EdUp Curriculum

In this episode of EdUp Curriculum, host Dr. Nicole Poff interviews Dr. Kristina Powers, an expert in institutional effectiveness. They discuss Christina's journey into the field, the development of the Powers Index, and its implications for higher education institutions. The conversation explores the importance of data alignment, curriculum's role in student learning, and the challenges institutions face in making informed decisions. Kristina emphasizes the need for a culture of data-driven decision-making and the transformative potential of the Powers Index in helping institutions navigate their challenges effectively.

In this conversation, Dr. Nicole Poff and Dr. Chris Morett discuss the complexities of campus planning and space utilization in higher education. They explore the challenges of scheduling, the importance of classroom design, and how institutional priorities can be revealed through space utilization. Chris emphasizes the need for ongoing advocacy for better classroom spaces, the role of faculty in creating positive learning environments, and strategies for provosts to improve space utilization and foster a culture of innovation. The discussion highlights the impact of physical spaces on student experiences and offers practical steps for improving classroom environments within higher education.

In this episode of EdUp Curriculum, host Nicole Poff speaks with Holly Owens, an instructional designer with experience across higher ed, government, and corporations like Amazon and Mars. They discuss the stark differences between corporate and academic instructional design, why accessibility should be a top priority, and how the field has evolved since the pandemic. Holly shares insights on the many roles IDs juggle—from tech support to pedagogy expert to project manager—and why higher ed needs to move beyond slow innovation. They explore AI policy challenges, faculty who weren't trained to teach, and why today's students are less tolerant of outdated learning experiences. The conversation makes a compelling case for treating online courses as communities, not content dumps, and putting student experience at the center of educational design.

In this episode of EdUp Curriculum, host Nicole Poff engages with a team from West Chester University of Pennsylvania to discuss an innovative initiative that brings student voices into the classroom through pedagogical partnerships. The program allows students to observe classes and provide feedback to faculty, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship that enhances teaching and learning. The conversation explores the origins of the program, its implementation, and the importance of including diverse student perspectives, particularly those who have faced academic challenges. The conversation explores the iterative process of developing a faculty-student collaborative program at West Chester University, emphasizing the importance of orientation, faculty engagement, and the dynamics of student feedback. The speakers discuss strategies for navigating power dynamics, fostering a culture of teaching excellence, and the impact of student insights on faculty development. They also provide practical advice for institutions looking to implement similar programs, highlighting the value of collaboration and continuous improvement.

You can learn more about the student-teacher collaboration program here: https://wcu-tlc.org/tag/student-faculty-teaching-collaboration-program/

In this engaging conversation, Nicole Poff and John Gartin discuss innovative strategies in career services at Northern Arizona University. John shares his experiences in scaling career development efforts, emphasizing the importance of faculty partnerships and the need to adapt to the changing landscape of higher education. They explore the challenges of providing personalized support to students while managing limited resources and the significance of integrating career readiness into the academic curriculum. In this conversation, John Gartin discusses the evolving landscape of career development in higher education, emphasizing the importance of generative AI, the role of faculty in preparing students for the workforce, and the need for educational institutions to adapt to the demands of the job market. He advocates for a comprehensive approach to career readiness that integrates skills development, compliance, and experiential learning, ultimately positioning universities as vocational institutions that equip students for success in their careers.

In this conversation, Nicole Poff and Kate Belknap discuss the transformative efforts at Colorado Mesa University to enhance faculty development and teaching culture. They explore the challenges faced by faculty in higher education, the importance of pedagogical training, and the initiatives implemented to foster a supportive teaching environment. The conversation highlights the significance of faculty relationships, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the need for ongoing professional development in higher education. In this conversation, Kate Belknap and Nicole Poff discuss the challenges and strategies in higher education regarding faculty development and teaching excellence. They explore the gap between content expertise and pedagogical skills, the importance of engaging faculty in professional development, and the need for institutional support to elevate teaching practices. The discussion also touches on the potential for expanding influence beyond Colorado Mesa University and the significance of mentorship in fostering a culture of teaching excellence.

In this conversation, Nicole Poff and David Birdsell discuss the transformative initiatives at Kean University, focusing on community engagement, faculty development, and the importance of supporting first-generation college students. They explore how the university is adapting to meet the needs of its community while enhancing its research capabilities and fostering a culture of collaboration and service.

In this conversation, Benjamin Rifkin, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fairleigh Dickinson University, discusses his journey in higher education, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, curriculum design, and the need for a student-first approach. He highlights the challenges in faculty preparation and the necessity of aligning educational practices with the skills students need for their future careers. The discussion also touches on the evolution of higher education and the significance of shared governance in fostering an inclusive academic environment. In this conversation, Nicole Poff and Ben Rifkin discuss the importance of empowering student voices in governance, the role of shared governance in higher education, and the need for flexibility in educational rigor. They highlight innovative practices at Fairleigh Dickinson University that prioritize student welfare and adapt to changing market forces in higher education. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of communication skills and collaboration among faculty, staff, and students to create a more inclusive and effective educational environment.

In this conversation, Nicole Poff interviews Slava Yurchenkov, the manager of Instructional Design at University of Massachusetts Amherst. Slava shares his journey from Russia to the U.S. and discusses the significant changes he has implemented in his role. He emphasizes the importance of strategy, collaboration, and building trust within his team and with faculty. Slava outlines the various projects and initiatives his team has developed to support faculty and enhance the learning experience for students. He also provides valuable insights for new leaders on how to navigate change and foster a positive team culture.

In this episode, Nicole Poff interviews Olena Zhadko, the former Senior Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Lehman College and current Interim University Director at The City University of New York. They discuss the various functions of the center, including support for faculty and student success, the importance of collaboration, and the innovative approaches taken to enhance the educational experience. Olena shares insights on how the center has evolved, the significance of student engagement, and the strategies implemented to create a supportive environment for both students and faculty. The conversation emphasizes the shared responsibility of student success across all divisions of the institution and the importance of listening to student needs.