Shows
Higher EdBest of “Higher Ed:” The Well-Read Grown-UpThis episode was originally posted on Nov. 18, 2018.
In school, our reading choices are mostly dictated by what is assigned for classes or from reading lists. But once we are out of school, the decisions are up to us. In this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed,” Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT’s Jennifer Stayton discuss the joys and impacts of lifelong reading.
Ed believes that there are a couple of keys to staying well read beyond our school years.
One: expand the canon of what is considered “must reads” in school and...
2019-08-1116 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton & Dr. Ed Burger On Tensions Between Inward & Outward Campus FocusA "Higher Ed" podcast listener wrote in recently asking for Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger's take on what the listener calls "the tension between servicing the local community near an institution and appealing to international elements" such as students and partnerships. In this episode of the KUT podcast, Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss how campuses view their role in the community and how that is balanced with farther flung connections.
2019-05-1615 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton & Dr. Ed Burger On Building Community Through Ritual In EducationThe pomp and circumstance of graduation brings students, teachers, staff and family together to celebrate achievement and usher students onto their next steps in learning and life. That ritual not only honors students but also creates a shared opportunity for a campus community to strengthen bonds. In this episode of the KUT podcast "Higher Ed," KUT's Jennifer Stayton talks with Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger about the important role of ritual in education.
2019-05-0316 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton & Dr. Ed Burger On The Powerful Lessons Struggle Can TeachMost of us work to minimize struggles and make things in life go as smoothly as possible. But learning is not always easy. Mastering tough stuff can be frustrating and even discouraging. In this episode of the KUT podcast "Higher Ed," KUT's Jennifer Stayton talks with Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger about how a shift in mindset can help learners at any age harness lessons, power and even joy from struggles.
2019-04-2515 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Leading, Mananging And Embracing ConflictA "Higher Ed" podcast listener wrote in recently with an intriguing question for Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger: does Ed, as a teacher and university president, "see himself as more of a leader or manager? How does he differentiate the two concepts and does he place more emphasis on one area or another?" In this episode, KUT's Jennifer Stayton talks with Ed about what he sees are the differences - if any - between managing and leading. How do those differences play out in the classroom, and can leadership and management be taught?
2019-04-1318 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Integrity In College AdmissionsAllegations earlier this year about cheating by some families in the college admissions process have brought renewed scrutiny to just how that process works. In this episode of the KUT podcast "Higher Ed," KUT's Jennifer Stayton talks with Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger to get his response to the story and his take on maintaining integrity in the process.
2019-04-0515 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Learning To Discern Your True CallingMany people may regard “vocation” as a job, employment, or occupation. But the word’s Latin root (vocare meaning “to call”) speaks to a deeper definition related to a passion or true calling. In this episode of the KUT podcast “Higher Ed,” Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT’s Jennifer Stayton explore the concept of a “calling” in life, and how we can learn to be attuned to that message within us.
When Jennifer was an undergraduate student in college, she was certain she was going to become a psychologist. When Ed was an undergraduate student, he was cert...
2019-03-3118 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Learning To Discern Your True Calling"Higher Ed" took the show on the road earlier this year and taped a few podcast episodes in front of an audience at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. In this episode of the KUT podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss the journey to discovering one's true calling or "vocation." That word is often used to denote a job or profession, but Ed and Jennifer discuss a deeper meaning that encompasses intellectual curiosity, passion, joy and a dose of reality, too.
2019-03-2917 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Helping "Helicopter" Parents Land Safely"Higher Ed" recently took the show on the road and taped a few podcast episodes in front of an audience at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. In this episode of the KUT podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss the topic of "helicopter" parents with an audience of - yes - parents and students. Ed and Jennifer took questions about the impact on students' learning and development of parents who hover too much, and how to help parents and students make some healthy adjustments to those dynamics.
2019-03-0916 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton & Dr. Ed Burger On Safe Spaces, Triggers And Campus ControversyA "Higher Ed" podcast listener wrote in with a question about, as he asked, "the proliferation of so-called 'trigger warnings,' safe spaces, and demonstrations that aim to force administrators to cancel an invitation to a speaker because their ideas are controversial." In this episode of the KUT podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss the complicated issues those situations bring up.
