ed?

“After reflecting on how much I have grown this semester, I’ve concluded that Touchstones discussions have been among the most impactful in shaping my views and mindset this year. The open-mindedness and social skills fostered through this activity have been monumental in improving my ability to communicate with others. I love what I have gained through Touchstones discussions.”

UNLV second-year seminar student 2024

“There is no doubt in my mind that the participants in these discussions carry these memories throughout their lives. They become changed in fundamental ways–the way they see themselves and others, their understanding of the power of texts and the joy of being given the opportunity to struggle to express themselves and discover what they believe. I’ve seen it over and over and I have found Touchstones to be the most powerful and effective means of teaching, oh, almost everything.”

J. Davis, University of Pittsburgh, College of Education, Pittsburgh Public Schools (retired)

“During Touchstones they (students) felt listened to, cared about, and respectful of both teachers and peers. They were eager to participate. As one student said, ‘The best part is the sense of achievement. You get to say something that’s coming from inside of you!’”

Education researcher, University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education

“I love Touchstones because it’s helped my student veterans gain important listening skills and provided them with an opportunity to discuss their experiences with other veterans, military-affiliated students, and civilians. I also love Touchstones for the sense of community and belonging it gives.”

N. Slife, Assistant Professor in Residence, Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education, UNLV College of Education

“No, I am not hallucinating, and I’m certainly not bragging. Like a lot of us, I have mostly agonized over how to lead whole class discussions on readings, to get more than 4 or 5 regulars to carry the conversation, to deal with the student who whispers and the one who doesn’t know how to release a hold on the floor. To get students to probe a text collaboratively. To enable them to claim a place in college discussions.”

For me, the solution has been Touchstones’ methods and materials,

M. Bronstein, Professor and Chair, Montgomery College, MD

REVIEW TEXTBOOKS

In Touchstones, every student learns and practices discussion skills to listen actively to others and formulate thoughtful responses that advance individual and shared growth and understanding. In each Touchstones class, communication, thinking, and leadership skills are explicitly taught and systematically strengthened over time. With discussion as an engaging and dynamic process to strengthen essential skills, students increasingly chart their own paths as participatory individuals and members in a community of learners.