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.
Higher Ed: What Else Could Be Taught in School?
Most people who get at least a high school education will experience a pretty standard set of courses no matter where they go to school: Math, English, Social Studies, Biology, and the like. But are there things not being taught in schools that should be? What if the traditional academic slate were wiped clean and replaced with a new “road map;” what might that look like? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss some things that could be added to curricula to enhance education – even well beyond school years. Now, don’t expect Ed to make concrete suggestions such as “more Math” or “less History.” Ed actually believes the tweaks are more about process than content and should focus more on learning itself than on any specific subject. Listen on to hear Ed and Jen discuss those tweaks, and to get the latest puzzler… which might sound a little familiar.
This episode was recorded on October 4, 2016.
Higher Ed: Has It Become “Cool” To Be Angry?
Social media such as Twitter allow people to draw attention to situations and problems that might not otherwise get much focus. It also lets people share information and connect quickly and easily. But what has happened to the value we place on interacting and connecting in person? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss the immediacy and emotion of social media and the value of personal interactions. The idea for this episode came from Ed. He says he’s sensed something among young people (and he would know – he’s been teaching and working with young people for decades). Ed wonders if it has become “cool” to be angry. And, he wonders if that phenomenon is fueled by the emotions often displayed on social media and the responses they elicit. Also, hold onto your hats; you’ll get the solution to last week’s puzzler about who’s wearing what hat.
This episode was recorded on October 4, 2016.
Higher Ed: Gratitude, Appreciation, and Learning
It’s good manners to say “thank you” and show gratitude. But there are also ways that slowing down to notice and appreciate what’s happening around us can give our brains some much needed rest. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss the impact of showing gratitude and appreciation on learning. Is it also possible to include the expression of gratitude and appreciation in a formal education setting? Listen on for Ed and Jen’s discussion on how expressing thanks can help learners relax and grow, and what teaching that might look like. And (hopefully!) you’ll be grateful for a new puzzler.
This episode was recorded on October 4, 2016.
Higher Ed: What’s Really Happening When We Learn
Most dictionary definitions of “learn” make reference to acquiring knowledge or skills; becoming informed; or finding out something. Sure, that makes sense; but what does it really mean to learn something? How do we know if we’ve actually learned it? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss what learning does and doesn’t mean. If we memorize something, does that mean we’ve learned it? How deeply do we have to understand something before we’ve really mastered it? Hear Ed and Jennifer debunk some myths about learning and talk about one of the best ways to make sure something is thoroughly learned. And listen on to learn if you found the correct solution to last week’s puzzler.
This episode was recorded on October 4, 2016.
Higher Ed: Curiosity, Creativity, and Confidence in Kids
How can educators, parents, and other adults encourage young people to be curious and get creative? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger respond to a listener’s question about promoting intellectual curiosity and confidence in kids. There’s a lot of interest these days in encouraging younger learners to pursue studying science, the arts, and math. A listener wants to know how young people can be encouraged along those paths by exciting them to ask questions and be confident in their pursuits. Hear Ed discuss with Jennifer how he has inspired curiosity and creativity among students, and the impact that work has had on him as a teacher. Curious about the latest puzzler? You’ll need all your marbles for this one.
This episode was recorded on August 10, 2016.
Higher Ed: What Does “Smart” Really Mean?
What do you think of when someone is described as “smart?” They know a lot of things. Maybe they got high grades in school. Or maybe they always use correct grammar. But what does it actually mean to be “smart?” In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss the deeper meaning of the word “smart.” Being “smart” and being “intelligent” – are those the same thing? Are there different ways of being “smart” (think “street smarts” vs. “book smarts”)? Listen to Ed and Jen unpack the definition of “smart” and examine what it does and does not mean. Did the latest puzzler about pieces of a cube leave you feeling less than smart? Listen on to find out the solution.
This episode was recorded on August 10, 2016.
Higher Ed: Leadership – Can It Be Taught and Learned?
This 2016 election season has a lot of people talking about leadership: what qualities do we want in a leader, and what kind of experiences can prepare someone to lead? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger talk about whether leadership can be taught and learned, or if someone people are just “born leaders.” Listen on for Ed and Jen’s discussion about the role education can play in preparing someone to be a leader. You’ll also get the newest puzzler. Bonus this week: it’s in 3D (but no glasses needed!).
This episode was recorded on August 10, 2016.
Higher Ed: Different Learning Modes
Technology means students can take classes in many different modes and venues. They can be together in a traditional classroom, of course, with a teacher. Or, they can listen, discuss, and learn remotely any time and anywhere via online courses and videos. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger look at different ways learning can happen, and if one way is more effective than another. Some students say they thrive on the interactions and discussions that happen in the classroom. Others say they can grasp concepts and learn just fine remotely. Ed and Jen discuss different modes for learning; are they like apples and oranges? Speaking of which, listen on for the solution to last week’s puzzler.
This episode was recorded on August 10, 2016.