Teaching in Higher Ed

Liz Norell, the Associate Director of Instructional Support at the University of Mississippi and author of "The Present Professor: Authenticity and Transformational Teaching," discusses the power of authenticity in education. She emphasizes the need for psychological safety to cultivate empathy and shares personal insights from her teaching journey. Norell addresses the challenges educators face in balancing professional pressures with genuine connections and stresses the importance of meaningful engagement aligned with student goals.

Cyndi Kernahan, a professor and director at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, shares her expertise on race and racism in education. She discusses strategies for fostering discussions around institutionalized racism, aiming for students to focus on systemic issues rather than personal guilt. Kernahan highlights the significance of acknowledging intersectionality and the complexities of teaching race to enhance understanding of social privileges. She also recommends relevant literature and television shows that encourage deep reflection and engagement.

Peter Felten, Executive Director of the Center for Engaged Learning at Elon University, and Kassidy Puckett, a recent graduate and Master's student, delve into the essence of building relationships in education. They discuss how relationships enhance learning, well-being, and student success. Kassidy emphasizes the importance of empathy and active listening in the classroom. Peter highlights curiosity as a practice, while the duo shares insights on using personal stories to create a connection among students, fostering a supportive and engaged learning environment.

Kerry Mandulak, a professor at Pacific University specializing in speech science and inclusive teaching, discusses the vital role of transparency in education. She emphasizes how TILT fosters success among diverse learners and advocates for embracing reflection and revision in the learning process. Sharing personal anecdotes, she highlights the impact of emotional connections, including the power of a supportive hug, in nurturing a positive classroom environment. Additionally, she explores transformative habits that enhance both teaching effectiveness and student engagement.

Rajiv Jhangiani, Vice Provost at Brock University, discusses the urgent need for justice in education. He emphasizes the importance of designing educational tools that don't reinforce systemic biases. Jhangiani highlights the success of zero-textbook degree programs in making education more equitable. He shares insights on fostering open dialogue regarding academic integrity and the role of AI in learning. The conversation underscores the necessity of incorporating diverse voices and collaborative efforts to create inclusive educational environments.

Betsy Barre, Assistant Provost and Executive Director at Wake Forest University, offers insights on the intersection of moral and political philosophy in education. She discusses the challenge educators face in navigating neutrality while encouraging open dialogue in the classroom. Barre emphasizes the ethical implications of sharing personal beliefs and highlights the need for transparency in grading practices. Additionally, she addresses the significance of integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into business ethics education, underscoring the complexities of teaching in politically diverse settings.

Discover creative and thoughtful gift ideas for educators, perfect for celebrating their passion for teaching. Explore unique presents for book lovers, including themed puzzles and illustrated collections that ignite literary joy. Delve into the importance of storytelling and practical travel tools for enhancing teaching and experiences. Curated recommendations highlight everyday comforts and tech gadgets that foster connections. Finally, uncover valuable community resources that enhance teaching effectiveness and inspire collaboration.

Kristine Johnson is an Associate Professor of English specializing in linguistics and undergraduate research, while J. Michael Rifenburg, a Professor of English, focuses on scholarly writing. They discuss how transformative undergraduate research shapes student identities and career paths, stressing the importance of mentorship and community. The isolation faced by many researchers is highlighted, alongside ways to integrate research experience into practical skills for resumes. They also advocate for more inclusive academic structures to enhance collaborative learning.

Maha Bali, a professor at the American University in Cairo, specializes in social justice and critical pedagogy. In this engaging discussion, she emphasizes the crucial role of critical AI literacy in education and the dangers of bias replicating societal inequities. Bali stresses the importance of tracing the sources of AI-generated information and aligning technology use with educational values. She also highlights the ethical considerations surrounding AI and the necessity for transparency and accountability in academic settings.

Cory Sprinkel and Haley Madden, experts in community-engaged scholarship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, discuss essential strategies for preparing students to participate in equitable community partnerships. They emphasize the transformative power of community engagement and the importance of teaching empathy and soft skills. The conversation highlights the necessity for thoughtful preparation to avoid student inadequacies, learning from failure, and the integration of social responsibility in education. Ultimately, it’s about cultivating better individuals for stronger communities.