Dr. Ed Burger

Higher Ed: Academia And Industry In Harmony?

Business and industry sometimes say they find students are not prepared for work – or the working world in general – when they graduate from college. Liberal arts institutions say they are preparing flexible and well-rounded students who are ready to tackle anything. How can this disconnect be bridged? Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and I explore the relationship between academia and industry in this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed.”

One might assume that academia and the business world have different goals and missions and would have trouble reaching consensus on what constitutes adequate preparation. But Ed actually calls that tension “superfluous” and believes academia and industry can achieve synergy if they set aside biases about each other and keep an open dialogue.

Listen on for our discussion about fostering healthy relationships between academia and industry. It is also time for the solution to last week’s puzzler. Are you still counting how many golf balls it would take to fill a school bus? There is actually a relatively quick and easy way to figure that out.

This episode was recorded on April 20, 2018.

Higher Ed: How Assumptions Impact Learning

Remember that old adage about what happens when we assume something? (Hint: break the word down into smaller parts and you’ll get it!). Seriously, making assumptions can impact how we approach and learn information. Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and I spend this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed” exploring why we make assumptions; how they affect learning and problem-solving; and how we can approach education with a more open mind. A “Higher Ed” podcast listener wrote in expressing frustration with the fact that she often gets the puzzler wrong because she makes assumptions – that turn out to be incorrect – about the parameters of the puzzler. She asked Ed and me to discuss why people are so quick to make assumptions, and what mental cues or habits we could employ to stop making them.

Listen on to find out how to lean less on assumptions and to hear the newest puzzler. It is actually a “classic” that definitely requires fresh thinking.

This episode was recorded on April 20, 2018.

Higher Ed: Pomp And Commencement Speeches

Some are boring and not very memorable. Some are inspiring and stay with the graduates for years to comes. I am referring to commencement addresses. And during this 2018 commencement season, Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and I spend this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed” discussing the good, the bad and the memorable from commencement addresses. Southwestern University’s 2018 commencement speaker is Dr. Sybil Jordan Hampton. She grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas and was a member of the second class of African American students entering Little Rock Central High School in 1959. Ed is excited for the graduating seniors to hear Dr. Hampton’s inspiring story. Many commencement addresses are inspiring, and in this episode Ed and I recall some words of wisdom that have really made impact and some that were less-than-memorable. Ed also reflects on what he considers one of the most amazing graduation speeches he has ever heard. What made it so good? Listen to the full episode to find out and to get the solution to the most recent puzzler about math lovers who know how to to party.

This episode was recorded on April 20, 2018.

Higher Ed: Competing Demands In Education Lead To Stress

The end of the school year is a busy time for students, faculty, staff, and families. Finals exams are looming; seniors may be on the hunt for a job; and many students have to say goodbye to friends and teachers. In this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed,” Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT’s Jennifer Stayton discuss the origins of stress; the role it can play in education and learning; and how to successfully manage it (both in and out of school).

Actually, the entire school year can feel stressful with tests, grades, activities and high expectations to perform well. Ed says that a primary cause of overall stress in education stems from multiple, competing demands inherent in the system: students are trying to get the training and background they need to take the next step and launch their careers while also making deep meaning of the material they are learning. He says those two interests don’t always happily co-exist. In this episode, Ed and Jennifer talk about the definition and origins of stress. They also discuss ways to manage it, which does not necessarily mean completely eliminating stress.

One good way to get rid of some stress? Go to a party. Listen to the full episode to get the latest puzzler which is all about party guests’ favorite school subjects.

This episode was recorded on April 20, 2018.

Higher Ed: The Teacher-Student Relationship

A college student requested a “Higher Ed” discussion about meaningful student-teacher relationships – both how to form them, and how those relationships could impact grades and behavior. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss how students and teachers can best engage each other to insure that dynamic goes well. The relationship between teacher and student can be complex. Teachers can be mentors, advisors and role models to students. But teachers also grade students’ work and are thus in an assessor role as well. And, as Ed points out, those two roles can sometimes be in conflict. Ed and Jennifer discuss ways that students and teachers can build relationships that go well for both sides. Ed’s tips for teachers: don’t play mind games or play favorites with students. His tips for students: engage teachers about the material and show enthusiasm and curiosity. Listen to the full episode to hear more about teacher-student relationships and the one student behavior Ed won’t tolerate. It is also time to solve the mystery from the last episode about the scarf, carrot and coal.

This episode was recorded Feb. 28, 2018.

Higher Ed: Asking For Help In Education

Asking for help can be difficult or embarrassing sometimes, and for a variety reasons we don’t always do it when we should. But the truth is, everyone needs help sometimes, including students – who can occasionally use a hand with a tricky subject. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss the most effective ways to ask for and use help in education. Ed argues that in education, students need to seek the most effective help for them and then take that assistance to heart. Listen to the full episode to hear Ed and Jennifer discuss effective help; the danger of just getting the answers without understanding what they mean; and the out-of-the-box way Ed helps his students during office hours.

