In October, KUT embarked on a project to tell the story of a neighborhood in transition: the area around 12th and Chicon streets in East Austin. Decades ago, it was a center of black life in the city, but over the past few years, the forces of gentrification have taken hold. We opened a bureau there to maintain a presence in the neighborhood and allow residents to see KUT reporters on a daily basis and help us determine the stories that needed to be told.
12th & Chicon: Surviving the Development
KUT’s Jennifer Stayton spoke with Nefertiti Jackmon, executive director of Six Square, and Natasha Madison of the 12th Street Merchants’ Association at a live broadcast during Morning Edition from the Urban Co-Lab on 12th and Chicon streets. This is an excerpt from the entire broadcast which can be heard on another episode of this podcast.
12th & Chicon: AISD’s Achievement Gap
As the Austin Independent School District deals with declining enrollment and decisions about facilities and campuses, many wonder if students across the district are getting the same quality of education. AISD school board member Ted Gordon, who represents District 1 in East and Northeast Austin, joined KUT’s Jennifer Stayton to discuss achievement gaps and possible solutions in the district.
12th & Chicon: Austin’s Affordability Crisis
Dr. Eric Tang is an associate professor at the Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis at UT-Austin. After analyzing that data a few years back, Tang wanted to look more closely at why African-Americans were leaving Austin – specifically, East Austin. KUT’s Jennifer Stayton spoke to Tang about this new research for our On My Block series.
12th & Chicon: Preserving the Community’s History
On the East Side, development and rising property costs continue to force the African-American community out. With such rapid migration, how have the neighborhood’s history and culture and the city’s African-American population been preserved? LaToya Devezin, the community archivist at the Austin History Center, spoke to KUT’s Jennifer Stayton about the work of local archivists to preserve the community’s history.
Best of “Higher Ed:” How Outside Circumstances Can Impact Learning
Note: This “Higher Ed” episode was originally posted on February 28, 2016.
In an ideal world, every student comes to class, or to any educational situation, well-prepared and ready to learn. But in reality, all kinds of life circumstances outside the classroom – such as poverty – can influence what happens inside the classroom. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger talk about how those factors impact students’ experiences. Ed and Jennifer respond to a listener’s personal story and inquiry about the effects of poverty on learning. Listen on to hear the question and to find out more about the impact life circumstances can have on learning. And see if you can figure out the solution to this “best of puzzler” about a family tree and a breakfast favorite.
This episode was recorded on January 22, 2016.
Higher Ed: “Fake News” and Formal Education
A bill has been introduced in the California state legislature in 2017 that would add elements to school curricula to teach students to “judge the credibility and quality of information found on Internet Web sites, including social media.” We think we know fake news when we see it, right? Well, maybe not always. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger answer a listener’s question about the role of formal education in teaching about “fake news.” A listener is curious whether or not it is the job of schools to teach students how to better discern what they read online; and if it is, how schools and teachers could go about doing that. Ed and Jennifer discuss what “fake news” is; why it’s out there; and how students of any age can develop some sense and savvy about what they read online. Listen on for their discussion and to get the solution to last episode’s puzzler about apples and algebra.
This episode was recorded on Feb. 16, 2017.
Higher Ed: “Intellectual Hurt”
In a recent episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed,” Dr. Ed Burger used the phrase “hurt yourself intellectually.” Doesn’t sound like a great idea, does it?! In this episode, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss what that phrase means in relation to our learning and education, and why a little intellectual “hurt” might not actually be the worst thing – as long as it’s done with awareness. Ed contends we can all learn and grow by operating outside our comfort zones, as long as we learn from the experience. Listen on for Ed and Jennifer’s discussion about intellectual hurt and healing, and to hear the latest puzzler – it’s all about give and take.
This episode was recorded on Feb. 19, 2017.
