Episodes

  • Episode 12 Back to School - First Day Tips from Our Guests

    Episode 12 Back to School - First Day Tips from Our Guests
    Sep 9 2024

    Welcome back, teachers! In this special back-to-school episode of the Great Teachers Movement Podcast, we’ve gathered the best first-day-of-school tips from some of our favorite past guests. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching journey, these tips will help set a positive tone, build relationships with students, and create an engaging learning environment from day one.

    Hosts: Pat Hendrickson and Steve Smith

    Guests:

    • Elaine Cruse- Licensed pharmacist, pharmacy tech, and clinical instructor.
    • John Haney - Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, MacEwen University, Canada Director, ThreeSixty Analysis Inc.
    • Sherry Woitte - Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies at the University of Alberta, Canada
    • David Wohl, Ph.D. - Professor and Dean Emeritus, Winthrop University
    • Elizabeth Burton - Assistant Professor of English at Hopkinsville Community College
    • Missi Patterson, Ph.D. - Professor Of Psychology, Austin Community College
    • Carolyn Ives, M.A.- Coordinator, Learning and Faculty Development and co-chair of the Learning Design and Innovations Department at Thompson Rivers University (TRU).
    • Paul Martin, Ph.D. -Director of Curriculum Development and Delivery, Open Learning, at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia
    • Mary Jo Westerfield, R.N. - Instructor, ASN, Somerset Community College, Kentucky, USA
    • Megan Dotson, MAE- Professor, Developmental Studies, West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC)

    Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast.

    Resources

    About the National Great Teachers Movement

    Other Great Teachers Resources

    Listen and subscribe on your favorite app:

    Apple Podcasts

    Podbean App

    Spotify

    Amazon Music

    iHeartRadio

    PlayerFM

    Podchaser

    BoomPlay

    Visit our sponsor, The Roost Laptop Stand, and subscribe to the podcast to be entered into a drawing for your very own Roost!

    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • Episode 11 Back to School with Pat and Steve

    Episode 11 Back to School with Pat and Steve
    Aug 18 2024

    Co-hosts Pat Hendrickson, Ed.D., Core Variable, and Steve Smith, M.A., C.P.P. 1st Person Seminar

    In this episode of the Great Teachers Movement podcast, Steve talks with Pat about her recent transition to a new school. Pat shares her experiences, discussing both the challenges and opportunities that come with starting fresh in a new environment. They explore the importance of building relationships with students and colleagues, adapting to a new school culture, and maintaining a positive mindset during the transition. Steve also reflects on his learning journey, reminding us that learning starts when we enter the world and continues throughout our lives. Together, they emphasize the value of being lifelong learners and how embracing new experiences can enhance both teaching and personal growth.

    Resources

    Biteable - online video maker and editor

    About the National Great Teachers Movement

    Other Great Teachers Resources

    Listen and subscribe on your favorite app:

    Apple Podcasts

    Podbean App

    Spotify

    Amazon Music

    iHeartRadio

    PlayerFM

    Podchaser

    BoomPlay

    Visit our sponsor, The Roost Laptop Stand, and subscribe to the podcast to be entered into a drawing for your very own Roost!

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Episode 10 Helping Students Pass Gen Ed: Success Strategies and Insights with Megan Dotson

    Episode 10 Helping Students Pass Gen Ed: Success Strategies and Insights with Megan Dotson
    Aug 11 2024

    Guest Megan Dotson, MAE

    Professor, Developmental Studies, West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC)

    Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast.

    In this episode of the Great Teachers Movement podcast, Pat and Steve chat with Megan Dotson, a seasoned professor of developmental studies whose teaching journey spans from pre-K to college. Megan explores the “Jigsaw” strategy for group work, a dynamic approach that keeps students engaged and encourages diverse perspectives. She also shares insights into the innovative Accelerate You! The program integrated embedded tutors to help students struggling with General Education courses—guiding them toward earning their degrees. Megan then discusses the trend of rising tuition costs and affordability challenges. Our guest also reflects on what she wishes she had known before she started teaching and shares a book that is currently changing the way she thinks. Wrapping up, Megan offers a glimpse into one of her first-day activities and pays tribute to her favorite teacher.

    Resources: Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad by John Eldredge

    Lucidspark

    About the National Great Teachers Movement

    Other Great Teachers Resources

    Listen and subscribe on your favorite app:

    Apple Podcasts

    Podbean App

    Spotify

    Amazon Music

    iHeartRadio

    PlayerFM

    Podchaser

    BoomPlay

    Visit our sponsor, The Roost Laptop Stand, and subscribe to the podcast to be entered into a drawing for your very own Roost!

