As the Thanksgiving break approaches, the end of the semester is in sight. I will be traveling next week as students prepare their presentations and final papers.
Teaching
Making a difference
Everyone needs to “make a living,” but the economics of life are secondary to making a point, making a difference.
Moving students toward new horizons
A piece of wisdom from an experienced teacher that has been valuable in my own teaching but also an important life lesson.
A sacred desecration: the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore
John (Fire) Lame Deer’s essay about the 1970 occupation of Mount Rushmore highlights a monumental clash between two visions of sacred land.
Elvis religion and the sacred space of Graceland
Is Elvis a religion? Students explore this and other questions, including whether Elvis really left the building, or is he still with us in ways we never imagined?
Teaching is its own reward
Great teaching is less about what is being taught and more about the impact it has on learners. If student lives are not changed in their learning, what is the point of education?
First day of school
Perhaps we can begin to move toward better student learning by reflecting on our own learning. Most professors did not become experts in their field by listening to what others thought was important.
Education in an era of global environmental change
Educated graduates need an awareness about the changing global climate and how every subject of study is implicated and connected to the future wellbeing of the planet’s environments.
Teaching possibilities: transformations that change the world
What happens between teacher and student, as well as between parent and child, between intimates and colleagues, at its best involves changes that bring “more enlightened living in the world.”
Learning discussion: allowing students to learn on their own terms
My most powerful classroom learning strategy is open discussion. The best discussions have clear learning goals, adequate student preparation, and a safe environment.