What do you do when students just don't care about the intricacies of microbiology? Drs. Carlton Cooper and Ben Rohe have cracked the code on how to make even the most seemingly dry subjects come alive for their students. And it's not about lecturing (spoiler alert: that's actually the least effective way to teach!). Join us as we dive into their innovative approach, which combines empathy, human emotion, and a healthy dose of comedy to create a learning experience that's both engaging and unforgettable. From the surprising ways that humor can break down barriers to the power of storytelling in education, you'll leave this episode inspired to rethink your own approach to teaching and learning. Check out their textbook: The Exciting World of Microbiology at https://grl.pub/microbiology
To be human is to be constantly evolving: our personalities, our relationships, and the paradigm through which we view the world. Alongside Dr. Heather Von Bank, Professor and Chair of the Department of Family Consumer Science at Minnesota State University, Mankato, we explore the nuances of lifespan development, the micro and macrosystems that affect family dynamics, and how systems of oppression change the way we perceive the world and our fellow humans around us. We also discuss the concept and importance of play, the focus of Dr. Von Bank's research and Tedx Talk, and how risky play supports the physical, mental, and social-emotional development of children and helps them make better decisions as adults. Learn more about Dr. Von Bank's digital textbook, "Lifespan Development: Telling the Human Story" at https://grl.pub/vonbank
As a Mexican-American conservationist, Dr. Erim Gomez knows first-hand the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. In part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Gomez, professor of Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana, we explore what it means to students, especially those of minority backgrounds, to have mentors and representation in their field. Come along as we explore how to become better stewards of the environment and how to guide the next generation of learners.
In Part 1 of an expansive 2-part dialogue, Dr. Erim Gómez, a trailblazing Mexican American professor of Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana, flips the script on who and what gets prioritized in the world of conservation. As a researcher studying resilient amphibians and as a mentor guiding the next generation of Wildlife biologists, Erim gives a voice to overlooked and underrepresented communities. Erim makes a refreshing case for why integrating varied perspectives is critical for solving the complex environmental challenges we face today. Forget lip service to inclusion; this is a candid discussion that will inspire you to dig deeper into our motivations for pursuing conservation, shatter assumptions about whose ecological knowledge truly matters, and empower you to leverage your unique identity to drive meaningful progress for our planet's future. To learn more about Dr. Gomez’s textbook, visit https://grl.pub/wildlife
Ignite your curiosity in this episode of 'Can I Get a Retake,' where Sociologist Dr. Cynthia Heddleston unveils the transformative power of 'wonderment.' Discover how nurturing an inquisitive mindset and asking probing 'Why?' questions can expand our understanding of the world and the society we inhabit. Professor Heddleston fosters a climate of curiosity in her classroom, empowering students to amplify lesser-heard voices and pose the daring questions society doesn’t want them to ask. Embracing 'wonderment' enables them to unravel the interconnected web of social constructs and recognize their roles in reinforcing or challenging these constructs. They emerge more aware of their agency as members of society, equipped with a sociological lens that transforms their view of the world. Tune in to explore how a deeply inquisitive and empathetic approach can revolutionize your understanding of the world around you. Learn more about Dr. Heddlesten's textbook, The Social World Unmasked at https://grl.pub/Heddlesten