Welcome to the Prof Talk Pod, brought to you by The Engaged Professor. In this episode, we focus on the positive moments from the past year in teaching. Join us as we discuss the joys of connecting with students, implementing video reflections, and utilizing generative AI for creating dynamic assessments and scenarios. Learn practical tips on how to reflect effectively, use AI in class content creation, and keep track of improvements for future courses.

In this episode of the Prof Talk Pod, Katie Metz joins again to explore how to adapt to constant changes in subject matter. Learn how to integrate current events into your curriculum, set parameters for updates, and maintain credibility with your students. Whether you teach a rapidly evolving discipline or a more stable one, this episode offers valuable insights to keep your teaching relevant and engaging.

Welcome to Episode 032 of the Prof Talk Pod! In this episode, we talk about simple active learning strategies you can use in the classroom. Katie Metz joins us again to share her experience with strategies in more technical subjects like accounting and federal tax. Learn practical strategies that increase student engagement and hear about importance of iterative, low-stakes assessments. This episode offers insights into making class discussions more effective, how to utilize think-pair-share techniques, and tips for assessing the success of active learning activities. Whether you're teaching in a large or small class, undergraduate or graduate level, this episode is filled with actionable advice to enhance your teaching methods.

Welcome to another episode of the Prof Talk Pod, where we share tips and strategies to enhance teaching effectiveness. In this episode, we are joined by a guest host, Katie Metz. Katie is a teaching professor at Indiana University specializing in international tax and policy. She shares her insights on the TILT (Transparency in Learning and Teaching) method, discussing its origins, benefits, and practical application in the classroom. Learn about how TILT can improve student equity, clarity in assignments, and reduce faculty workload by providing clearer guidelines and expectations. This conversation is packed with actionable tips for improving your teaching methods and fostering a more transparent and supportive learning environment.

https://www.tilthighered.com/

Episode 030 of the Prof Talk Pod is a solo show focused on the concept of scaffolding in education. Learn about the zone of proximal development from Lev Vygotsky and discover practical methods to support student learning through temporary structures. Scaffolding can enhance student motivation, create a positive learning environment, and aid in achieving educational goals. Get ideas for strategies to build students' knowledge and skills through smaller assignments, tip sheets, and feedback sessions.

The early history of the scaffolding metaphor: Bernstein, Luria, Vygotsky, and before

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10749039.2019.1574306#d1e164

Effective Teaching and Learning: scaffolding revisited

⁠https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0305498960220103⁠

Welcome to episode 029 of the Prof Talk Pod, brought to you by The Engaged Professor. We discuss innovative ways to promote academic work beyond traditional peer-reviewed journals. Also, we explore the challenges and potential solutions for making research more accessible to a broader audience, including podcasting, Substack, and Reddit threads. If you've ever wanted to increase the impact of your work, this conversation is for you.

A year later, we revisit our thoughts on the approach to generative AI use in the classroom. Research on the impacts of generative AI use is mixed; some studies find it has negative effects on student thinking skills, while others find it can improve student learning. We discuss potential impacts on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while sharing ideas for approaching the topic in the classroom. Listen to gain insights into intentional AI use, the importance of clarity in assignments, and how to equip students for a technologically advanced job market.

Research on Generative AI in Higher Ed

Abbas, M., Jam, F.A. & Khan, T.I. Is it harmful or helpful? Examining the causes and consequences of generative AI usage among university students. Int J Educ Technol High Educ , 21, 10 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-024-00444-7

Heung, Y. M. E., & Chiu, T. K. (2025). How ChatGPT impacts student engagement from a systematic review and meta-analysis study. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100361

Hasanein, A. M., & Sobaih, A. E. E. (2023). Drivers and Consequences of ChatGPT Use in Higher Education: Key Stakeholder Perspectives. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 13(11), 2599-2614. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13110181

Want to get some tips on delivering engaging lectures? In this episode of The Prof Talk Pod, we discuss strategies for doing just that. We cover topics like opening mistakes that disengage students, breaking patterns to create 'aha' moments, and the importance of a powerful closing statement. Whether you're a new or experienced professor, this episode offers valuable insights on structuring your classes to make the most of your time and enhance student engagement.