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Episode 9 From Clinician to Educator: An Interview with Nurse Educator Mary Jo Westerfield

    Episode 9 From Clinician to Educator: An Interview with Nurse Educator Mary Jo Westerfield
    Aug 2 2024

    Guest Mary Jo Westerfield, R.N.

    Instructor, ASN, Somerset Community College, Kentucky, USA

    Former Director of Obstetrics at Saint Joseph London, London, Kentucky Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast.

    In this episode, we sit down with Mary Jo, a dedicated nurse and nurse educator, to explore her journey from clinician to educator. Mary Jo shares her initial thoughts on teaching strategies and how she naturally gravitated towards methods used by her peers in the nursing discipline. She then discusses the value of exploring the methods in other disciplines.

    Mary Jo provides valuable insights on moving from hands-on clinical work to the world of education, discussing the challenges and rewards of this significant career shift. She also explains how she uses Kahoot to seamlessly transition students from one day's instruction to the next, highlighting the effectiveness of 5-10 question quizzes as a formative assessment tool. Addressing the debate on study guides, Mary Jo explores different approaches and shares the method that works best for her and her students.

    Her approach to teaching clinical skills emphasizes hands-on experience and practical application, ensuring competency-based learning. She underscores the significance of incorporating culturally relevant pedagogy in nursing education and discusses how ethics across different cultures play a crucial role in her teaching methods.

    A memorable moment in the interview is when Mary Jo shares the story behind what caused her to lie down on the floor of her office—a moment of vulnerability and learning. In a first for our podcast, host Steve challenges Mary Jo to respond to three emerging trends in education, and she provides her take on each trend and its potential impact on the future of nursing education.

    Tune in to this episode for valuable insights and practical strategies from a seasoned nurse educator. Whether you're a fellow educator or simply interested in the field of nursing, Mary Jo's experiences and advice are sure to inspire and inform.

    Resources:

    Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning Hardcover – April 14, 2014 by Peter C. Brown (Author), Henry L. Roediger III (Author), Mark A. McDaniel (Author)

    Kahoot is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn – any subject, in any language, on any device

    About the National Great Teachers Movement

    Other Great Teachers Resources

    Listen and subscribe on your favorite app:

    Apple Podcasts

    Podbean App

    Spotify

    Amazon Music

    iHeartRadio

    PlayerFM

    Podchaser

    BoomPlay

    Visit our sponsor, The Roost Laptop Stand, and subscribe to the podcast to be entered into a drawing for your very own Roost!

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Special Episode Broadcast from the National Great Teachers Seminar

    Special Episode Broadcast from the National Great Teachers Seminar
    Jul 19 2024

    Guests:

    Shari Thompson, Hopkinsville Community College, TN Mursalata Muhammad, Grand Rapids Community College, MI Maayan Ornath, Nashville State Community College; TN Ashley Garrett, Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC), KY

    Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast.

    In this special episode, we bring a broadcast from the National Great Teachers Seminar! Four outstanding educators join us to share their first impressions and key takeaways from this transformative experience. From innovative teaching strategies to personal growth, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for educators everywhere.

    Resources

    About the National Great Teachers Movement

    Other Great Teachers Resources

    Listen and subscribe on your favorite app:

    Apple Podcasts

    Podbean App

    Spotify

    Amazon Music

    iHeartRadio

    PlayerFM

    Podchaser

    BoomPlay

    Visit our sponsor, The Roost Laptop Stand, and subscribe to the podcast to be entered into a drawing for your very own Roost!

    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • Episode 8 Reaching the Reluctant Learner: Active Techniques That Work with Carolyn Ives and Paul Martin (Part 2)