2019-03-0215 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Mapping "Baby" Steps To Reach Bigger GoalsLosing weight. Exercising or reading more. Being nicer. Taking a class or going back to school. We all set goals at different points in life, but we do not always set realistic goals. And we do not always map out a way to achieve them. In this episode of the KUT podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton talk about learning how to set goals. A couple of hints: bigger is not necessarily better. And working toward a goal does not have to be a chore; it is possible to enjoy the ride.
2019-02-2115 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Have We Entered A Geological "Age Of Humans?"Some scientists and historians say we may have entered a new geological age (or epoch) that they are calling the "Age of Humans." Why? Because humans are heavily impacting transformations on the planet - especially in the environment. In this episode of the KUT podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss a multi-disciplinary approach to the "Age of Humans," climate change and how to gather together people with different opinions to discuss and try to solve problems.
2019-02-1514 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton and Dr. Ed Burger On The Impact Of Labels Like "Teacher's Pet""Teacher's pet." "Know-it-all." "Brown-noser." These are just some of the terms students lob at each other in (and out) of school - especially at students who demonstrate strong mastery of a subject or are enthusiastic in class. In this episode of the KUT podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton explore why we sometimes feel the need to use those labels - but why they might not pack the punch that they used to.
2019-02-0814 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Having - And Being - An Effective MentorWhat comes to mind when you hear the word "mentor?" Perhaps a bespectacled older teacher or other professional offering sage advice to a younger student? In this episode of the KUT podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss what makes a good mentor - and it doesn't necessarily have to do with age or specific experience.
2019-02-0115 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On How Curiosity Can(And Should) Be TaughtSouthwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger likens curiosity to wonderment. He believes curiosity is more of an internal than and external phenomenon that does not necessarily manifest itself in the asking of lots of questions. Does Burger believe curiosity can be taught? Yes. Does he believe it should be taught? Absolutely. Burger talks with KUT's Jennifer Stayton in this episode of the KUT podcast "Higher Ed" about developing and harnessing the power of curiosity.
2019-01-1614 min
KUT NewsJennifer Stayton's 2004 Interview With Molly IvinsMorning Edition host Jennifer Stayton speaks with journalist Molly Ivins in 2004 about her book, "Who Let the Dogs In? Incredible Political Animals I Have Known."
2019-01-1404 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton & Dr. Ed Burger On The Biases We Bring To Information And LearningSouthwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger says in a recent class some of his students assumed an unidentified quote came from a man because of its direct and forceful language. The quote, in fact, came from a women - Helen Keller. Burger also reports that when the students discovered the quote came from a well-regarded source, they felt favorably about it. Burger talks with KUT's Jennifer Stayton in this episode of the KUT podcast "Higher Ed" about the biases we bring to learning and information and how those impact the way we view and process what is in front of...
2019-01-1114 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Deeper Thinking & Learning Through AdjectivesThrough adjectives?
Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger contends that "adding the adjective" to a situation, problem, or puzzle can lead to a deeper understanding and better learning. But just tacking on a descriptive word or two is not enough. Burger talks with KUT's Jennifer Stayton in this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed" about how to keep looking and thinking once that adjective is added to notice what we might have missed before.
2019-01-0414 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On "Intellectual Bravado" And Asking QuestionsEver feel like you want to ask a question, but you hold back because you think the question is stupid or you will look silly asking it? In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss getting past those barriers that keep us from asking questions.
2018-12-1314 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton & Dr. Ed Burger - Does It Really Matter Where You Go To College?In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton take up a provocative question: Does it really matter where you go to college? It is certainly possible to get a good education at many, many institutions - but can students find their way, grow and thrive just about anywhere?
2018-12-0715 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Creating A Respectful Classroom CultureThere has been a lot of talk in recent months about creating and maintaining healthy and respectful environments - especially in the workplace. But what about in the classroom? In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss the keys to keeping the classroom an open and respectful place.
