Tea for Teaching

Faculty often have a teaching persona that they bring to the classroom. In this episode, Liz Norell joins us to discuss the benefits of sharing your authentic self with your students. Liz is a political scientist and the Associate Director of Instructional Support at the University of Mississippi Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. She is also the author of The Present Professor: Authenticity and Transformational Teaching. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.

Anna Logan, an award-winning Associate Professor, and Ann Marie Farrell, an esteemed Assistant Professor at Dublin City University, share insights on fostering community in large classrooms. They discuss the unique challenges of engaging students in expansive settings and highlight innovative approaches like co-teaching and Universal Design for Learning. Listeners learn about the importance of empathy, collaboration, and accessibility to enhance learning experiences. Their annual symposium has been pivotal in transforming pedagogical practices in higher education.

In this insightful discussion, Dan Levy, an economist and senior lecturer at Harvard University, and teaching fellow Angela Perez Albertos explore the transformative role of ChatGPT in education. They dive into how AI can personalize learning experiences and support disadvantaged students. The pair also highlight the potential of AI tools in providing faculty feedback and improving active learning. Additionally, they discuss the practical applications of ChatGPT in both educational and professional settings, addressing its impact on job markets and productivity.

Engaging and motivating students starts but doesn’t end with inclusion. In this episode, Bryan Dewsbury joins us to discuss ways of connecting class content to students’ core values to prepare students to productively engage with their communities as we work with our students to make our disciplines more equitable.  Bryan is an Associate Professor of Biology at Florida International University. He is the Principal Investigator of the Science Education and Society research program, an Associate Director of the STEM Transformational Institute where he directs the Division of Transformative Education, and a Fellow in the John N. Gardner Institute. Bryan is also one of the co-authors of The Norton Guide to Equity-Minded Teaching. He is the developer of a free MOOC on Inclusive Teaching, offered through the HHMI Biointeractive and Science and Education Society. Bryan is a highly regarded keynote speaker and workshop leader. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.

Michelle Miller, a Professor of Psychological Sciences and teaching expert, shares her insights on the importance of learning students' names for inclusive education. She discusses evidence-based strategies that help educators remember names, especially in larger classes. The impact of mispronounced names on student identity and engagement is highlighted, alongside techniques that improve connection and retention, including structured icebreakers and technology use. Miller also addresses the nuances of names and pronouns in communication, enhancing inclusivity in classrooms.

Students experiencing academic difficulties are often encouraged or required to complete courses to improve their learning skills. In this episode, Andrew Buchmann, David Runge, and Sean Milligan join us to discuss how gamification is transforming one such course for students on academic probation. Andrew, David, and Sean are Academic Success Advisors at SUNY-Oswego. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.

Jed Locquiao, an Assistant Professor at SUNY Oswego, delves into autonomy-supportive teaching and its ability to revitalize student motivation. He discusses the decline in student engagement and offers innovative strategies to combat it. From fostering intrinsic motivation through choice to enhancing teacher-student relationships, Jed emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment. Small teaching adjustments can lead to significant changes in classroom interaction, empowering students to take a more active role in their learning.

Tom Mackey, a Professor of Arts and Media at SUNY Empire State University and co-author of Teaching Digital Storytelling, discusses the transformative power of digital storytelling in education. He highlights how this approach enhances students' information literacy and critical thinking while promoting diversity and inclusion. The conversation also covers the challenges and benefits of virtual collaboration, the integration of AI and ethics in storytelling projects, and the creation of safe spaces for students to authentically express their unique narratives.

Janice Miller-Young, a Mechanical Engineering Professor and former Academic Director at the University of Alberta, joins Nancy Chick, director of the Endeavor Foundation Center for Faculty Development, to discuss the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). They explore the evolution of SoTL over three decades and its importance in diverse methodologies. The conversation highlights inclusivity in academia, strategies for engaging with SoTL, and the role of ‘social active faculty’ in adapting teaching practices post-pandemic.

Higher educational institutions tend to adapt slowly in response to changing cultural, economic, and  technological environments. In this episode,  Kim Scalzo and Jennifer Miller join us to discuss strategies that can be used to help lead productive change initiatives. Kim is the Interim Senior Associate Provost for Digital Innovation and Academic Services, the former Executive Director of Open SUNY and SUNY Online. Jennifer is the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Community College Support at the State University of New York and Executive Director of the New York State Success Center. Kim and Jennifer co-teach a professional development course at the SUNY Center for Professional Development on Leading Change in Higher Education. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.