Tea for Teaching

Епизоде

• 
  Teaching and Generative AI 16.09.2026 36мин

  Generative AI has disrupted familiar approaches to teaching and assessment, but also created new opportunities to reconsider what, and how, we want students to learn. In this episode, Travis Thurston and Beth Buyserie join us to discuss ways of using AI productively in our classrooms by shifting the focus of learning assessment from product to process. Travis is the founding Director of the Center for Empowering Teaching Excellence at Utah State University. Beth is an Associate Professor of English and the Director of Composition at Utah State University. They are co-editors of Teaching and Generative AI: Pedagogical Possibilities and Productive Tensions. Show notes and the transcript for this episode may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.
• 
  Classroom Mindscapes 09.09.2026 42мин

  Neurodivergent students bring varied strengths, needs, and ways of thinking to our classrooms. In this episode, Sarah Silverman joins us to discuss teaching strategies that reduce access friction, increase tolerance for error, and create more inclusive learning experiences for everyone. Sarah is an educator and faculty developer focusing on neurodiversity, disability studies, and inclusive instructional design. She currently teaches disability studies at multiple institutions. Sarah is the author of Classroom Mindscapes: An Introduction to Neurodiversity for Educators, which will be released later this month as part of the Teaching, Engaging, and Thriving in Higher Ed series at the University of Oklahoma Press. Show notes and the transcript for this episode may be found at http://teaforteaching.com
• 
  Postdocs 02.09.2026 41мин

  On past episodes of this podcast, we’ve discussed several stages of the career path for academics including the transition from grad school to faculty and decisions to move to administrative positions. In this episode, Alark Joshi and Victoria Hallinan join us to discuss the role that a postdoc may play in an academic’s career trajectory. Alark is a professor of Computer Science at the University of San Francisco. His work focuses on data visualization literacy and strategies for inclusive computer science education. Victoria is the Program Director for Professional Development in the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at Yale University. Alark and Victoria are the co-authors of Postdoc: How to Navigate Your Career After Grad School, which has recently been released by Johns Hopkins Press.  Show notes and the transcript for this episode may be found at http://teaforteaching.com
• 
  The Problem with Grades 26.08.2026 50мин

  Traditional grading systems encourage students to focus on final grades, sometimes at the expense of learning. In this episode, Jessamyn Neuhaus, Ashley Cambareri, and Cole Bailey discuss challenges associated with traditional and alternative grading systems. Jessamyn is the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence and Professor in the School of Education at Syracuse University. She is an historian and editor of Teaching History: A Journal of Methods. Jessamyn has published extensively in scholarly publications in the areas of history, pedagogy, and cultural studies. She is a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Teaching. Jessamyn is the author of several books, including Geeky Pedagogy: A Guide for Intellectuals, Introverts, and Nerds Who Want to be Effective Teachers, Snafu Edu: Teaching and Learning When Things Go Wrong in the College Classroom and she is the editor of Picture a Professor: Interrupting Biases about Faculty and Increasing Student Learning. Ashley graduated in May as an honors student with a degree in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education from the School of Education at Syracuse University, and will begin her new job as a 5th-grade teacher this September. Cole is a student in the Renée Crown Honors Program at Syracuse University, studying International relations. Ashley and Cole were students in Jessamyn’s Honors class on “Problems with Grades.” Show notes and the transcript for this episode may be found at http://teaforteaching.com
• 
  Mental Health in College 19.08.2026 33мин

  A growing proportion of college students report mental health challenges, but most student affairs practitioners, campus leaders, and faculty members have received little training in addressing mental health concerns. In this episode, Alexis Redding joins us to discuss a new resource designed to allow us to provide better support for students with these concerns. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.
• 
  A Neurodiversity Framework 12.08.2026 45мин

  Institutions are increasing their focus on creating inclusive environments. In this episode, Megan Kohler joins us to discuss a course design framework she developed to support neurodiverse learners. Megan is an Assistant Teaching Professor and Learning Designer in the John A. Dutton e-Education Institute at Penn State. She is the recipient of the Marion G. Mitchell Award for Innovative Teaching and is conducting research, funded by the Schreyer Institute Scholarship, on supporting neurodivergent learners in higher education. Megan is one of the co-editors of The Multi-Disciplinary Instructional Designer: Integrating Specialized Skills into Design Toolkits. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.
• 
  Intellectual Property 05.08.2026 52мин

  Faculty create large quantities of content, but aren’t always aware of their intellectual property rights, or lack thereof. In this episode, Kent Kauffman joins us to discuss legal issues associated with copyright law. Kent is a Professor of Business Law and MBA Programs Faculty Liaison in the Doermer School of Business at Purdue University Fort Wayne. He is also the author of Navigating Choppy Waters: Key Legal Issues College Faculty Need to Know. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.
• 
  Improve Critical Thinking 29.07.2026 31мин