2018-11-3017 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Good Reading In And Out Of SchoolIn school, our reading choices are mostly dictated by what is assigned for classes or from reading lists. But once we are out of school, the decisions are up to us. In this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed,” Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT’s Jennifer Stayton discuss the joys and impacts of lifelong reading.
Ed believes that there are a couple of keys to staying well read beyond our school years.
One: expand the canon of what is considered “must reads” in school and beyond.
“Those canons traditionally are Western, usu...
2018-11-1816 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On What It Means To Be Well ReadIn school, our reading choices are mostly dictated by what is assigned for classes or from reading lists. But once we are out of school, the decisions are up to us. In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss how to stay well read while expanding beyond our comfort zones.
2018-11-1615 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayon & Dr. Ed Burger - From Classroom To Voting Booth: Student VotingThe Nov. 6, 2018, midterm election is almost here. Despite low voter turnout among 18-29-year-olds in previous midterm years, polls this year indicate turnout in that age group could be much higher. In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss what is driving college-aged voters to the polls; how to keep them engaged in future elections even when national politics are not so charged; and how students can use skills they have learned in the classroom to make up their own minds about how they want to vote.
2018-11-0213 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Better Problem Solving Through PuzzlesSouthwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger calls his “Effective Thinking and Creative Puzzle-Solving” class at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, the “Seinfeld” of classes. Why? Burger claims the class is about nothing. In this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed,” Burger and KUT’s Jennifer Stayton discuss why that kind of class is actually about something pretty profound.
Ed has a new book out called “Making Up Your Own Mind: Thinking Effectively through Creative Puzzle Solving.” The book is based on that class that Ed teaches at Southwestern University. And yeah, he says the class is about nothing.
2018-10-2815 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton & Dr. Ed Burger - Puzzling Through Puzzlers To Solve Real ProblemsDr. Ed Burger calls his "Effective Thinking and Creative Puzzle-Solving" class at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, the "Seinfeld" of classes. Why? Burger claims that class is about nothing, which was a popular knock against the 1990's t-v show. What does he mean by that? In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss the utility of working through tricky puzzlers, and why the class that lacks any short-term, tangible content may actually have quite a bit to teach in the long run.
2018-10-2615 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton & Dr. Ed Burger On Speaking Up In Class (And Elsewhere)Some students raise their hands constantly in class and cannot wait to answer questions and participate in the discussion. For others, the thought of speaking up in class is intimidating and scary so they keep quiet much of the time. In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss speaking up in class: why it can feel so difficult, and what teachers and students can do to encourage more voices in the classroom.
2018-10-1917 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Minding Your Major In CollegeChoosing a major. It is a rite of passage for higher education students, and it can feel like a ... dare we say it ... major decision with lifelong implications. In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss what could - and sometimes should - go into choosing a major plan of study, and why there may be more flexibility in the choice than students think.
2018-10-1115 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Self Promotion In AcademiaA provocative column this year in The Chronicle of Higher Education laments the rise of what the author calls the "promotional intellectual." Dr. Jeffrey J. Williams of Carnegie Mellon University believes the old adage in academia of "publish or perish" has evolved into "promote or perish." In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss the new - or maybe not-so-new - concept of promoting one's academic work.
2018-10-0419 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Effective CorrectionAt times, school might feel like it is all about evaluations - tests, grades and comments. Some people take criticism in stride and use it to fuel efforts to learn what they have not mastered. But others are so derailed by even the slightest negative comment that they cannot focus on learning the material at hand. In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss the best ways to correct effectively.
2018-09-2817 minKUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton & Dr. Ed Burger On The Art And Science Of The College ApplicationTest scores... transcripts... essays... teacher recommendations. College applications are a quest for students to try and put their best foot forward and demonstrate why that school should accept them. In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss the art and the science of college applications and address some common myths about what makes a strong application.
2018-09-2116 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Girls, Math And Getting Past BiasA summer op-ed in the New York Times (no, not that op-ed!) was headlined "Make Your Daughter Practice Math. She'll Thank You Later." The author, an engineering professor, believes girls would benefit from more drilling on math to "break the cycle of dislike-avoidance-further dislike" and help them build confidence in their math skills (which research has shown are pretty similar to boys' math skills). In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton respond to the op-ed's call for gender-based additional academic practice and discuss how to undo lingering biases about...
