KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts

KUT and KUTX news and music podcasts for Austin, Texas and beyond

Dr. Ed Burger

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.

Higher Ed: Do Traditional Academic Calendars and Clocks Still Work?

Every student and teacher has likely at some point during the school year looked longingly at the calendar, hoping the days and weeks until vacation would pass more quickly. And who hasn’t stared at the clock during a long class, watching the seconds tick by? The traditional school calendar and school day schedule have been around for a long time but may no longer be effective or even necessary. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger explore the origins of the traditional academic schedule and toss around some different approaches. What if the school day consisted of shorter bursts of class time that lasted only 20 minutes? Would attention levels be higher? Listen on for more ideas about alternative ways to construct the school day and year and to hear the new puzzler… it’s like comparing apples and oranges.

This episode was recorded on August 10, 2016.

Best of “Higher Ed:” Learning and Doubt

Doubt. It can make us question some of our deeply-held beliefs. But is that necessarily a bad thing? In this “Best Of…” episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger talk about the value that doubt can have for our learning and education. Doubt can be a catalyst for expanding our thinking and is an important element in life long learning. So says Ed in this episode. He and Jen also discuss cats, dogs, beets, and doubt. Yes, it all relates! And listen on to find out if the solution to a recent puzzler will rain on your parade.

This “Best Of…” episode was recorded on November 18, 2015 and originally released on December 20, 2015.

Best of “Higher Ed:” Liberal Arts, Democracy, and the Media

What happens when you mix liberal arts and democracy and throw in a little media coverage? You get a fascinating discussion about the intersection of those three institutions. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss how learning habits developed while studying the liberal arts can help us navigate our democracy – especially when political discussions are sometimes more contentious than civil. Ed and Jennifer talk politics in this episode – or more specifically, they talk about talking about politics. They also hash out the solution to the latest math puzzler about truth-tellers and liars. How can you tell them apart? Listen on for the key questions to ask.

This episode was recorded on August 5, 2015 and was originally released on September 20, 2015.

Best of “Higher Ed:” Broad Strokes of Learning

Note: This “Best of Higher Ed” episode was originally released on September 13, 2015.

Have you ever heard of a “value study” in art? It’s a way to make a quick sketch of whatever you see and then fill it in with shades of gray. It leaves out detail in favor of broader strokes that capture the essence of the subject. Could this also be a way to tackle a new intellectual endeavor? In this week’s episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger translate this art technique to learning. Listen also for a math puzzler about sorting out liars from truth-tellers. It’s trickier than it sounds!

This episode was recorded on August 5, 2015.

Best of “Higher Ed:” Instinct vs. Intellect

There are times when we feel like we just “know” something. We can’t necessarily explain why, but we just have a “gut” feeling about it. When is it useful to go with that gut feeling, and when should we slow down and think things through? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger talk about using our instincts and using our intellect. Do you go with your gut when trying to solve the puzzlers, or do you reason them through? Either way, listen on to find out the solution to a puzzler involving money and math.

Note: This “Best of Higher Ed” episode was originally released on November 1, 2015.

Higher Ed: To Infinity and Beyond

Infinity. What does it really mean? Can we count it? If so, how? And can we ever really define or describe it? It seems like there are an infinite number of questions about infinity. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger help us try to wrap our minds around infinity. Remember – the puzzler in the previous episode was all about infinity. Listen on for the mind-blowing solution to the puzzler, and to hear other fascinating facts about infinity. For instance, can it be doubled? Find out!

This “Best of Higher Ed” episode was originally released on October 18, 2015.

Higher Ed: The “20-Year” Education Question

No one remembers everything they learned in school, right? We cannot possibly retain all of those facts, figures, and formulas. So, 20 years after we’re done with our formal education, what have we taken away from that experience? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger try to answer that 20-year question about education and learning. Hear how a simple snack of milk and cookies can lead to much bigger questions about the duration and substance of education and learning. And get ready for a new mind-boggling math puzzler about the concept of infinity.

This “Best of Higher Ed” episode was originally released on October 11, 2015.

Higher Ed: Summertime and the Learning is Easy

Summer. For students and teachers, that means a break from books, papers, tests, deadlines, and the stress of school. In this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed,” Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT’s Jennifer Stayton talk about the benefits of that break, as well as the advantages of keeping the brain at least a little busy during the summer months. In this episode, Ed and Jennifer balance the benefits of a breather from the classroom with the importance of keeping the brain occupied over the summer. Hear about some ways to do that, including sharing what happens during the school year with family and friends over the summer. You’ll also get the solution to the most recent math puzzler. A hint: think small.

This episode was recorded May 16, 2016.

Higher Ed: Math vs. Arithmetic

Arithmetic is just a fancy word for Math, right? Actually, they mean two different things. In this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed,” Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT’s Jennifer Stayton explain what “arithmetic” means; what “math” means; and why it matters to our learning and lives. You’ve heard us say a lot on “Higher Ed’ that Ed is a math guy. Find out what it means to be a “math” guy (compared to an “arithmetic” guy). Ed and Jennifer also discuss whether you have to be born good at math, or whether math prowess can be taught. Test that prowess with a stab at the new puzzler; you’ll actually need arithmetic and math to think this one through.

This episode was recorded May 16, 2016.

Higher Ed: Synthesized Thought vs. Original Thought

Eureka – I’ve got it! You know that moment when you feel like you’ve come up with something completely original? Well, consider this: is it actually possible to come up with totally new thinking, given all the information that influences our thought? In this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed,” Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT’s Jennifer Stayton respond to a listener’s request to compare and contrast synthesized thinking and original thought. In a previous “Higher Ed” episode, Ed and Jennifer talked about creating new ideas. In this episode, Ed and Jennifer follow up with a more in-depth discussion, prompted by a listener who was curious about the intersection of education, creativity, original thought, and synthesized thought. Listen to hear Ed and Jennifer navigate that intersection and to get the solution to the puzzler about cigarette butts. It’s a little more complicated than it sounded at first!

This episode was recorded May 16, 2016.

Higher Ed: Anxiety in Learning

Anxiety seems to come with the territory – at least some of the time – in school. Students worry about tests and grades or about trying to learn material that’s unfamiliar or tough. But does anxiety really have to be part of the learning process? In this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed,” Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT’s Jennifer Stayton chill out and discuss the role of anxiety in learning. Ed says yes –  it’s absolutely possible to keep anxiety out of the learning process. Jennifer is a little doubtful –  and a little nervous. Listen on to hear Ed’s advice for getting past those sweaty palms and nervous stomachs, and to hear the new puzzler. This seemingly simple math riddle may not be as easy at it sounds.

This episode was recorded May 16, 2016.

Higher Ed: Grade Inflation

A…..B……C…. at the end of the school year, many students are eager to see their final grades. But what is the real value of those grades? What happens when higher and higher grades are awarded for work that may not actually be that much better? In this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed,” Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT’s Jennifer Stayton explore the phenomenon of grade inflation. Ed and Jennifer have talked before about what grades actually mean and measure. In this episode, they explore the implications of grade inflation and some possible alternatives to the current, traditional grading system. You’ll also get the solution to the most recent puzzler involving digits, =, and + . Hint: sometimes a digit is not just a digit.

This episode was recorded May 16, 2016.

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