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.

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.

In this episode, host Eric Mazur and guest Josh Eyler, University of Mississippi, discuss the detrimental effects of grades on student learning and motivation. They explore the historical context of grading systems, the subjectivity of assessments, and the rise of grade inflation. Eyler shares insights from his book, Failing Our Future, emphasizing the need for alternative grading models that prioritize intrinsic motivation and learning over traditional metrics. Join his Engage book event, where you can engage with him and fellow participants on his book, starting January 13th and running through February 9th, 2025. Register here.

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.

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.

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.

Dr. Michelle Miller, a cognitive psychologist and professor at Northern Arizona University, dives into the fascinating interplay between memory and technology. She discusses how memory isn't just about recording information but actively constructing knowledge. The conversation reveals technology’s dual role in influencing memory, especially in aging populations. Miller emphasizes the need for a balance between teaching content and critical thinking skills in education. Plus, she introduces an exciting reading event for her book, inviting educators to engage in communal learning.

Dr. Jenae Cohn, Executive Dean at UC Berkeley’s Center for Teaching and Learning and author of 'Design for Learning,' dives into the importance of user experience in educational design. She emphasizes creating engaging online courses by understanding student needs and goals. Cohn explores innovative learning spaces and how pandemic lessons can reshape traditional education. The conversation also tackles fostering intrinsic motivation online, highlighting the need for feedback and student autonomy to enhance engagement.

In this engaging discussion, Robert Talbert, a mathematics professor and author of 'Flipped Learning,' along with David Clark, an advocate for alternative grading in higher education, dive into their book, 'Grading for Growth.' They explore the flaws of traditional grading systems and introduce a four-pillar model for alternative grading that promotes authentic learning. The conversation highlights the importance of intrinsic motivation, shares student experiences with new approaches, and offers actionable steps for educators to implement meaningful assessment reforms.

Join Eric Mazur as he chats with Dr. Virginia Clinton-Lisell (University of North Dakota) on her recent published research study on social annotation and Perusall. In her article, Social annotation: what are students’ perceptions and how does social annotation relate to grades?, Dr. Clinton-Lisell discovers that social annotation promotes active reading, which encourages better understanding of course content. Read her article: here.