Teaching in Higher Ed

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'.

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.