Higher Ed: Lifelong Learning in Action
A popular topic for discussion on the “Higher Ed” podcast is lifelong learning: taking on educational opportunities at any stage of life, especially well after the formal education years are past. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger talk about what we can all learn from Jennifer’s venture back into the classroom – after many decades out – and her own pursuit of lifelong learning. Jennifer is taking an introductory Spanish class to begin learning the language again after taking it in school. In this episode, she shares what it’s like to be back in the classroom (first day butterflies? no…. homework anxiety? maybe a little), and how work and life experiences over time are shaping her school experience now. She and Ed also reveal the solution to the matchstick puzzler; it turns out there may be more than one way to lay out those sticks.
Higher Ed: Curling Up With a Good… Podcast?
It’s a major milestone in our educational development: learning to read. Throughout school, we read books for classes and assignments and also just for fun. But what happens once we’re out of school? Do we still enjoy curling up with a good book? In this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed,” KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Dr. Ed Burger explore our relationship with reading and books. Ed may be the ‘rithmetic guy, but listen on for his and Jennifer’s discussion about all things reading- including what kind of books Ed favors, and Jennifer’s trick for getting through really long reads. You’ll also get the latest puzzler. No reading required – but bring some geometry and creativity.
This episode was recorded on Jan. 19, 2017.
Higher Ed: “Social” Media
This is might be a familiar scene to you: you’re walking down the street and see someone heading towards you, not looking up, face firmly transfixed on the small screen of a smart phone or tablet. What does all that time spent attending to devices do to our personal interactions, conversations, and learning? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger look at the personal and educational implications. Social media and digital technology are great in many ways. They connect us quickly and easily and allow us to access information in seconds. But what does time spent communicating and learning that way do to our personal interactions? Ed and Jennifer discuss the possible impacts as well as what education can do to help students and life long learners navigate and balance the availability of so much communication and information. Listen on for their conversation and to find out the answer to last episode’s puzzler about the row of radio hosts.
This episode was recorded on Jan. 19, 2017.
Higher Ed: What’s Hot in Higher Ed These Days
Every once in awhile it makes sense to take a step or two back and look at the “big picture” of anything. You know: how are things going in general? What are the latest trends? What are the biggest challenges? What about the greatest joys? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger take that big picture view of what’s happening in higher ed these days. Some issues – affordability and access, for example – seem to be on the minds of those in higher ed perpetually. Other issues – such as the utility and impact of technology – definitely change with the times. Listen on to hear Ed and Jennifer discuss what’s hot – both the old and the new – in higher ed. You’ll also hear the latest puzzler; be ready with some math and mapping skills.
This episode was recorded on January 19, 2017.
Higher Ed: Key Element of Effective Learning
What would you say is the quintessential element of effective learning: Intelligence? Persistence? Skills? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss what Ed argues is that key element: change. It’s a scary word and concept for many. Our comfort zones are much easier places to inhabit, at least most of the time. But Ed says in order to think, learn, and process effectively, change needs to be a major part of our approach. In this episode, Ed and Jennifer discuss the important role change plays in lifelong learning, and how we can change the way we think about change (wait… this is getting a little circular!). One thing that hasn’t changed about “Higher Ed” – the puzzler. Listen on for their discussion and also the solution to the most recent puzzler. Remember? You’ve got one raft, a bunch of carrots, a hungry rabbit, and an aggressive fox. Can they all get transported safely across a river without any loss of veggies or life? Listen on to find out!
This episode was recorded on January 19, 2017.
Higher Ed: Student Perspective on Learning
Teachers stand at the front of the classroom trying to engage their students, impart information, and make a difference in their students’ lives. Do they really get through? What do students take away from their classroom experiences? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger talk with a Southwestern University student about the lessons he has learned in the classroom beyond the course material. Jasper Stone is a Southwestern University sophomore from Colorado. He’s not sure what his major is going to be, but he does have definite opinions about how he wants to approach his learning, and how he would get young learners engaged and interested. In this episode, Ed and Jennifer talk with Jasper about his classroom experiences (in a class of Dr. Burger’s no less!) and how they have changed his take on learning, failing, and stress. We gave Jasper the spotlight in this week’s episode so there’s no new puzzler. Check back for the first one of the new year in the next episode.
