Educators at all levels have raised concerns about growing student disengagement. In this episode, Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson join us to discuss their new book, The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better, which examines the causes of, and possible solutions, to this problem. Rebecca is the Director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings, where she leads global studies on how to better support children’s learning, and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. Jenny is an award-winning journalist who spent over a decade at The New York Times before pioneering coverage on the science of learning at Quartz. She now writes a column on education in Time.  A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.

Peer observation and peer feedback can be useful resources for faculty professional development. In this episode, Anna Logan, Ann Marie Farrell, and Martina Crehan join us to discuss a cross-institutional, cross-disciplinary peer observation process. Anna is an Associate Professor in the School of Inclusive and Special Education and the former Dean of Teaching and Learning at the Institute of Education, Dublin City University. Ann Marie is an Assistant Professor, also in the School of Inclusive and Special Education at Dublin City University. Martina is Head of Teaching Enhancement Unit at Dublin City University. She has over 20 years experience in professional development and as a curriculum innovator. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.

Join Manuela Manetta, an innovative mathematics professor, and Lori Teague, a dynamic choreographer, as they explore the fusion of dance and math education. They discuss how integrating movement into math instruction enhances student engagement and comprehension, breaking down traditional barriers. Their initiative, Mathematics Through Movement, encourages creativity and collaboration, transforming the way students interact with mathematical concepts. Through courses like 'Dancing Dynamical Systems,' students learn to view math as a lively, creative process—bridging math with human connection.

Chris Hromalik, an Assistant Professor at SUNY Oswego and expert in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), shares insights on boosting student motivation by promoting autonomy. He discusses the shift from teacher-centered to learner-centered teaching and highlights practical strategies for fostering inclusivity. Emphasizing goal-setting and self-regulation in education, Chris suggests using diverse assignment formats to enhance engagement. He also addresses the integration of AI tools, advocating for manageable changes to encourage ethical use in classrooms.

There has been a consistent downward trend in the amount of time college students spend reading and completing assignments outside of class. In this episode, Betsy Barre joins us to discuss some strategies that might be used to increase student motivation to engage with assigned coursework. Betsy is an Assistant Provost and the Executive Director of the Center for Advancement of Teaching at Wake Forest University. In 2017 she won, with Justin Esarey, the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education’s Innovation Award for their Course Workload Estimator. Among her many other roles, Betsy is also a Professor in the Department for the Study of Religions. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.

Faculty often have a teaching persona that they bring to the classroom. In this episode, Liz Norell joins us to discuss the benefits of sharing your authentic self with your students. Liz is a political scientist and the Associate Director of Instructional Support at the University of Mississippi Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. She is also the author of The Present Professor: Authenticity and Transformational Teaching. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.

Anna Logan, an award-winning Associate Professor, and Ann Marie Farrell, an esteemed Assistant Professor at Dublin City University, share insights on fostering community in large classrooms. They discuss the unique challenges of engaging students in expansive settings and highlight innovative approaches like co-teaching and Universal Design for Learning. Listeners learn about the importance of empathy, collaboration, and accessibility to enhance learning experiences. Their annual symposium has been pivotal in transforming pedagogical practices in higher education.

In this insightful discussion, Dan Levy, an economist and senior lecturer at Harvard University, and teaching fellow Angela Perez Albertos explore the transformative role of ChatGPT in education. They dive into how AI can personalize learning experiences and support disadvantaged students. The pair also highlight the potential of AI tools in providing faculty feedback and improving active learning. Additionally, they discuss the practical applications of ChatGPT in both educational and professional settings, addressing its impact on job markets and productivity.

Engaging and motivating students starts but doesn’t end with inclusion. In this episode, Bryan Dewsbury joins us to discuss ways of connecting class content to students’ core values to prepare students to productively engage with their communities as we work with our students to make our disciplines more equitable.  Bryan is an Associate Professor of Biology at Florida International University. He is the Principal Investigator of the Science Education and Society research program, an Associate Director of the STEM Transformational Institute where he directs the Division of Transformative Education, and a Fellow in the John N. Gardner Institute. Bryan is also one of the co-authors of The Norton Guide to Equity-Minded Teaching. He is the developer of a free MOOC on Inclusive Teaching, offered through the HHMI Biointeractive and Science and Education Society. Bryan is a highly regarded keynote speaker and workshop leader. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.

Michelle Miller, a Professor of Psychological Sciences and teaching expert, shares her insights on the importance of learning students' names for inclusive education. She discusses evidence-based strategies that help educators remember names, especially in larger classes. The impact of mispronounced names on student identity and engagement is highlighted, alongside techniques that improve connection and retention, including structured icebreakers and technology use. Miller also addresses the nuances of names and pronouns in communication, enhancing inclusivity in classrooms.