In a solemn and thought-provoking episode of "Lesson Plan with Dr. Clive Forrester," we explore the recent incident at the University of Waterloo that shook the academic community. Join us as we delve into the profound topics of academic freedom, the importance of contending views in the classroom, creating inclusive learning spaces, and the urgent need to denounce acts of violence against instructors on campus. Tune in for a reflective and somber discussion that reminds us of the crucial role education plays in shaping our society. #LessonPlanPodcast #AcademicFreedom #InclusiveClassrooms

In this episode, I talk about a language-related issue that occurred in the Jamaican parliament a week ago. Dr. Nigel Clarke refers to Mr. Mark Golding as "maasa" during a parliamentary presentation. Golding is a white Jamaican politician, and the word "maasa" is a word most prominently associated with Jamaica's colonial legacy--it was used to refer to white slave masters. Dr. Clarke came under intense scrutiny and was asked to apologize, but he refused, insisting that he was being misinterpreted. But, did he play the race card?

According to a study conducted by the Toronto Star, student grades in high school and at universities have seen a meteoric rise in the last several years. Have students suddenly become smart, or have tests simply become easier? What has caused this dramatic increase in student grades and how are we to view the performance of students if we accept that "grade inflation" is becoming an endemic problem? In this episode, I discuss the causes behind grade inflation and contemplate whether there is a way to navigate this issue at the university level. 

We're heading into conference season once Spring rolls around and thousands of academics will be making their annual trips by plane, highway, or railroad to their various academic conferences. But, have you ever wondered if you're simply wasting your time by attending these events? I certainly have. In this episode, I talk about why you might indeed be wasting time and money at these conferences and what you can do to maximize your time at your next academic conference.