12th & Chicon: Juggling the Demands of a Business
Meet Vivian Linden and Kathy Duffy, co-owners and practitioners at Rosewood Acupuncture & Ayurveda on Chicon. The office is the manifestation of a business plan they created in school to provide affordable health care to everyone.
Best of “Higher Ed:” New Year, New Commitment to Learning
Note: This “Best of Higher Ed” episode was originally released on January 10, 2016.
We are just a little ways into the new year and it’s already proving tough to keep some of those well-intentioned resolutions. You know, the usual ones such as exercise more, eat better, or be nicer to people. There is actually a resolution that can be fun and not too hard to keep. In this “best of” episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger talk about learning more – and liking it – in 2017. People already lead very busy lives, so it might seem tough to even think about cramming something else into an already full schedule. But Ed says there are some pretty easy ways to expand our horizons and learn new things in 2017. In this episode, he and Jennifer discuss focusing on something of interest (“I want to learn that” rather than “I have to learn that”) and keeping expectations realistic (aim for just going a little deeper into something that intrigues you rather than becoming an expert).
We’re still easing into the new year, so no new puzzler this week!
This episode was recorded on December 15, 2015.
Higher Ed: Gifts of Learning
That sweater that doesn’t fit quite right. Or a fruitcake with ingredients that are not immediately recognizable. Do your family and friends really need more of these during the holiday season? What about giving the gift of learning instead? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss how to encourage people to embrace learning at any age or stage of life. Not everyone had a satisfying experience during their formal education, and that can turn some people off from the idea of staying actively engaged in educational pursuits. In this episode, Ed and Jennifer discuss how to turn people back on to learning. One way to do that: make learning fun. This episode’s puzzler definitely falls in that category; it’s a “classic” riddle.
This episode was recorded on November 22, 2016.
Higher Ed: Breaking Down Tough Questions
We all face questions in life that seem just about impossible to answer. Maybe it’s a really tough question on a test. Or maybe it’s a challenging assignment at work. What can we do when the answer just won’t come to us? How about not answering the question? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger explore ways to break down seemingly impossible questions into manageable parts. So just to be clear, the advice here is not to ignore the question. But Ed advocates starting by breaking down a hard question into a simpler one in a parallel vein, or translating it into a known, easier question. Ed and Jennifer discuss how this technique can be used in or outside of academic settings. Wondering if you should listen on to hear more? That’s a definite yes! By the way, this episode’s technique might be useful in solving it. Remember, it’s the puzzler that assumes three = 1/2 of five !
This episode was recorded on November 22, 2016.
Higher Ed: Different Learning Styles – Myth or Helpful Tool?
Do you sense that you understand things better when you read them or hear them? Do you learn better via words or images? Are there really even different learning “styles” at all? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger explore a listener’s question about learning styles. Some research supports the existence of different learning styles; some indicates that concept is a myth. Listen on to hear Ed and Jennifer delve into different learning styles and whether students benefit from knowing how they learn best. You’ll also hear the latest puzzler; it comes from a universe where three = 1/2 of five. No, really…. in this world, it can!
This episode was recorded on November 22, 2016.
Higher Ed: How I Learned to Love Calculus
Was there a subject in school that seemed so hard and unsatisfying to study that even to this day the thought of it makes you cringe? For many students, that subject was Math. And perhaps more specifically, Calculus. Maybe it was the confusing terminology or seemingly abstract concepts. Can Calculus ever redeem itself? Is it ever useful? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger give Calculus a second chance. In a previous episode, Ed promised Jennifer he could clearly explain Calculus in just a few easy steps. Jennifer now takes him up on that challenge. Can Ed make Calculus accessible and maybe even fun? Listen on to find out, and to hear the solution to the puzzler about the Road to Truth.
This episode was recorded on October 4, 2016.