Teaching in Higher Ed

Mike Perkins, an associate professor focused on Gen AI policy at British University Vietnam, and Jasper Roe, an assistant professor at Durham University specializing in digital literacies, delve into ethical AI integration in education. They discuss a practical AI assessment scale designed to promote transparency and integrity while fostering open conversations about AI's role. Topics also include tackling biases, enhancing critical thinking, and the decline of AI hallucinations. Together, they advocate for a balanced approach to integrating AI in academic settings.

Tricia Bertram Gallant, an expert in academic integrity, and David Rettinger, a psychology professor specializing in students' behaviors, share insights on fostering integrity in education now that AI is prevalent. They discuss the societal pressures that lead to cheating and emphasize the importance of treating students with dignity, even when addressing mistakes. The duo advocates for innovative assessment methods that prioritize genuine understanding and encourage a supportive environment that nurtures ethical behavior among students.

Therese Huston, a cognitive neuroscientist and faculty development consultant, discusses practical strategies to enhance cognitive function. She highlights the surprising benefits of visualization in boosting productivity and the notable impact of just five minutes of meditation on memory recall. Huston also emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process over the outcome and shares how listening to emotionally resonant music can elevate dopamine levels. Her insights offer valuable tools for educators and anyone looking to keep their brains sharp.

Eileen Camfield, Interim Director at UC Merced and author of *Joy-Centered Pedagogy*, shares insights on how joy can invigorate education. She discusses the impact of pandemic trauma on student engagement and the need for compassion in responses. Eileen advocates for a balance between rigor and joy in learning, showcasing how nurturing relationships can transform traditional practices. She also emphasizes collaboration over competition in education and explores the uplifting effects of music and enjoyable literature in fostering a joyful mindset.

Jamie Moore, a passionate English professor and writer, dives into the transformative power of anger as a pathway to joyful agency. She discusses how emotional vulnerability can enhance classroom connections and challenges the conventional views on anger in education. The conversation highlights the importance of creating supportive learning environments, particularly for students of color, and shares insights on innovative practices like Student Recovery Circles. Moore emphasizes the need for authenticity, imagination, and mutual support to foster deeper ties in educational spaces.

John Warner, an accomplished author of several books on writing, dives into the intricacies of writing in our AI-driven world. He emphasizes the need to distinguish between human writing and AI-generated text, arguing that true expression should be preserved. Warner reflects on personal grief and its transformative power, while critiquing how AI can undermine personalized learning. With a focus on maintaining human connections amidst technological advancements, he champions the unique intelligence of individuals and the essential role of teachers in nurturing it.

Dr. Sunita Sah, an award-winning professor at Cornell University and expert in organizational psychology, discusses the art of defiance and the importance of saying no. She emphasizes that defiance is a skill available to everyone, not just a personality trait. Through personal experiences, she illustrates the societal pressures in academia that make it hard to stand firm. The conversation encourages listeners to act in alignment with their true values, advocating for personal empowerment and authentic living in a world that often demands compliance.

Jesús Campos, a research coordinator and adjunct faculty member with a focus on undocumented students, shares his profound experiences as an undocumented learner. He discusses the complex emotional landscape these students face, including feelings of guilt and the burden of expectations. Campos emphasizes the importance of recognizing each student's unique journey and the need for educators to support them through tailored resources. He advocates for empathy and actionable strategies to empower undocumented students in their pursuit of education.

Stephanie Cawthon shares about her book, Disability Is Human – The Vital Power of Accessibility in Everyday Life, on episode 561 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast. Quotes from the episode We all have disability at one time or another, maybe just not right now. -Stephanie Cawthon I think that there is still a sense of surprise when a request is made for some kind of modification. -Stephanie Cawthon This idea that accommodations and accessibility is coming at some cost to the abled is a false pretense. -Stephanie Cawthon If you receive a whole bunch of feedback and you can’t do anything about it, that just makes you feel bad. -Stephanie Cawthon I was really trying to help us understand our assumptions about disability and accessibility. -Stephanie Cawthon Resources Disability Is Human: The Vital Power of Accessibility in Everyday Life, by Stephanie Cawthon Video: Episode 561 Including American Sign Language Interpretation Disability Is Human: The Vital Power of Accessibility in Everyday Life | The Official Workbook, by Stephanie Cawthon Oakland firestorm of 1991 Kororā – Blue Penguin Colony Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony LIVE Cam – Highlights 17th July 2021 – Oamaru, South Island, NZ from the Urban Wildlife Trust WILDCAMS National Disability Center for Student Success How to Host a Deaf Podcast Guest and Accessibility Guidelines for Media Interviews and Presentations Reflect on Stephanies stories of mentorship The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and How it Matters, by Priya Parker

Simon Cullen, a faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University known for his 'Dangerous Ideas' course, and Nicholas DiBella, a postdoctoral fellow focusing on reasoning and uncertainty, discuss how to empower students to engage in constructive dialogue across differences. They introduce their neutral AI tool, Sway, aimed at fostering respectful discussions around polarizing topics. Cullen emphasizes confronting strong opposing arguments while DiBella highlights the importance of reflection in tough conversations, all aimed at enriching the educational experience.