In this episode of Teaching Takes, host Bryan Doppel is joined by Chris Hakala to break down the love/hate relationship that faculty and students have with group work. We feature Takes from Amy Hark (Bucknell University), Erin Ellington (Appalachian State University), and Katherine Hubbard (Winthrop University)! Together, Bryan and Chris discuss the beauty and challenges of group work, with some practical implementation suggestions.

Want to share your take on a future topic? ⁠⁠⁠Connect⁠⁠⁠ with Bryan on social media to stay in the loop. And call the Teaching Takes Hotline at (828) 263-6846 to leave a voicemail (2 minutes or less)!

Episode 4 Transcript

In this episode of Teaching Takes, host Bryan Doppel is joined by Tracy Smith to highlight the one (or two) things we always do in our teaching. We feature Takes from a few App State faculty and staff: Bethany Mannon, Brenda Thomas, and Lillian Nave! Together, Bryan and Tracy discuss the meaningful practices of faculty and the motivations behind them. We also talk about peanut butter and jelly.

Want to share your take on a future topic? ⁠⁠Connect⁠⁠ with Bryan on social media to stay in the loop. And call the Teaching Takes Hotline at (828) 263-6846 to leave a voicemail (2 minutes or less)!

⁠Episode 3 Transcript

In this episode of Teaching Takes, host Bryan Doppel is joined by Lillian Nave to break down some successful strategies for the First Day of Class. From ice-breakers to starting off serious, this episode features thoughtful Takes from a few Appalachian State University faculty: Tracy Smith, Wendy Lewis, and Brian MacHarg, as well as students Ridge (NC State), Ellary (UNC Chapel Hill), and Isaac (Colorado State University). Together, Bryan and Lillian reflect on how the first day of class can lay the groundwork for a positive and productive semester.

Want to share your take on a future topic? ⁠Connect⁠ with Bryan on social media to stay in the loop. And call the Teaching Takes Hotline at (828) 263-6846 to leave a voicemail (2 minutes or less)!

Think UDL Podcast

Episode 2 Transcript

In the debut episode of Teaching Takes, host Bryan Doppel is joined by Lindsay Masland to explore the most impactful teaching advice educators have received throughout their careers. From embracing intentional design to fostering kindness in the classroom, this episode features thoughtful voicemails from Blake Nielsen (Columbia College), Cacey Wells (Appalachian State University), and Lindsay Doukopoulos (Auburn University). Together, Bryan and Lindsay (Masland) reflect on how advice—both good and bad—shapes our teaching identities and practices.

Want to share your take on a future topic? Connect with Bryan on social media to stay in the loop. And call the Teaching Takes Hotline at (828) 263-6846 to leave a voicemail (2 minutes or less)!

Episode 1 Transcript

Welcome to Teaching Takes, a new podcast from CETLSS at App State! In this teaser, host Bryan Doppel introduces the concept behind the show: a space for educators to share short, thoughtful “takes” on key teaching topics—from the first day of class to alternative grading.

Want to contribute your own take? Call the Teaching Takes Hotline at (828) 263-6846 and leave a voicemail (5 minutes or less).

Upcoming episodes:

• The Best Teaching Advice I Ever Got
• First Day of Class
• The One Thing I Always Do
• Late Work
• Group Work
• AI in the Classroom
• Alternative Grading
• Incorporating Student Feedback
• Finishing Strong
• Best Workshop Ever

Find Teaching Takes on your favorite podcast platform and follow to hear new episodes as soon as they're released. Keep updated on upcoming episodes by connecting with Bryan on LinkedIn and Bluesky and following the podcast account on Bluesky.