Andrew Cross and Alyshahn Kara-Virani share about creating interactive experiences and shaping the future of teaching on episode 535 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast. Quotes from the episode A lot of play science comes down to being a safe space to learn from each other, to see how people respond to what you put out there in the world without it being this critical life or death situation. -Andrew Cross People disproportionately remember experiences based on both the peaks and the valleys, and then also the ending experience. -Andrew Cross Encourage students to freely explore the content on their own. Sometimes that’s content, sometimes it’s a physical space. Turn them loose to go off and find something that they find interesting, a little bit of free choice learning. -Andrew Cross Status quo is our enemy too often. -Andrew Cross Resources Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Dr. Stuart Brown The Play Conference by US Play Coalition The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip & Dan Heath Peak–end rule Episode 530 : Lessons from the Road: Share Your Teaching Stories with Dave Stachowiak Episode 527 : Beyond Dichotomous Thinking: Strategies to Enhance Teaching and Learning with Alexis Peirce Caudell The Museum Experience Revisited by John H Falk, Lynn D Dierking Activity-Based Teaching in the Art Museum: Movement, Embodiment, Emotion by Getty Museum The 5 “E”s

Josh Eyler helps us cultivate hope and action beyond grades on episode 534 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast. Quotes from the episode Teachers, instructors, educators at all levels can really work with students to find elements of what we are teaching that those students find individually interesting. -Josh Eyler We can help them learn how to ask questions that are meaningful to them, how to really dig in and find ways that the content becomes meaningful to who they are as people. -Josh Eyler We’re in another period of significant grading reform right now, fueled, I believe, by mass communication and social media. People are now able to connect in ways that in previous eras of grading reform, they were not able to. -Josh Eyler Resources Failing Our Future: How Grades Harm Students, and What We Can Do about It, by Josh Eyler How Humans Learn: The Science and Stories Behind Effective College Teaching, by Josh Eyler Kariann Fuqua Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, by David Epstein Moonwalking with Einstein : The Art and Science of Remembering Everything, by Joshua Foer Self determination theory Reconceptualizing Participation Grading as Skill Building, by Alanna Gillis University of Virginia: Michael Palmer Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, by Anne Lamott Premortums Radical Hope: A Teaching Manifesto, by Kevin Gannon How to Podcast: How to help a Loved One with Dementia Failing Our Future: How Grades Harm Students, and What We Can Do about It, by Josh Eyler Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal, Bettina L. Love Fugitive Pedagogy: Carter G. Woodson and the Art of Black Teaching, by Jarvis R. Givens Indigenous Educational Practices Matt Townsley

Josh Eyler, an educator and father, tackles the real-world implications of academic grading. He discusses how grades often lead to fear rather than genuine learning, questioning their role as accurate measures of understanding. Eyler emphasizes the emotional toll grades take on students and families, advocating for environments that nurture intrinsic motivation. He argues for the necessity of revamping grading systems, suggesting that fostering a love for learning should outweigh the pressure of numerical scores.

Mylien Duong, a specialist in facilitating contentious conversations in educational settings, shares powerful strategies for tackling difficult topics in the classroom. She emphasizes the importance of preparing students for civic engagement and establishing a safe environment for discussions. Mylien discusses the significance of humility, effective questioning, and the impact of personal beliefs on perceptions of truth. She also introduces the concept of cyclic sighing as a tool to enhance classroom dialogue, leaving listeners inspired to transform contentious debates into constructive learning experiences.

Christopher Gilman, an advocate for hands-on learning, and Adelmar Ramirez, a professor focused on innovative teaching, dive into the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF). They discuss how IIIF democratizes access to special collections, enriching student experiences. The conversation explores innovative uses of digital poetry and annotations for collaborative learning. They highlight the transformative role of AI and interactive tools in education, advocating for strong student engagement through creative and equitable teaching methods.

Dive into heartfelt teaching stories that resonate like a nostalgic road trip. The hosts reflect on a decade of sharing experiences, highlighting the power of collaboration and community. They discuss a unique storytelling caravan designed to foster connections among educators. Expect insights on overcoming challenges, the beauty of vulnerability, and the joy of discovery in teaching. Plus, look forward to engaging giveaways and a profound focus on the importance of sharing our imperfect journeys.

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.

Jason Lodge, an expert in assessment reform and artificial intelligence, discusses the challenges of integrating AI into education, emphasizing the importance of capturing the human aspects of teaching. He highlights the need for a systemic approach to program assessment and engaging students with technology. Additional topics include managing large classes with a small teaching approach, AI-generated retro kids' games, and the significance of cultural diversity in enhancing productivity.

Educational expert, Alexis Peirce Caudell, discusses strategies to enhance teaching and learning by going beyond dichotomous thinking. Topics include societal categorization, teaching AI through games, fostering curiosity in learners, and creative methods in education. Recommendations for imagination, categorization, and gardening are explored, emphasizing diverse perspectives and unique learning experiences.

Ann Taylor discusses the importance of affordable open educational resources (OERs) in higher education, emphasizing the need for engaging course design and multimedia integration. She highlights the value of text-first approach, interactive learning experiences, and authentic welcome videos. The episode explores effective online course design strategies, use of Whisper Memos for capturing story ideas, recommendations for danceable songs from My Fest Event, and favorite podcasts like The Moth Radio Hour and Wiser Than Me.