
Teaching in Higher Ed
Thank you for checking out the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast. This is the space where we explore the art and science of being more effective at facilitating learning. We also share ways to increase our personal productivity, so we can have more peace in our lives and be even more present for our students.
Latest episodes

8 snips
Apr 11, 2024 • 43min
How to Develop MicroSkills – Small Actions for Big Impact
Adaira Landry and Resa Lewiss discuss developing MicroSkills for big impact. They highlight the power of small actions, the value of saying no, and the importance of self-care in the workplace. The podcast explores time management, effective communication, and utilizing social media for career opportunities.

36 snips
Apr 4, 2024 • 30min
How to Create Engaging Microlectures
Learn from Tolulope Noah, an expert in creating engaging microlectures, as he discusses how microlectures prompt students to engage with information, the benefits of providing audio and visual formats, and the evolution of instructional videos towards more personalized and interactive learning experiences.

14 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 42min
Using Alternative Grading Practices to Foster Student Learning
David Clark, an associate professor at Grand Valley State University, discusses using alternative grading practices to foster student learning. Topics include the importance of feedback loops, reassessment without penalty, intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation, and the four pillars of grading for growth. The conversation also touches on personal connections with students, vulnerability in academic settings, and transitioning to alternative grading methods.

Mar 21, 2024 • 36min
The Principles of Grading for Growth
Robert Talbert discusses the flaws of traditional grading, emphasizing the importance of feedback and growth over labels. He advocates for reattempts without penalty and maintaining dignity in feedback. The podcast explores alternative grading practices to promote authentic learning and student engagement.

6 snips
Mar 14, 2024 • 44min
How to Teach in Active Learning Spaces
Explore the evolution of active learning spaces in higher education, emphasizing inclusive environments and the role of technology. Discover tips for enhancing engagement and pronunciation, along with reflections on podcast theme music and audio production intricacies.

Mar 7, 2024 • 50min
How Curiosity Can Transform Lives and Change the World
Scott Shigeoka shares about his book SEEK: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World on episode 508 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast.
Quotes from the episode
It is a really beautiful experience to have multiple generations in the same house where we’re all just living and learning alongside one another.
-Scott Shigeoka
Students can feel unsafe on their campuses because of the discourse or the lack of discourse.
-Scott Shigeoka
Resources
SEEK: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World, by Scott Shigeoka
Curiosity quiz
I drove across the US to meet people I disagree with – and learned how to look beyond labels, by Scott Shigeoka in The Guardian
Today Show Clip: How Being Deeply Curious Can Strengthen Connections
UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center
Death Doula Alta Arthur’s TED Talk: Why Thinking About Death Helps You Live a Better Life
How Curiosity Can Help Us Overcome Disconnection, by Scott Shigeoka for the UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center

Feb 29, 2024 • 42min
Higher Education for All (Including Those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities)
The podcast delves into the vision of inclusive higher education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It discusses the Bobcat RISE program, inclusive classroom experiences, life skills courses, and employment support classes. The episode emphasizes the importance of empowerment, accessibility, and supporting diverse backgrounds in education.

12 snips
Feb 22, 2024 • 46min
How to Use High Structure Course Design to Heighten Learning
Learn how high structure course design can enhance student learning in STEM courses with insights from Justin Shaffer. Explore the evolution of structured classes, strategies for student engagement, flexible course design, and alternative grading methods. Plus, get tech updates and exciting hints about future collaborations in this informative episode.

Feb 15, 2024 • 0sec
How Role Clarity and Boundaries Can Help Us Thrive
Karen Costa shares how role clarity and boundaries can help us thrive on episode 505 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast.
Quotes from the episode
I saw people being asked to, like, completely revamp their entire course and learn how to online, but nothing was removed from their plate.
-Karen Costa
So the first question I want folks to ask themselves is what are my qualifications in this role.
-Karen Costa
Just because you are qualified to do it does not mean that it is yours.
-Karen Costa
I didn’t know what boundaries were until I was about 35 years old, and it’s taken me about 7 years of really challenging interpersonal work to understand what boundaries are and to feel confident in setting boundaries for myself.
-Karen Costa
Resources
Students Crossing Boundaries: Rudeness, disruptions, unrealistic demands. Where to draw the line? in The Chronicle of Higher Education, by Beth McMurtrie
Scope of Practice Template, developed by Karen Costa
Trauma-Informed Pedagogies: A Guide for Responding to Crisis and Inequality in Higher Education, edited by Phyllis Thompson, Janice Carello
An Educator’s Scope of Practice: How Do I Know What’s Mine?, Karen Costa’s Chapter in Trauma-Informed Pedagogies
99 Tips for Creating Simple and Sustainable Educational Videos: A Guide for Online Teachers and Flipped Classes, by Karen Costa
Let’s Talk About Menopause, by Karen Costa for Inside Higher Ed
The 12-week plan for building courses, by Robert Talbert

Feb 8, 2024 • 38min
Higher Education for Good
Catherine Cronin and Laura Czerniewicz discuss challenges and hopelessness in academia, highlighting the importance of imagination and creativity in higher education. They emphasize the need for alternative approaches to teaching assessment and learning design. The speakers share their experiences creating a book together and stress the significance of communality and coalition in driving positive change. They also provide recommendations for open educational resources and podcasts that foster creativity. The chapter ends with reflections on art and gratitude for the guests.