Teaching in Higher Ed

In this engaging discussion, Matthew Mahavongtrakul, the Program Director of Faculty Educational Development at UC Irvine, shares insights on active learning strategies. He highlights the importance of making small, manageable changes to engage all students, even in large classes. Topics include the balance between structured course design and adaptability, innovative classroom activities like a snowball fight, and addressing common faculty concerns such as content coverage. Matthew also presents a token system aimed at promoting equitable student engagement and reducing resistance to active participation.

C. Edward Watson, Vice President for Digital Innovation at the American Association of Colleges and Universities, discusses the rapid transformation of AI in higher education. He highlights the shift from banning AI to integrating it into curricula and addresses concerns about academic integrity. Watson emphasizes the importance of balancing AI skills with traditional learning outcomes and shares his method of developing ideas before incorporating AI. He also predicts that institutions must adapt their curricula to meet the evolving demands of the workforce.

Christopher Ostro, a higher education instructor and AI advocate, delves into the emotional landscape shaped by AI in academia. He discusses the profound grief experienced by faculty due to rapid job changes and ineffective traditional assessments. Christopher highlights the importance of fostering trust with students and embracing co-learning. He shares insights from surveys about AI's prevalence and the need for specific training. The conversation also covers the reimagining of classroom dynamics and ethical discussions surrounding AI use.

Dave Stachowiak, a frequent collaborator, joins to delve into six key pedagogical practices informed by 600 discussions. They emphasize starting small to foster engagement and building courses around curiosity instead of mere content coverage. The importance of prioritizing presence over perfection is highlighted, along with cultivating meaningful relationships in the classroom. Stachowiak also discusses understanding one's scope of practice and focusing on personal growth. It's a reflective journey brimming with practical teaching insights.

David Gooblar, an Associate Professor of English and author of *One Classroom at a Time*, dives deep into how better teaching can enhance equity in college. He discusses the hidden 'scars' students carry, stressing the importance of understanding their unique challenges. Gooblar critiques the stereotype of the 'privileged college student', advocating for teaching practices that foster trust and inclusion. He shares innovative strategies like 'question roll' for building classroom belonging and emphasizes the need for individualized support over assumptions.

Jeff Young, host of the Learning Curve podcast and education reporter, shares insights on AI's transformative role in higher education. He discusses the varied student perspectives on AI, highlighting its dual role as a learning aid and a source of instant gratification that could undermine attention spans. Young also delves into the risks of using AI as a social substitute and the growing concerns around its impact on job markets and journalism. Ultimately, he underscores the irreplaceable value of human connection in education and life.

Discover the fun behind the card game Go Somewhere, designed for playful discussions about serious topics. Bonni Stachowiak emphasizes using metaphors to explore the impact of AI on education and personal identity. The game encourages creativity and collaboration through a Pictionary-style round, allowing teams to express their interpretations of AI. Reflect on values and actionable steps in the final round, ensuring that learning and growth continue beyond the game. Tune in for valuable insights and resources on navigating AI in educational spaces.

In this conversation, Christy Albright, a researcher in learning sciences with a theological background, and Clarissa Sorensen-Unruh, a chemistry faculty member focused on pedagogy, delve into the complexities of grief in educational contexts. They explore anticipatory grief and its implications for faculty and students. The discussion touches on how grief can shape resilience and psychological capital, offering strategies for educators to support themselves and their students. Personal anecdotes reveal how grief remains a lifelong companion, emphasizing the importance of compassion in learning environments.

Roberta Hawkins is a geography professor researching digital media and environmental politics, while Leslie Kern is an academic and author specializing in feminist geography. They discuss how academia often exploits passionate faculty, urging a shift in how we perceive academic work. The duo advocates for collaboration, non-hierarchical practices, and the importance of making invisible labor visible. They propose practical strategies like service audits and time-blocking to combat workload demands and create a more equitable academic environment.

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.