2018-09-1418 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On The Evolution of Instructional MediaRemember those old film strips in school that would advance frame by frame, fueled by an annoying beep? Instructional media has certainly improved quite a bit since those days. In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss the evolution of the instructional video as an educational tool. Modern versions feature more graphics and special effects, but does that necessarily mean better learning? Can videos educate and entertain? Should they do both?
2018-09-0716 minHigher EdBest Of “Higher Ed:” Who’s Really In Control Of LearningThis episode was originally posted on Feb 4, 2018.
A lot of people have input when it comes to formal education: teachers, students, administrators, staff and parents for starters. 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...
2018-08-1216 minHigher EdBest Of “Higher Ed:” Civility, Outrage And Discourse
This episode was originally posted on Jan. 28, 2018
Those in higher education have a lot on their minds these days: the new tax law, immigration, affordability, the cost of education and how these things 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 people 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...
2018-08-0511 minHigher EdBest Of “Higher Ed:” What ‘Like’ Means In EducationThis episode was originally posted on Jan. 21, 2018.
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...
2018-07-2913 minHigher EdBest Of “Higher Ed:” The Great Homework DebateThis episode was originally posted on Dec. 17, 2017.
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 discu...
2018-07-2216 minHigher EdBest Of “Higher Ed:” Competition In EducationThis episode was originally posted on Dec. 10, 2017.
“Whaddya 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 performanc...
2018-07-1514 minHigher EdBest Of “Higher Ed:” Puzzler Solutions And Real World ApplicationsThis episode was originally posted on Dec. 3, 2017.
Puzzlers can be fun and challenging and can also help us think about some of life’s bigger questions. 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 suggested other possible answers to the generally accepted one. A listener also submitted her own original puzzler and as...
2018-07-0816 minHigher EdBest of “Higher Ed:” Education’s Four-Letter WordThis episode was originally posted on Nov. 19, 2017.
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...
2018-06-2415 minHigher EdBest of “Higher Ed:” Who Knows Best When Choosing Classes?This episode was originally posted on Nov. 12, 2017.
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...
2018-06-1715 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton & Dr. Ed Burger On Academia & Industry - Can They Work In Harmony?Some businesses say they encounter college graduates who are not well enough prepared for the workplace after school. What's the answer to that: more internships and experiential learning for students? More practitioners in the classroom? In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss the relationship between academia and industry and how they can overcome possible biases about the other to help students succeed.
2018-05-1715 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On How Assumptions Impact Education and LearningRemember 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 process and learn information. In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton explore why we make assumptions; how they affect learning and problem-solving; and how we can approach education with a more open mind.
2018-05-1114 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On The Commencement AddressCommencement season is filled with pomp and circumstance and speeches. In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton reflect on what makes a commencement speech impactful and recall some memorable words of wisdom at graduation ceremonies.
2018-05-0317 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Competing Demands In Education Lead To StressThe 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, activiti...
2018-04-2914 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Stress In EducationThe end of the school year is a busy time for students, faculty, staff, and families. Finals exams are looming; seniors in college or graduate school may be on the hunt for a job; and many students have to say goodbye to friends and teachers. Actually, the entire school year can feel stressful with tests, grades, activities and high expectations to perform well. 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...
2018-04-2713 minHigher EdHigher Ed: The Teacher-Student RelationshipA 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, th...
2018-04-2217 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Meaningful Teacher-Student RelationshipsThe relationship between teacher and student can be incredibly influential both during and after school. A current college student suggested a "Higher Ed" discussion about making those relationships meaningful and how grades and behavior could be impacted. In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss how students and teachers can best engage each other to ensure that dynamic goes well.
2018-04-1917 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Asking For Help In EducationAsking 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 fu...
2018-04-1516 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Asking For Help In EducationIndependence in highly valued in American society, but everyone needs help every once in a while. In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss asking for help in education and the relative merits of different forms of assistance.
2018-04-1516 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Helping Students Flourish In Careers Of The FutureOne 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...
