Teaching in Higher Ed

Dave Stachowiak, a seasoned podcaster and educator, joins Bonni to celebrate the legacy of Ken Bain. They share poignant memories of Bain's profound impact on teaching and faculty development. From heartfelt testimonials by colleagues to personal stories about Bain's books, they discuss how his work shaped educators globally. Their lighthearted anecdotes reflect on Bain's quirks, including a humorous podcast moment. The conversation underscores the importance of revisiting Bain's insights and carrying forward his vision in higher education.

Carter Moulton, an educational developer and media researcher at the Colorado School of Mines, introduces his Analog Inspiration card deck designed for human-centered AI in teaching. He shares how the deck encourages faculty to engage in meaningful discussions about values and ethics in AI. Carter emphasizes the importance of fostering classroom relationships, supporting peer learning, and creating a sense of belonging. The conversation also highlights the need for intentionality with AI use and the idea of nurturing community while maintaining educational rigor.

Barbara Oakley, an engineering professor and author of "Learning How to Learn," dives into compelling discussions on free speech, metaphors in teaching, and course design. She shares insights about the historical context of free speech and its paradox in educational settings. Oakley highlights the importance of vivid metaphors for enhancing learning and provides tips on iterative course development. Additionally, she introduces tools like Sway.ai that foster engagement among differing opinions, making critical dialogue more accessible.

Join Simon Cullen, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Carnegie Mellon, and Danny Oppenheimer, a Professor of Psychology, as they explore innovative attendance policies in higher education. They delve into research showing that while attendance boosts success, forced attendance can sour student experience. Cullen and Oppenheimer advocate for giving students choice, revealing that autonomy enhances engagement. They discuss the importance of treating students as adults and suggest ways to scaffold choices that align with their preferences, ultimately transforming classroom dynamics.

Mike Caulfield, a researcher known for the SIFT verification method, dives into the innovative use of AI as a co-reasoning partner. He shares insights about balancing AI's strengths, like source discovery, with its limitations in tracing provenance. Mike emphasizes teaching students to approach AI interactions iteratively, transforming critical thinking into practical doing. He reflects on the importance of maintaining the journey of discovery and advocates for ethical AI usage in communities. Plus, he introduces his Deep Background tool to enhance information literacy.

Dom Conroy, an associate professor at the Open University specializing in educational podcasting, and Warren Kidd, a senior lecturer focused on technology-enhanced learning, discuss the transformative potential of podcasts in higher education. They explore the nuances of what constitutes a podcast, emphasize the importance of authenticity in voice, and share insights on creating intimacy through audio. Dom and Warren highlight how podcasts encourage reflective teaching and foster relational learning, advocating for their broader use in educational settings.

Emily Pitts Donahoe, an expert in alternative grading and progressive teaching, discusses the transformative 'Grading for Growth' framework. She identifies four essential pillars: marks indicating progress, reattempts without penalties, clear standards, and actionable feedback. With insights from Bonni's daughter, they explore how traditional grades fail to communicate true student progress, emphasizing the need for a grading system that prioritizes learning over mere performance. Emily's reflections urge educators to rethink their approaches for better student engagement.

M. C. Flux, an innovative instructor at the University of Colorado Boulder with a dual PhD in neuroscience and clinical psychology, discusses his approach to educational video creation. He emphasizes the importance of layering content to maintain student engagement, especially in a world of shorter attention spans. M. C. highlights blending storytelling with science and the benefits of using interactive elements like quizzes. He also shares insights on video formats and the value of authenticity, encouraging educators to embrace imperfections in their content.

Seth Offenbach, an associate professor at Bronx Community College and author, discusses the importance of kindness in online asynchronous classrooms. He emphasizes creating a safe space for students, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. Offenbach highlights evolving teaching methods that prioritize empathy while maintaining academic rigor. He advocates for flexible deadlines, noting that understanding students’ realities fosters success. The conversation also touches on thoughtful syllabus design and promoting meaningful engagement in virtual learning.

Bryan Dewsbury, an Associate Professor of Biology at Florida International University, discusses the importance of socially just teaching across disciplines. He emphasizes building trust and rapport with students while providing timely feedback. Dewsbury advocates for innovative assessment strategies that foster engagement and address equity in education. He also navigates the challenges posed by AI in the classroom, promoting a supportive environment. Plus, he shares insights about the cultural impact of shows like 'We Are Lady Parts' and 'Abbott Elementary'.