The Core Principles of Quality Teaching provide a shared foundation for effective instruction across all teaching formats at USC. Developed by the Provost’s Quality of Teaching Committee, these seven principles reflect evidence-based practices that support student learning and instructional improvement. 

The principles include: 

• Communicate High Expectations by making learning goals clear and helping students understand how to meet them 
• Create a Supportive and Productive Learning Environment that is inclusive, well-structured, and responsive to student needs 
• Engage Students with Active Learning through discussion, reflection, problem solving, and meaningful application 
• Provide Timely and Constructive Feedback that helps students understand their progress and take next steps 
• Design an Effective and Well-Organized Course with aligned outcomes, assessments, and learning activities 
• Commit to Continuous Improvement by using student feedback and course data to reflect on and refine instruction 
• Demonstrate Deep Content Knowledge while supporting student understanding through thoughtful course design and communication 

The Core Principles respond to a key recommendation in the committee’s December 2024 report:: to establish a consistent definition of quality teaching that guides instructional support and evaluation. The Core Principles guide the structure and focus of CTE consultations, classroom observations, course reviews, and a Quality Teaching course for new faculty. They also align with the High-Impact Design for Online Courses (HIDOC) model and support broader efforts to enhance teaching effectiveness. 

Educators are encouraged to review the Core Principles and consider how they can inform their instructional planning and self-reflection.