Written by Mirabelle Tinio, Modern Languages Instructor & Curriculum Consultant
Are you looking for a quick dose of inspiration? Or a good read to motivate your professional development this summer? Here is a curated list of podcasts and books that have inspired me over the last two semesters. Enjoy!
Podcasts
- Teaching in Higher Ed provides a rich source of inspiration and reflections on teaching. A category that might be particularly of interest to instructors is the one on “Reflective Practice” https://teachinginhighered.com/podcast-category/reflective-practice/
- The Learning Scientists share current research on cognitive science and evidence-based practice. For instructors who want a small dose of research, I would recommend the series of bite-size podcasts: http://www.learningscientists.org/learning-scientists-podcast/2019/3/21/episode-39-bite-size-research-on-awareness-of-evidence-based-practice
- Out of McGill University, the Dean of student services, Chris Buddle, hosts a very eclectic series of podcasts called The Buddle Huddle, in which he interviews students, staff and faculty on topics ranging from learning tips to dealing with the imposter syndrome: https://www.mcgill.ca/deanofstudents/podcast
Books
- How Learning Works (Susan A. Ambrose, Marsha C. Lovett, Michael W. Bridges, Marie K. Norman, Michele DiPietro, 2010) explains how students learn and how instructors can be more effective at facilitating learning. This book shares practical applications of educational theory.
- Make it Stick (Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, Mark A. McDaniel, 2014) weaves the science of learning and skills mastery in with stories of individuals who have excelled at the art of learning. This book speaks to everyone: teachers, students and life-long learners.
- Small Teaching (James M. Lang, 2016) shares small teaching tips that teachers can apply with little or no preparation and that are guaranteed to improve students’ learning. The author takes “an approach that seeks to spark positive change in higher education through small but powerful modifications to our course design and teaching practices” (p. 5).
TCDC’s Book Club will be reading and discussing Small Teaching starting May 15. For more information on the summer book club, please click here.
Copies of the three books, above, are available for loan at TCDC (C210).
Please share other resources that have inspired and nourished your teaching practice in the comments section below. Have a wonderful, inspired summer semester!