It is also time for a new puzzler. This one – about a mysterious collection of clues – may require some assistance to solve.

This episode was recorded Feb. 28, 2018.

Higher Ed: Helping Students Flourish In Careers Of The Future

One of higher education’s biggest challenges in the coming years may be to prepare students to flourish in a world with many careers and positions that don’t now exist. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss how higher education can be ready for this new reality. Ed wrote the following in his 2017 President’s Report:

…in the decades to come, higher education faces some serious challenges, not the least of which is remaining relevant to the intellectual and creative needs of students who will graduate into a world in which over 65% will eventually holds careers in positions that have yet to be created.

In this episode, Ed and Jennifer discuss the ways that education already prepares students for a broad range of careers and some ways it may need to pivot as the work world continues to evolve. Listen to this whole episode for a glimpse into the future and to get the solution to a retro puzzler about old-fashioned cash registers.

This episode was recorded Feb. 28, 2018.

Higher Ed: Respecting Young Learners

Students and young scholars may not have had as much time in the classroom, but that doesn’t mean their work lacks insight, value and rigor. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss the valuable contributions younger learners can make, and how society can better regard and embrace their thinking. Recent political and social movements have originated and flourished under the initiative and leadership of young people. Does society take the work and thinking of young people as seriously as it should? Ed and Jennifer discuss how society tends to treat young people, and what we may be missing by not paying more attention to their efforts. Ed argues that young people can actually bring a fresh and innovative approach to matters that should not be underestimated. Listen on for the full episode and to get the latest math teaser. It’s a “homemade” puzzler courtesy of Ed that will challenge thinkers of all ages.

This episode was recorded Feb. 28, 2018.

Higher Ed: Information Overload

With so much information available to us so quickly and easily these days, it might feel as if there is just too much to learn. But encountering massive amounts of information is not the same as actually discerning and then learning what is essential. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss information saturation. “Gossip gone amok.” That’s what Ed calls some of the information that we can access with just a few keystrokes or swipes. He makes an important distinction between the sheer volume of information we are exposed to on a daily basis and actually learning and processing what is essential. But with so much out there, how do we figure out what is critical to learn? And how do we filter out the rest? In this episode, Ed and Jennifer discuss managing information overload and developing effective gatekeeping functions. You will want to classify this episode as essential information and listen for the solution to last episode’s puzzler about the endless chess board.

This episode was recorded Jan. 18, 2018.

Higher Ed: How Formal Education Can Instruct Us In Good Decision-Making

Making decisions – large and small – is not always easy. We are called upon to make countless decisions in life, but when do we receive effective tools for doing that? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss how lessons from our formal education can help us make better decisions. We are not likely to encounter specific courses in school that can assist us in making good decisions (“Good Decision Making 101” or the “History of Good Decision-Making” anybody?) but Ed maintain lessons abound throughout the disciplines if we keep our eyes and minds open. He says learning how to think better; how to challenge ourselves; and how to identity and acknowledge our blind spots can aid us in effective decision-making long after school. Ed and Jennifer also discuss how bad decisions can be instructive if we are willing to learn from the experience. Hopefully it is not too tough a decision to listen to the entire episode and catch a new puzzler about an endless chess board.

This episode was recorded Jan. 7, 2018.

Higher Ed: Who’s Really In Control of Learning

A lot of people have input when it comes to formal education: teachers, students, administrators, staff, and parents, just to name some. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss who out of all those groups, though, is actually in control of the quality of the education provided. Ed and Jennifer examine who does – and who actually should – take responsibility for education when there are so many cooks in the kitchen. They also discuss the critical role students play in owning their own educational experiences and the value of giving them autonomy (at least at a certain point in their formal education) to make choices for better or for worse. It’s also time for the solution to the “random walk” puzzler. It turns out that it’s anything but random.

This episode was recorded Nov. 7, 2017.

Higher Ed: Civility, Outrage, and Discourse

Those in higher education have a lot on their minds these days: the new tax law; immigration; affordability; the cost of education; and how those impact teaching and learning. Educators are also thinking about how people discuss those topics. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss how those with different opinions can have fruitful and thoughtful conversations in and out of the classroom. Ed believes there is plenty of room for civil discourse on a wide variety of topics as long as we listen to and respect each other. He and Jennifer discuss how to do that in what some are calling an “age of outrage.” Check out the full episode to hear their civil discussion and to catch the latest on the “random walk” puzzler.

This episode was recorded Jan. 18, 2018.