    Episode 8 Reaching the Reluctant Learner: Active Techniques That Work with Carolyn Ives and Paul Martin (Part 2)
    Jul 12 2024
    Guests: Carolyn Ives, M.A., and Paul Martin, Ph.D. Carolyn Ives (she/her) is a Coordinator, Learning and Faculty Development and co-chair of the Learning Design and Innovations Department at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). She is a former faculty member in English at MacEwan University and at TRU, and she has also held previous roles as Academic Integrity Officer, Academic Quality Assurance Manager, Curriculum Planning and Development Coordinator, and Interim Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence at MacEwan. Her current research focuses on evidencing value of educational development work, decolonizing academic integrity, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), open pedagogical practices, and humanizing science education. Recent work also includes open educational resources for faculty for course design and for students engaging in competency-based PLAR. As a Métis and neurodiverse faculty member, she cares deeply about making space for multiple perspectives in learning spaces. Dr. Paul Martin is the Director of Curriculum Development and Delivery, Open Learning, at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia. There, he oversees not only the design and development of Open Learning’s course offerings but also the delivery of their courses to nearly 30,000 students annually. Prior to joining TRU in 2019, he was the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Marquette University (2018-19), Faculty Development Coordinator at MacEwan University (2011-2018), and an Assistant Professor of English and Director of Canadian Studies at the University of Vermont (2003-2011). Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. Steve leads today's podcast by introducing two leaders of the Great Teachers Movement in Canada. He also shares some of his cultural norms with us and wonders if listeners know where he was raised because of his accent. Carolyn and Paul share that they are joining the podcast from one of the Thompson Rivers University campuses. Thompson Rivers University (TRU) campuses are on the traditional lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops campus) and the T’exelc (Williams Lake campus) within Secwepemcúl’ecw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc. The TRU region also extends into the territories of the St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Nuxalk, Tŝilhqot'in, Dakelh, and Syilx peoples. We explore active learning and gamification in this exciting second part of our interview with Carolyn and Paul. Both educators share their expertise and passion for innovative teaching methods that keep students engaged. We begin with a lively discussion on active learning, highlighting how it transforms the classroom experience. Carolyn and Paul offer insights into making learning more dynamic and interactive. Paul then explains a gamification model a colleague used in her course, detailing elements that make learning fun and engaging. He also discusses challenges with colleagues and administration when introducing new methods and shares strategies to overcome resistance. Paul shares his favorite app for tracking attendance, noting its user-friendly features. Carolyn contributes with apps she uses and some reliable old-school methods. Together, they provide a balanced view of high-tech and traditional gamification approaches. Steve shares one of his favorite games - The Crime Scene Wig. An interesting segment features Carolyn and Paul’s differing approaches to introducing the syllabus. Their contrasting styles offer valuable insights into influencing classroom dynamics. Carolyn and Paul’s enthusiasm and commitment to student success are evident throughout the episode. Their stories, tips, and advice provide a wealth of information for educators looking to innovate and inspire. This is part 2 of the interview with Carolyn and Paul. Resources: Impact of Generative Artificial IntelligenceI on Academic Integrity Beyond the Scope Attendance2 Sarah E Silverman Blog About the National Great Teachers Movement Other Great Teachers Resources Listen and subscribe on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts Podbean App Spotify Amazon Music iHeartRadio PlayerFM Podchaser BoomPlay Visit our sponsor, The Roost Laptop Stand, and subscribe to the podcast to be entered into a drawing for your very own Roost!
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Episode 7 Books that Transform Teaching with Carolyn Ives and Paul Martin (Part 1)

