Teaching in Higher Ed

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'.

Danny Liu, a Professor of educational technologies at the University of Sydney, dives deep into the intertwining of AI and assessment in education. He discusses how educators can guide students to make informed choices in a landscape awash with AI tools. Liu advocates for a shift towards compassionate assessments that foster trust and student agency, rather than strict regulations. He highlights the need for innovative, diverse assessment strategies that embrace creativity and independent thought, transforming the educational experience for both students and teachers.

James Lang, an author and educator at the University of Notre Dame, discusses his latest book, focusing on how teachers can effectively translate their classroom experience into writing. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity-driven questions in both learning and writing. Lang also delves into the benefits of using AI tools as writing companions, while stressing the value of human connection in education. He references notable works like 'The Greek Way' and explores how attention and reading shape our cultural landscape.

Adriana Aldana, an associate professor at California State University, focuses on youth empowerment and multicultural organizing. She discusses Counterstory Pedagogy, emphasizing the power of alternative narratives to combat systemic inequalities. The conversation highlights how reflective letter writing can amplify marginalized voices and foster emotional connections in learning. Aldana also explores the role of self-care in social work education and shares practical strategies for embracing change and uncertainty, all while nurturing resilience and creativity in students.

Alexandra (Ana) Kogl, a political science professor at the University of Northern Iowa, delves into the intersection of joy and justice in education. She shares her journey of discovering joy in the classroom, countering the notion that learning must be a joyless experience. Kogl discusses innovative teaching methods that engage emotional authenticity, the societal pressures around masculinity and emotional numbness, and the vital role of compassion in fostering meaningful student interactions. Ultimately, she emphasizes the power of joy-centered pedagogy in creating transformative learning environments.

Leslie Bayers, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Pacific, champions equity in education and faculty support. She reveals the importance of body literacy in learning, arguing that we learn better when we move. Bayers shares insights on how our physical environment influences student engagement and the cognitive process. She encourages incorporating movement into teaching to enhance learning experiences and advocates for flexible classrooms that foster connection and engagement.

In this engaging discussion, Jennifer Baumgartner, a Professor of early childhood education and an Inquiry Education Fellow at the Fred Rogers Institute, shares her insights on Mr. Rogers' teachings. She highlights the importance of love, slow living, and addressing difficult topics with children as foundational elements in education. Baumgartner emphasizes that anything mentionable is manageable, urging educators to create environments of trust and curiosity. The conversation reveals how Mr. Rogers' legacy can profoundly shape both childhood learning and higher education.

Karen Costa, a faculty development facilitator and author, dives into the intersection of education and nature. She discusses the therapeutic benefits of gardening and how engaging with green spaces can enhance mental well-being. Costa advocates for a teaching approach that emphasizes learning from nature and the importance of rest for resilience, suggesting that we can draw inspiration from nature’s cycles. She also touches on the role of diversity as a foundational strength in both ecosystems and educational environments.

Jessamyn Neuhaus, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence at Syracuse University and author of Geeky Pedagogy, dives into the messiness of learning in the college classroom. She discusses the natural occurrence of mistakes and the pitfalls of perfectionism in academia. Neuhaus emphasizes that teaching is never perfectible and highlights the importance of embracing errors as opportunities for growth. She also explores the intersections of identity and systemic inequities, promoting a humanistic approach to education that values adaptability and authenticity.

Emily M. Bender, a linguistics professor and influential figure in AI, teams up with Alex Hanna, director of research at DAIR, to dissect the misconceptions surrounding artificial intelligence. They discuss the urgent need for clarity in AI terminology and the societal impact of technology hype. The duo challenges the dichotomy between optimistic and pessimistic views on AI and highlights how educators must navigate its impact on teaching and student engagement. Their insights encourage a community-focused approach to understanding and regulating AI developments.