In the newest episode of Teaching So Everyone Can Learn, I speak with Assistant Professor of Psychology & Counseling at the College of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Robert Alexander, about the power of flexibility in the classroom.

Flexibility is a core part of how Dr. Alexander designs an inclusive classroom experience. As we spoke, he highlighted key practices that have positively shaped his teaching and his ability to cultivate an environment where students trust him and feel set up to succeed. He starts by leveraging pre-course surveys to learn about his students before the semester begins, using those insights to make design adjustments or to stay aware of who might need extra support as the semester progresses. Dr. Alexander’s approach is rooted in inclusive teaching principles and the understanding that to teach flexibly is to stay responsive throughout the semester.

Subscribe and listen to the episode to learn more about the ways that Dr. Alexander engages his students and reflect on what strategies you might try in your own classroom.

In the newest episode of Teaching So Everyone Can Learn, I speak with Teaching Associate Professor of Biological & Chemical Sciences at the College of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Mena Youssef about activating the power of student feedback.

As we spoke, Dr. Youssef emphasized how working with student feedback has impacted his teaching, student engagement, and learning outcomes. Student feedback to the instructor is crucial for improving teaching and learning outcomes. It not only offers an opportunity for faculty members to improve their pedagogical skills but also promotes a sense of collaboration between students and teachers, enriching the overall learning experience.

Dr. Youssef has successfully incorporated feedback into his teaching process, allowing him to make timely course corrections, strengthen his pedagogical skills, and create a learning environment that prioritizes growth and collaboration.

Subscribe and listen to the episode to learn more about the ways that Dr. Youssef engages his students and reflect on what strategies you might try in your own classroom.

In this episode of Teaching So Everyone Can Learn, I speak with Teaching Assistant Professor of Humanities at the College of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Jessica Hautsch, about building community in in-person and online learning spaces.

A recurring theme during our conversation is the role of community in shaping students’ learning experiences and their potential to succeed. This is particularly important, yet tricky, when teaching online. The online space can be tough for students; it can feel lonely and unsupportive, but its affordances also give teachers opportunities to engage students in meaningful and transformative ways.

Dr. Hautsch shared her strategies for creating learning spaces where students feel the presence of her as their teacher, and the presence of their classmates as allies and collaborators.

Subscribe and listen to the episode to learn about the ways that Dr. Hautsch designs belonging into her teaching and to reflect on what strategies you might try in your own classroom.