  Students with strong critical thinking skills can make better decisions that have real consequences on their quality of life. In this episode, Michael Bishop joins us to discuss an approach to developing these skills that appears to have a persistent effect on students’ ability to avoid common cognitive biases. Michael is a professor of philosophy at Florida State University. His research interests focus on two areas: rationality (how should we think about important things) and happiness (what is lasting happiness, and how can we get it). He is also a co-author of a recent study investigating the impact of critical thinking classes on common cognitive biases. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.
• 
  Transformative Coaching 22.07.2026 49мин

  Higher ed has become an increasingly complex and challenging environment to work in. In this episode, Susan Hrach and Kitty Maynard join us to discuss the role trained coaches can play in supporting agency, resilience, and career growth for college employees. Susan is the author of Minding Bodies: How Physical Space, Sensation, and Movement Affect Learning. She’s served as a Fulbright Canada Distinguished Research Chair, and recently appeared on the TEDx stage in Columbus, Georgia. Kitty is the Director of the Teaching and Scholarship Hub at the University of Richmond. Her higher ed career began as a Professor of French Studies, and she has taken on leadership roles in faculty development at Washington College and Virginia Commonwealth University before moving to the University of Richmond. She is the author of Reveries of Community: Epic in the Age of Henri IV and co-editor of Polemic and Literature Surrounding the French Wars of Religion. Susan and Kitty have both received training from, and are members of, the International Coaching Federation. They are also two of the editors of Transformative Coaching for Faculty and Staff in Higher Education. Kristin Croyle, a psychologist and the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Engineering, fills in for Rebecca in this episode. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.
• 
  Designing Impactful College Courses 15.07.2026 49мин

  Student motivation is enhanced when the framework of self-determination theory is used to design courses that support student autonomy. In this episode, Daniel Guberman and Chantal Levesque-Bristol join us to discuss a new resource designed to assist in the development of such courses. Daniel and Chantal have leadership roles at the Center for Instructional Excellence at Purdue University. Chantal is the Executive Director and Daniel is the Assistant Director for Student-Centered Pedagogy.  They are the authors, with Emily Bonem, of Designing Impactful College Courses: Applying Self-Determination Theory to Unleash the Potential of Autonomy Supportive Learning Environments, which was recently released by Routledge. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.
• 
  Prequestions and AI 08.07.2026 36мин

  A growing body of research indicates that asking questions about concepts students have not yet studied increases learning. In this episode, Steven Pan and Judith Schweppe join us to discuss how generative AI can facilitate this technique by generating prequestions.  Steven is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and the Director of the Learning Sciences Lab at the National University of Singapore whose research focuses on evidence-based teaching approaches. Judith is a Professor of Educational Science with a focus on teaching with digital media at the University of Erfurt. Her research focuses on working memory, long-term memory, and learning. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.
• 
  Revisiting A Curated AI Framework 01.07.2026 33мин

  Shortly before the start of the spring semester, Tim Curry joined us for an episode discussing his ambitious plan to create structured learning experiences for students using chatbots. In this episode, we check back to see how this experiment developed. Tim is a lecturer in the Department of Health Sciences at Northern Arizona University. He is developing AI applications for autism research and tribal health service while building Northern Arizona University’s Applied Health Analytics program. He’s also working on the completion of his PhD degree in health equity technology. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.
• 
  All Day TA 24.06.2026 35мин

   Imagine having a virtual clone of yourself to assist your students whenever they need help and would track where students are struggling. In this episode, Joshua Gans joins us to discuss an attempt at creating an AI platform that accomplishes this. Joshua is a Professor of Strategic Management and Jeffrey S. Skill Chair of Technical Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management with a joint appointment in the Department of Economics. His work focuses on the economics of innovation, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence. He has authored numerous scholarly articles on the economic impact of generative AI and, with Ajay Agrawal and Avi Goldfarb, of Prediction Machines and Power and Prediction, two books that have helped shape public understanding of the economic implications of AI.  Joshua has been thinking deeply about what generative AI means for higher education: how it can support teaching and learning, how colleges should prepare students for AI-augmented careers, and how AI may reshape labor market opportunities for today’s students. At the University of Toronto, he and Kevin Bryan developed an AI teaching assistant, All Day TA, which has been used to provide students with support outside traditional class hours. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.
• 
  Collaborative AI Guidance 17.06.2026 41мин

  With the rise of AI, institutions are scrambling to provide guidance and policies for students and faculty. In this episode, Kathleen Landy and Joshua Foster join us to discuss a collaborative approach involving student government, administration, and faculty. Kathleen is the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Genesee Community College. Prior to this, Kathleen has served in leadership roles at teaching centers at Cornell University, Queensborough Community College, and Mercy College. She has taught in multiple modalities and also has extensive K-12 teaching experience. Kathleen also served on the Pod Network Core Committee from 2022 through 2025 and currently serves as a co-chair of the SUNY Council on Assessment. Joshua is the Vice President for Academic Affairs for the Student Government Association at Genesee Community College. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.
• 
  Student Access and Earnings 10.06.2026 53мин

