
Social Learning Amplified hosted by Eric Mazur
This podcast hosted by Eric Mazur, an internationally recognized educational innovator in Social Learning and Peer Instruction, brings candid conversations with educators who are finding new ways to engage and motivate their students inside and outside the classroom. Each episode of Social Learning Amplified will give you real-life examples and practical strategies you can put into practice in your own courses.
Latest episodes

Jun 25, 2025 • 53min
How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI with John Warner
In this engaging conversation, host Eric Mazur and guest John Warner explore the evolving role of AI in writing education. They discuss the diverse perspectives on AI's impact, the opportunities it presents, and the challenges it poses to academic integrity and assessment practices. Warner emphasizes the importance of human elements in writing and the need for educators to rethink their approaches to teaching and assessment in light of AI advancements. The discussion culminates in actionable takeaways for educators to foster collaboration and critical thinking in their classrooms.John Warner's latest book, More Than Words, is available through Hachette Book Group. Discover more Social Learning Amplified episodes on perusall.com/podcast and join the conversation on www.perusallexchange.com.

Jun 11, 2025 • 34min
Why Reading Still Matters in the Age of AI
In this episode of Social Learning Amplified, host Eric Mazur speaks with writer and educator Jonathan Malesic—author of The End of Burnout—about how generative AI is reshaping reading and writing in higher education. Together, they explore pressing questions: Are students still motivated to read deeply? Can AI tools support or sabotage real learning? What’s lost when students (and faculty) turn to summaries and shortcuts?Drawing on Malesic’s essays in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The Chronicle of Higher Education, this thoughtful conversation examines how educators can foster intrinsic motivation and rebuild student confidence in reading. They discuss strategies for reintroducing long-form reading, the shifting value of writing assignments, and whether the academy can still champion intellectual growth beyond job training.

Apr 10, 2025 • 43min
Reading and Writing in the Age of AI with Marc Watkins
In this episode of Social Learning Amplified, host Eric Mazur is joined by Marc Watkins—educator, academic innovator, and director of the AI Institute for Teachers of Writing at the University of Mississippi. Together, they discuss how generative AI is reshaping reading, writing, and student-teacher relationships. From introducing “friction” into the reading process to encouraging ethical, reflective use of AI tools, Marc offers a grounded, human-centered perspective on navigating this rapidly evolving landscape. Tune in for a conversation about the future of learning, critical thinking, and the role of relationships in education.Marc Watkins is also a Perusall Exchange® 2025 presenter! Register for free

Mar 19, 2025 • 36min
The Future of Assessment: Rethinking AI’s Role in Teaching and Learning
In this engaging discussion, David Joyner, executive director of online education at Georgia Tech and author of A Teacher’s Guide to Conversational AI, explores the impact of generative AI on education. They delve into transforming teaching practices and assessments to harness AI's potential. David shares key strategies for enhancing student engagement while addressing academic integrity. Listeners also get a sneak peek into a future interactive event, reinforcing the importance of collaborative learning in the age of AI.

Feb 27, 2025 • 30min
The Opposite of Cheating: Teaching for Integrity in the Age of AI
In this episode of the Social Learning Amplified podcast, host Eric Mazur engages with authors Tricia Bertram Gallant and David Rettinger to explore the concept of cheating in education, its implications, and the evolving landscape of academic integrity in the age of generative AI. They discuss the importance of redefining cheating as a lack of learning, the reasons behind student cheating, and the role of assessment in fostering or deterring academic misconduct. The conversation also highlights practical strategies for educators to promote integrity and adapt to the challenges posed by AI technologies.Participate in their author-led, interactive reading event -- only on Perusall! Join at perusall.com/engage.

39 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 31min
Making Thinking Visible: Transforming Classroom Engagement
Ron Ritchhart, a renowned educator and researcher known for his work on 'cultures of thinking,' joins to share insights on transforming classroom engagement. He discusses the importance of prioritizing visible thinking to enhance student learning experiences. Ritchhart delves into how artificial intelligence can reshape teaching methods and promote critical thinking. He offers practical strategies for making student thought processes visible, emphasizing inquiry-based approaches that stimulate deeper discussion and collaborative learning, enriching overall educational outcomes.

13 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 33min
Rethinking Grades: A Path to Active Learning with Josh Eyler
Josh Eyler, director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at the University of Mississippi, discusses the harmful impact of traditional grading on student engagement. He critiques existing grading systems for promoting extrinsic motivation and highlights the need for alternative models that focus on intrinsic learning. Eyler emphasizes the complexities of objective assessments and advocates for innovative alternatives that prioritize student growth. Concluding with a vision for a gradeless future, he encourages educators to embrace change and foster a supportive learning environment.

Nov 26, 2024 • 59min
Ep 20: Teaching with AI
José Antonio Bowen, an award-winning professor and author, teams up with C. Edward Watson, a leader in curricular innovation, to delve into teaching with AI. They explore actionable strategies for integrating AI in education while maintaining essential human connections. The duo discusses innovative teaching methods tailored to evolving job markets and emphasizes the need for ethical considerations in AI use. They also highlight how AI can promote equity among diverse learners and the importance of preparing students for a tech-driven future.

9 snips
May 3, 2024 • 32min
Ep 19: Empowering Active Learning
In this engaging discussion, Tristan Cui, an award-winning educational designer, and Jeff Wang, an Associate Professor of Marketing at Monash University, share insights on enhancing student engagement through social annotation tools. They delve into their research on Perusall, detailing its implementation in courses and the positive effects on students, particularly those with lower English proficiency. The conversation highlights overcoming classroom challenges and integrating social annotations into assessments, offering valuable strategies for future educational practices.

Mar 28, 2024 • 34min
Episode 18: A Look at Ludic Pedagogy
In this engaging discussion, Sharon Lauricella, a teaching scholar focused on communication, teams up with T. Keith Edmunds, an assistant professor with a diverse academic background. They delve into the concept of Ludic Pedagogy, revealing how integrating fun into the classroom transforms learning experiences. Listeners will discover the four pillars of this approach, including the use of play as a tool for engagement and creativity. Personal anecdotes, like the innovative paper crane exercise, enrich their argument that enjoyment enhances learning outcomes.