2018-04-0816 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On How Education Adjusts To New Career FieldsSouthwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger says one of higher education's most serious future challenges will be to remain "relevant to the intellectual and creative needs of students who will graduate into a world in which over 65% will eventually hold careers in positions that have yet to be created." In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," Dr. Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss how education might respond to that future reality and the impact it may have on students, parents, and teachers.
2018-04-0615 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Respecting Young LearnersStudents 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 discus...
2018-03-2513 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Respecting Young LearnersStudents and young scholars may not have had as much time in the classroom, but that doesn't mean their work lacks insight, value and academic 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 work.
2018-03-2213 minHigher EdBest of “Higher Ed:” Solo Learning Vs. Group ProjectsThis episode was originally posted on Oct. 1, 2017.
Sometimes school can feel like a really solitary endeavor. Writing papers and reading are usually done solo. But teachers at all levels of formal education also assign group projects or presentations. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger talk about the pros and cons of learning solo and of working with a group – both in school and beyond. Ed acknowledges that yes, teachers are assigning more and more group projects these days than before. Ed and Jennifer discuss...
2018-03-1114 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Information OverloadWith 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 informa...
2018-03-0416 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Information OverloadWith 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 and how to employ effective gatekeeping techniques.
2018-03-0215 minHigher EdHigher Ed: How Formal Education Can Instruct Us In Good Decision-MakingMaking 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...
2018-02-2517 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Learning To Make Good DecisionsMaking decisions - large and small - is not always easy. We are called upon to make countless decisions in life, but are we ever given some 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 what we learn in our formal education can be used to help us make better decisions.
2018-02-1916 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Who’s Really In Control of LearningA 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 valu...
2018-02-0416 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Who's In Control Of LearningA lot of people have input when it comes to formal education: teachers, students, administrators, staff, and parents just to name some. Out of all of those groups, though, who is actually in control of the quality of the education provided? In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," KUT's Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss who does - and who actually should - take responsibility for education when there are so many cooks in the kitchen.
2018-02-0216 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Civility, Outrage, and DiscourseThose 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...
2018-01-2814 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Civility, Outrage, And DiscourseThere are lots of topics on the minds these days of those in higher education: the new tax law; immigration; affordability; the cost of education; and how all of 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 - civilly - how those with different opinions can have fruitful and thoughtful conversations in and out of the classroom.
2018-01-2613 minHigher EdHigher Ed: What “Like” Means In EducationWe 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 a...
2018-01-2113 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On "Like" In EducationWe 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.
2018-01-1912 minHigher EdBest of “Higher Ed:” When Is It Right To Transfer SchoolsNote: 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 pr...
2018-01-0713 minHigher EdHigher Ed: The Great Homework DebateThere 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 student...
2017-12-1716 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On The Great Homework DebateThere's been an ongoing debate for years in education about what has been a staple of the school landscape: homework. Do students get too much? Too little? What's the history of homework and the role it plays in school? In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," KUT's Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss all things homework and talk about possible alternatives.
2017-12-1516 minHigher EdHigher 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 commu...
2017-12-1014 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On 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. Is that kind of competition ever productive or useful? Is there a way to channel that competitive urge into motivation for students? In this episode of KUT's podcast "Higher Ed," KUT's Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss how to balance competition in education with being part of a learning community.
2017-12-0613 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Puzzler Solutions And Real World ApplicationsPuzzlers 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...
2017-12-0316 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton and Dr. Ed Burger On Puzzler Solutions And Real World ApplicationsPuzzlers 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 dig deeper into other possible solutions to a previous puzzler(about the shape of manhole covers); try to figure out the solution to an original puzzler submitted from a listener; and discuss how wrestling with tough riddles can help us figure out how to tackle other questions in life.
2017-12-0115 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Education’s Four-Letter WordT-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 decou...
2017-11-1915 min
KUT NewsHigher Ed: KUT's Jennifer Stayton And Dr. Ed Burger On Education's Four-Letter WordTest. Say the word and students automatically start getting stressed. 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 test culture, share some testing "horror stories," and talk about ways to bring that test anxiety down.
2017-11-1615 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Who Knows Best When Choosing ClassesOur 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...