  The “One Big, Beautiful Bill” contains a provision eliminating federal loan availability for programs in which past graduates had early career earnings that fall below a designated threshold. In this episode, Debbie Furlong joins us to discuss the statistical measures used to determine federal loan eligibility.  Debbie has served for over 30 years doing applied higher education policy analysis at public comprehensive universities, most recently as the Director of Institutional Research at SUNY Oswego. Prior to her arrival at Oswego, she worked and taught at the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay, St. Norbert College in Wisconsin, and the American University in Washington, DC, where she had completed her PhD degree in international relations. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.
• 
  AI-Aware Teaching 03.06.2026 55мин

  While there is substantial debate over the appropriate role of generative AI in higher education, one area of agreement is that AI cannot be ignored. In this episode, Annette Vee, Marc Watkins, and Derek Bruff join us to discuss what faculty need to know to be AI-aware in their teaching. Annette is an Associate Professor of English at the University of Pittsburgh where she has been actively involved with AI initiatives. She is the author of Coding Literacy: How Computer Programming is Changing Writing and is co-editor of TextGenEd: Teaching with Text Generation Technologies. Marc is a Lecturer in Writing and Rhetoric and an Assistant Director of Academic Innovation at the University of Mississippi, where he directs the AI Institute for Teachers. Derek Bruff is an Associate Director at the University of Virginia’s Center for Teaching Excellence, where he supports faculty in integrating generative AI in their teaching. He is the author of Intentional Tech: Principles to Guide the Use of Educational Technology in College Teaching and Teaching with Classroom Response Systems: Creating Active Learning Environments. He is the host and producer of the Intentional Teaching podcast. Annette, Marc, and Derek frequently serve as keynote speakers at academic conferences and write frequently about AI and higher education on their blogs. Annette, Marc, and Derek are the co-authors of The Norton Guide to AI-Aware Teaching. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.
• 
  UDL at Scale 27.05.2026 49мин

  The Universal Design for Learning framework is often adopted by individual faculty for particular courses. In this episode, Tom Tobin joins us to discuss the potential benefits associated with an institution-wide adoption of this framework. Tom is an internationally recognized scholar, author and speaker on technology mediated education, especially copyright, evaluation of teaching practices, academic integrity, accessibility, and universal design for learning, which is a topic we'll be talking about today. He helped found the University of Wisconsin Madison Center for Teaching, Learning, and Mentoring. Tom is on Ed Tech Magazine's Influencers Dean's List, and has been honored with the Wagner Leadership Award in Distance Learning Administration, and he is one of EduFlow’s global top 100 learning influencers. Tom serves on the boards of Advances in Online Education, The Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, and the Oklahoma University Press: Teaching, engaging and thriving in higher ed series. We're very glad that he's made time to be with us with all these activities. His books include Evaluating Online Teaching, The Copyright Ninja, Reach Everyone, Teach Everyone: UDL in Higher Education, Going Alt-Ac: A Guide to Alternative Academic Careers, Implementing UDL in Irish Further Education and Training, and what we'll be talking about today, UDL at Scale: Whole-Campus Universal Design for Learning, which is coming out this summer. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.
• 
  Teaching Neurodivergent College Students 20.05.2026 26мин

  Neurodivergent students experience challenges in traditional lecture settings. In this episode, Jennifer Pusateri joins us to discuss strategies to reduce these challenges while supporting and leveraging the strengths that neurodivergent students bring to our classrooms. Jennifer is the Senior Universal Design Consultant at The University of Kentucky and has served as the co-chair of the international UDL in Higher Education Network. She is a member of the CAST National Faculty and is the author of Transform Your Teaching with Universal Design for Learning: Six Steps to Jumpstart Your Practice. Her newest book, A Practical Guide to Teaching Neurodivergent College Students has recently been released by Harvard Education Press. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.
• 
  Emotional Prosody and Online Learning 13.05.2026 33мин

  The use of instructor-narrated video slideshows has increased in response to both the growth of online instruction and increased use of flipped classroom teaching approaches. In this episode, Corinne Syrnyk and Alyson Kubat join us to discuss their study examining the impact on student learning of audio vs video narration and of the emotional tone conveyed by the instructor’s voice. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.
• 
  Random Audits to Deter Cheating 06.05.2026 38мин

  The growing capabilities of generative AI platforms have made it increasingly difficult for faculty to reliably distinguish between student work and AI-generated output. In this episode, David Wiley joins us to discuss the possibility of using random audits to promote academic integrity in a scalable manner.  David has an extensive record as an innovator, entrepreneur, and leader in open educational materials beginning with the Open Content Project in 1998, continuing with his work as Director of Educational Licenses for Creative Commons, a co-founder of several education-related organizations, including Lumen Learning, where he also served as the Chief Academic Officer from 2012 to 2025. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including an NSF Career grant. David is currently an Associate Professor at Marshall University where he teaches courses in Entrepreneurship and Management Information Systems. Much of his recent work has been on the intersection of generative AI, open education, entrepreneurship, instructional design, and student success. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.