Not one. Not two. Eleven. That’s how many times my fellow panelists and I touted our university’s low faculty–student ratios during a recent session for prospective students. But how could we resist? Each time we invoked those magic numbers, parents smiled (“My child will be
I admit that I watch way more YouTube videos than I should. The algorithm, of course, is meant to keep suggesting videos that grab my interest per my viewing history. So I was a bit surprised one day when YouTube kept recommending a bunch of
Like many college instructors, I approached this summer with one goal in mind: to figure out my approach to AI once and for all. I assembled a sizable stack of AI-related teaching books and embarked upon my reading program.
After discovering that we have both been applying Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering (2018) to our teaching, the two of us decided to compare notes. Parker’s book provides practical advice for creating enjoyable gatherings, from business meetings to bridal showers. Both of us were
For some of us, it takes some time to get into the swing of summer. Some of us only finished our academic years mid-June. Others immediately attended conferences or workshops. Every year, I look at the months of summer looming ahead and map out all
Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but what if it’s also the best first step to faculty teaching excellence? When it comes to pedagogy, we often focus on tips and techniques. Perhaps we have a handful of prescribed practices that we recommend or
After 35 years in higher education, I continue to embrace the summer as a prime opportunity to strengthen my professional identity by creating a professional growth plan. Taking at least one week after the semester concludes, I have learned, is essential. This time allows me
Last month I wrote about how students fool themselves into thinking they have learned concepts when they really haven’t. This month I focus on how faculty can fool themselves into thinking that they are teaching effectively when their students aren’t really learning.
If you’ve ever hesitated to offer feedback to a colleague for fear of creating tension or hurting a relationship, you’re not alone. Even in academic settings, where critique is part of the culture, giving candid feedback, especially to fellow professionals, can feel risky. Yet our
Let’s add a few squares to this popular bingo card to represent the hybrid faculty meeting experience: In-person attendees roll their eyes when a Zoomer’s audio cuts out; administrator clearly favors colocated colleagues; virtual participant apologizes for interrupting the “real” meeting. And the free square?