2017-11-1215 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Learning From A Disrupted School YearHurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast on Aug. 25, 2017. Schools along the coast and in Houston were closed for weeks. When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, 2017, it was the strongest storm to make landfall there in over 80 years. Natural disasters cause devastating physical damage and disrupt life’s normal routines. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss how students, teachers, and schools can rebound when their school year is disrupted. Sometimes that disruption happens on a wide scale, such as a natural disaster. Sometimes a stud...
2017-11-0516 minHigher EdHigher Ed: What Keeps Alumni Coming Back To Their Alma MaterSome alumni just love the schools they attended and cannot wait to go back for Homecoming and Reunion. Other alumni say “good riddance” as soon as they get their diploma and never want to hear from their schools again. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss what keeps alumni connected to their schools and how social media has impacted that relationship. Ed believes that many alumni come back to Homecoming and Reunion to be “re-nourished” in the way they were doing school. And since alumni can now keep...
2017-10-2914 minHigher EdHigher Ed: How Empathy Can Impact LearningEmpathy. Sympathy. We probably think we know what those words really mean, but in truth they are often confused or misunderstood. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger take a closer look at both and how they relate to learning. What do “sympathy” and “empathy” really mean? What is the difference between the two? And can they enhance (or hinder) learning? Ed and Jennifer try to answer those questions and lend a sympathetic (or is it empathetic?!) ear. Listen on for their discussion, and get ready for a road t...
2017-10-1513 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Solo Learning vs. Group ProjectsSometimes school can feel like a really solitary endeavor. Writing papers and reading chapters are usually done solo. But teachers at all levels of formal education also assign group projects or presentations. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger talk about the pros and cons of learning solo and of working with a group – both in school and beyond. Ed acknowledges that yes, teachers are assigning more and more group projects these days than before. He says he even will fashion some group assignments for his students...
2017-10-0114 minHigher EdHigher Ed: To Transfer or Not To TransferSometimes, a relationship just doesn’t feel like a good match. You can’t put your finger on it, but it just feels like it’s time to move on. 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 who wanted to know when is it the right decision – and when is it not – to transfer from one college to another. It might seem like a pretty simple...
2017-09-1714 minHigher EdBest of “Higher Ed:” Studying AbroadThis episode was originally published on April 23, 2017.
This episode addresses a question from a “Higher Ed” listener whose daughter is a sophomore in high school. The daughter has started attending college fairs and reading online about schools, and the family wants to know about the impact of studying abroad on a student’s education. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger dig into the topic of studying abroad. Ed and Jennifer talk about the pros and cons of spending part of college (or high school) out...
2017-08-2712 minHigher EdBest of “Higher Ed:” Healthy LearningThis episode was originally published on April 9, 2017.
College students who work hard might tend to play hard, too. Caffeine … junk food … late nights … partying. College can be filled with temptations that keep students from leading healthy lives. We know those habits aren’t good for us, but why does school present so many temptations? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss balancing work and learning with health during school (and beyond). You’ve probably been there: staying up all night, fueled by coffee and junk food...
2017-08-1314 minHigher EdBest of “Higher Ed:” ‘Social’ MediaThis is might be a familiar scene to you: You’re walking down the street and see someone heading toward you, not looking up, face firmly transfixed on the small screen of a smartphone 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 acc...
2017-08-0615 minHigher EdBest of “Higher Ed:” Breaking Down Tough QuestionsWe 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 “Best of” 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 s...
2017-07-3012 minHigher EdBest of “Higher Ed:” How I Learned to Love CalculusWas 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 “Best of” 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...
2017-07-2316 minHigher EdBest of “Higher Ed:” What’s Really Happening When We LearnMost 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 “Best of” 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? Listen on to hear Ed and Jennifer...
2017-07-0918 minHigher EdBest of “Higher Ed:” Curiosity, Creativity, and Confidence in KidsHow can educators, parents, and other adults encourage young people to be curious and get creative? In this “Best of” 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. Listen on to hear E...