Higher Ed: What “Like” Means In Education

We know what it means to “like” something. But does that word carry extra meaning in education and learning? What does it mean when students say they “like” a class or fear a teacher doesn’t “like” them? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger explore perceptions and realities of “likes” in education. Whether or not students and teachers like a class or each other is actually a pretty complicated topic. Students may “like” a class because they did well, but is that the best criteria for judging a class? What about teachers who bring in donuts on course evaluation day; should their goal be for students to “like” them and write a positive evaluation? In this era of “likes” on social media, Ed and Jennifer discuss what it really means – and should mean – to “like” something in the realm of education and learning. Check out the full episode to see if you like the latest puzzler about a “random walk.”

This episode was recorded Nov. 7, 2017.

Best of “Higher Ed:” When Is It Right To Transfer Schools

Note: This episode was originally released on September 17, 2017.

Sometimes, a relationship doesn’t feel like a good match. That feeling can crop up in personal relationships, as well as in our relationships with schools. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger answer a question from a listener curious about how to know when it is time to move on.

It might seem like a pretty simple question, but there are actually quite a few factors to contemplate. Ed and Jennifer discuss both the practical and emotional elements students and families should consider when making a decision about a transfer. And yes, it can be a little like deciding whether to stay with a boyfriend or girlfriend or break up. Listen to the full episode for their discussion and to hear the solution to a puzzler about those elusive matching pairs of socks. Hint: No socks mysteriously disappeared in a dryer!

This episode was recorded Aug. 10, 2017.

Higher Ed: The Great Homework Debate

There has been an ongoing debate in education about a staple of the school landscape: homework. Do students get too much? Too little? What role does – and should – homework play in education? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss all things homework. It has long been a complaint of students – and some parents, too – that too much homework is a problem and can throw a young student’s life out of balance. Ed and Jennifer discuss the history of homework; if Ed (as a teacher) thinks students have too much; and what he advocates as an alternative to homework at some levels of school. Listen to the full episode for more takes on the role of homework in education and to get the solution to last episode’s “Let’s Make A Deal” puzzler. And take note: the strategy in solving this puzzler has real world applications for making decisions and answering multiple-choice questions.

This episode was recorded Nov. 7, 2017.

Higher Ed: Competition In Education

“Whadya get?” That’s the question students often ask each other after graded exams or papers are handed back. Competition among students persists in education. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss if that kind of competition is ever productive or useful for learning. Competition in school is usually among students, but Ed and Jennifer discuss how students can set up a competition with themselves to try and improve their own individual learning and performance. They also discuss how to balance competition with being part of a community. Check out the full episode to hear Ed’s thoughts about whether competition is something that should be taught in school and to hear a throwback puzzler a la “Let’s Make A Deal.”

This episode was recorded Nov. 7, 2017.

Higher Ed: Puzzler Solutions And Real World Applications

Puzzlers can be fun and challenging and can also help us think about some of life’s bigger questions beyond the puzzler. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger puzzle through solutions to some especially tough riddles. Ed and Jennifer spend some time in this episode revisiting the solution to a previous puzzler about why manhole covers are round. A listener has suggested other possible answers than the generally accepted one. A listener also submitted her own original puzzler and asked Ed to figure it out. Check out the full episode to hear what he comes up with and to hear how working through puzzlers can help us navigate some of life’s bigger issues.

This episode was recorded Nov. 7, 2017.

Higher Ed: Education’s Four-Letter Word

T-E-S-T. That word almost always strikes fear in the hearts of students. They’re worried about doing well, getting a high grade, and comparing their performance to that of their classmates. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger explore stressful test culture. Who hasn’t had a “horror” story experience of taking a test? Ed and Jennifer share some memorable ones and take a closer look at why testing is so stressful. One reason: we tie our own worthiness into our test performance. Ed talks about how to decouple ourselves from our performance and how to make meaning out of our work on a test no matter what the grade. Listen to the full episode to hear what words of encouragement Ed says you should never tell a test taker. You will also get the result to the tricky train puzzler. It sounds like an arithmetic challenge, but there may be more to it.

This episode was recorded Sept. 22, 2017.

Higher Ed: Who Knows Best When Choosing Classes

Our path through formal education is pretty prescribed through the early years. But in middle school, high school, college and beyond, students have more latitude in choosing their own classes and course of study. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss who knows best when making those decisions about which classes to take: students? parents? teachers? When is the right time to hand the reins over to students to make those decisions completely on their own? Ed and Jennifer discuss the various factors that go into putting together a schedule of classes and when parents and teachers should start handing off that responsibility – even if they think the student’s about to make a big mistake! They also look at what factors should be considered when picking classes no matter who is choosing. Listen to the full episode and get the newest puzzler (this one is about Jennifer’s favorite mode of transportation – trains).

This episode was recorded Sept. 22, 2017.