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Teaching in Higher Ed

Working the Gardens of Our Classrooms

Aug 1, 2024
James Lang, an author and educator known for his innovative teaching practices, shares invaluable insights on educational engagement. He reflects on his transformative journey through health challenges, emphasizing the restorative power of learning. Lang discusses the balance between traditional methods and the emergence of AI in classrooms, urging critical thinking. He also highlights the concept of 'desirable difficulties' to promote student growth, suggesting that writing is a key tool for generating ideas and personal development.
42:21

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • James Lang emphasizes the transformative power of metacognition in learning, as his recovery journey highlighted the importance of self-reflection and awareness in educational contexts.
  • The podcast advocates for balancing traditional teaching methods, like essay assignments, with the integration of AI in higher education to foster critical thinking and engagement.

Deep dives

Navigating Life Changes

James Lang discusses his transition from full-time teaching to a part-time role in academia after retiring early from Assumption University. This shift was not only career-related; it was also spurred by significant health challenges, including a heart condition that led to a heart transplant. The recovery journey was marked by learning to speak and write again after suffering a stroke during surgery, which added layers of complexity to his return to teaching. This experience has given him fresh insights into the nature of learning and resilience, illustrating the profound connection between personal adversity and professional development.

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