Educators Must Challenge the Politics of Evil
We need to add more complexity to our reasoning and discussion that leaves room for critical thought and action. When we see evildoers (like Hitler or Bowers) as extraordinary, we cannot see ourselves in those roles. On the opposite end of…
In the College Classroom, Why Print is Better Than Digital
As researchers in learning and text comprehension, our recent work has focused on the differences between reading print and digital media. While new forms of classroom technology like digital textbooks are more accessible and portable, it…
7 Ways to Teach Civil Discourse to Students
I’ve discovered that there are ways teachers and others who work with young people can show them how to deal effectively and respectfully with controversial topics – as well as what controversial topics to take up. Though the list of seven…
If You Move Office Hours Online, Will Students Drop In?
What happens in the office hour is the same virtually as it is for students who show up in person: Students ask questions about particular problems or topics, and the professor works through them as if he were in front of the class.…
I Acted Like a Complete Jerk to my Students Just to Prove a Point
I belittled one student by criticizing him in front of others. I favored another student by telling other students they should be more like her. I responded impatiently to questions. I told one student his contribution to class was…
The Responsibility of Adjunct Intellectuals
Academics write for the public more than ever before but are hampered by precariousness of their profession.
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There Is No Such Thing As An Adjunct Professor
The reason I’m sharing this is not because I want sympathy – far from it. I’m sharing this because I know that there are at least 1.3 million professors across the United States working on contingent contracts, many who may well be…
New Research—Stop Thinking Student-Athletes Have Time For Your Class
On average, the players spend more than 25 hours on sports-related activities other than games, such as practice, workouts, general team meetings, film sessions and travel. On the other hand, the player spend less than eight hours on…
Venting About Students on Twitter May Be Re-Wiring Your Brain (and Not in a Good Way)
There are two types of complaints: chronic complaints and venting. According to psychological research, "in one series of studies, researchers tracked people’s moods before and after hearing a complaint. As predicted, listening to gripes…
Why Being a Hard-Ass Prof is Bad for You and Your Students
To be sure, every syllabus includes rules, such as outlining when assignments are due and the consequences of plagiarism. That being said, why do so many faculty members view teaching college as an opportunity to impose and enforce "the…