2017-06-2515 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Teaching Giving and PhilanthropyIn this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger tackle a question posed by a listener about teaching giving and philanthropy in school. Can it be done? Should it be done? And if so, when? A listener wrote in (to jstayton@kut.org) asking about teaching the concepts around giving and philanthropy. Ed and Jennifer talk about how that might be done, as well as the academic subjects that serve as underpinnings for understanding philanthropy. Listen on for their discussion and for the solution to last episode’s puzzle...
2017-06-1111 minHigher EdHigher Ed: “Goodbyes” in Education“Goodbye.” It’s a word that actually gets said a lot in education. Students are constantly changing teachers, classmates, subjects, and locations during their years in school. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger talk about saying goodbye and moving on in education. The end of a class, semester, school year, or entire degree program can be a very emotional time as students and teachers move on, knowing that exact same class with those exact same participants will never exist again. In this episode, Ed and Jennifer d...
2017-05-1411 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Advice from Graduating Seniors to Their Younger SelvesIt is college commencement season, and graduating seniors will be hearing all kinds of sage advice from commencement speakers. But what advice would those graduating seniors give? What would they tell their younger selves as students if they could? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger share what some seniors say they wish they had known when they started school. Ed had the chance to ask some Southwestern University seniors, not long before their graduation, what had impacted them the most during their time in school. He a...
2017-05-0714 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Teachers and TeachingTeachers. We’ve all had some great ones, and we’ve all had some teachers who didn’t rank among the best. What makes a good teacher? How has the profession changed over time? How has technology impacted the way teachers do their jobs? In this week’s episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger talk about the evolving role of teachers. Ed has taught Math for about 30 years so he has lots to say about what he thinks teachers can do to reach and inspire their students. He and Jenni...
2017-04-3014 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Studying AbroadIn this episode, a question from a “Higher Ed” listener: her daughter is a sophomore in high school who has started attending college fairs and reading online about schools. The family is interested to know more about the impact of studying abroad on a student’s education. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger dig into the topic of studying abroad. Ed and Jennifer talk about the pros and cons of spending part of college (or high school) studying outside the U.S. Ed says students can gain a...
2017-04-2313 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Healthy LearningCollege students who work hard might tend to play hard, too. Caffeine… junk food…. late nights… partying. College can be filled with temptations that keep students from leading healthy lives. We know those habits aren’t good for us, but why does school present so many temptations? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss balancing work and learning with health during school (and beyond). You’ve probably been there: staying up all night, fueled by coffee and junk food, to finish a paper or cram for an exam. T...
2017-04-0913 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Moving From Student to TeacherUsually during KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss issues related to learning and education. So how does it turn out when they add another voice to the mix? In this episode, they are joined by second-year Southwestern University student Tristin Evans. She adds a student perspective to the discussion and talks about what it was like to move from being a student to being a teacher’s assistant in one of Dr. Burger’s classes. Ed teaches a class at Southwestern called “Effective Thinking and Creative Puzzle-Solving.” Tristin has taken th...
2017-04-0212 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Lifelong Learning in ActionA 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’...
2017-02-1916 minHigher EdHigher 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 throug...
2017-02-1215 minHigher EdHigher Ed: How I Learned to Love CalculusWas 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 step...
2016-11-2016 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Synthesized Thought vs. Original ThoughtEureka – 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-dep...
2016-06-1915 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Choosing a “Final Class”If you only had one class left to take in school, what would it be? Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT’s Jennifer Stayton explore what that last class could – or should? – be, and making the transition from formal education to lifelong learning. Ed and Jennifer reflect on the last classes they took in their formal educations (Jennifer’s may surprise you; Ed’s probably won’t!) and introduce the latest puzzler. Hint: a little math along the way in school may help with this one.
This episode was recorded May 16, 2016.
2016-05-2214 minHigher EdHigher Ed: Deep Rest = Better LearningCaffeine-fueled all-nighters to finish up that paper or cram for a final exam. For some students, that’s a regular part of their studying routine in higher education. They come to equate intense periods of hard work with more successful achievement and learning. But some research indicates slowing down that work flow might actually be the best recipe for deeper learning. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger have a lively discussion about the benefits of a slower pace. Notice something a little difference about this episode? Ed and...
2015-05-3113 min