    Episode 7 Books that Transform Teaching with Carolyn Ives and Paul Martin (Part 1)
    Jun 28 2024
    Guests: Carolyn Ives, M.A., and Paul Martin, Ph.D. Carolyn Ives (she/her) is a Coordinator, Learning and Faculty Development and co-chair of the Learning Design and Innovations Department at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). She is a former faculty member in English at MacEwan University and at TRU, and she has also held previous roles as Academic Integrity Officer, Academic Quality Assurance Manager, Curriculum Planning and Development Coordinator, and Interim Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence at MacEwan. Her current research focuses on evidencing value of educational development work, decolonizing academic integrity, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), open pedagogical practices, and humanizing science education. Recent work also includes open educational resources for faculty for course design and for students engaging in competency-based PLAR. As a Métis and neurodiverse faculty member, she cares deeply about making space for multiple perspectives in learning spaces. Dr. Paul Martin is the Director of Curriculum Development and Delivery, Open Learning, at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia. There, he oversees not only the design and development of Open Learning’s course offerings but also the delivery of their courses to nearly 30,000 students annually. Prior to joining TRU in 2019, he was the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Marquette University (2018-19), Faculty Development Coordinator at MacEwan University (2011-2018), and an Assistant Professor of English and Director of Canadian Studies at the University of Vermont (2003-2011). Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. Steve leads today's podcast by introducing two leaders of the Great Teachers Movement in Canada. He also shares some of his cultural norms with us and wonders if listeners know where he was raised because of his accent. Carolyn and Paul share that they are joining the podcast from one of the Thompson Rivers University campuses. Thompson Rivers University (TRU) campuses are on the traditional lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops campus) and the T’exelc (Williams Lake campus) within Secwepemcúl’ecw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc. The TRU region also extends into the territories of the St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Nuxalk, Tŝilhqot'in, Dakelh, and Syilx peoples. This episode explores various teaching strategies, especially how reading can profoundly influence teaching practices. Our distinguished guests, Paul Martin and Carolyn Ives, share how powerful books reshaped their approach to education, fostering more engaging, inclusive, and effective classrooms. Carolyn shares the books inspired her to cultivate a hopeful and resilient classroom atmosphere, encouraging critical thinking and deep engagement among her students. She also explains how one guidebook prompted her to implement anti-racist strategies in her writing workshops, creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. Paul discusses how one book helped him connect physical activity and cognitive function, leading him to integrate movement into his teaching to enhance student engagement and learning. Yet another resource has the hosts and guests reflect on how understanding the underlying causes of cheating has influenced his approach to assessments and fostering academic integrity. Key Topics: Fostering hopeful and engaged learning environmentsImplementing anti-racist practices in educationThe impact of physical exercise on cognitive performance and student engagementAddressing and mitigating academic dishonesty in the classroom This episode is essential for educators, administrators, and anyone interested in the transformative power of reading on teaching practices. Our guests offer valuable insights, personal stories, and practical tips on creating more equitable, engaging, and effective educational experiences. This is part 1 of the interview with Carolyn and Paul. Resources: Radical Hope: A Teaching Manifesto by Kevin Gannon Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John J. Ratey, MD The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop by Felicia Rose Chavez Cheating Lessons: Learning from Academic Dishonesty by James M. Lang Failing Our Future: How Grades Harm Students, and What We Can Do about It by Joshua R. Eyler Impact of Generative Artificial IntelligenceI on Academic Integrity Sarah E Silverman Blog About the National Great Teachers Movement Other Great Teachers Resources Listen and subscribe on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts Podbean App Spotify Amazon Music iHeartRadio PlayerFM Podchaser BoomPlay Visit our sponsor, The Roost Laptop Stand, and subscribe to the podcast to be entered into a drawing for your very own Roost!
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Episode 6 Rethinking Teaching: Collaborative Curves, Gamification, and Kindness with Missi Patterson

    Episode 6 Rethinking Teaching: Collaborative Curves, Gamification, and Kindness with Missi Patterson
    Jun 21 2024

    Guest: Missi Patterson, Ph.D.

    Professor Of Psychology, Austin Community College Past President of Texas Community College Teachers Association Piper Award Nominee for Austin Community College NISOD Excellence Award for Teaching

    Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast.

    This episode features an educator who has led and facilitated a Great Teaching Retreat at her institution and participated as both facilitator and participant in the National Great Teachers Seminar. This week starts with discussing the distinction between seminars and retreats, emphasizing the rationale behind their nomenclature.

    Our guest introduces her innovative "collaborative curve" for exam scoring, encouraging group effort and collective problem-solving, leading to a deeper understanding of the subject matter through peer interaction. The discussion then moves to the importance of large group projects and effective grouping strategies, highlighting the use of group work surveys to optimize dynamics and focus on goals, grading, and timing.

    Missi shares her insights into gamification in classrooms, providing examples like using clickers in human sexuality courses to reduce discomfort and encourage participation. She discusses creative gamification techniques such as giant Jenga cubes and flyswatters for exam reviews, emphasizing the joy of making learning fun.

    The conversation also covers Missi's transition from punitive practices to a kindness-focused teaching approach, stressing the importance of a supportive classroom environment. Steve discusses how self-perception and cultural roots influence teaching styles and classroom management. This leads to a discussion on the value of the Great Teachers approach for adjuncts and veteran teachers, highlighting the importance of learning and listening to others. Missi concludes by pointing out that brilliance in teaching may be overrated, advocating for practical strategies and continuous improvement over innate intelligence.

    Join us as we engage in conversation with Missi.

    Resources:

    Student Engagement Techniques: A Handbook for College Faculty 2nd Edition by Elizabeth F. Barkley (Author), Claire H. Major (Author)

    About the National Great Teachers Movement

    Other Great Teachers Resources

    Listen and subscribe on your favorite app:

    Apple Podcasts

    Podbean App

    Spotify

    Amazon Music

    iHeartRadio

    PlayerFM

    Podchaser

    BoomPlay

    Visit our sponsor, The Roost Laptop Stand, and subscribe to the podcast to be entered into a drawing for your very own Roost!

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins