Imagine this: you've taught a concept that's challenging, ensured your assessment was fair, and suddenly, the results are in, and they're not good. That sinking feeling of "Where did I, or we, go wrong?" settles in. In this episode, Dr Toyin Ali, a senior lecturer at the University of Georgia, confronts the uncomfortable reality of what to do when your students fail an exam. It's an issue that can catch even the most seasoned educators by surprise, but there are constructive ways to handle it. Resources: - Check out my YouTube video on supplemental lesson plans for students - Purchase the Mid-Semester Survey Toolkit - Sign up for The Independent Professor Workshop - Read the essay about tenure here

This week, Dr. Toyin Alli sits down with Dr. Leah Carmichael, a senior lecturer at the University of Georgia and director of active learning, transforming classrooms into vibrant hubs of student engagement and participation. In this episode, Leah will take us on a journey from her initial studies in international affairs to her pivotal decision to shift from policy aspirations to academia - fueled by a profound love for teaching. We'll hear how she navigates wearing two hats at UGA: as an instructor and as an innovator leading the charge in enhancing learning spaces. Whether you're a new instructor looking for guidance or a seasoned educator seeking fresh approaches, this conversation is packed with practical insights. Leah's dedication to continuous improvement and her willingness to share her expertise makes this a must-listen episode for anyone committed to the craft of teaching. Resources: Follow Dr. Carmichael on LinkedIn Purchase the Mid-Semester Survey Toolkit Visit activelearning.uga.edu for more UGA active learning resources Read the Chronicle of Higher Education article Sign up for The Independent Professor Workshop Read the essay about tenure here Subscribe and follow so you never miss an episode: LinkedIn Profile YouTube Channel Instagram Account Sponsors: Take the Independent Professor Teaching Style Quiz

Believe it or not, empathy is an effective teaching strategy, particularly in times of tragedy. This week Dr. Toyin Alli, a senior lecturer at the University of Georgia, opens up about a difficult week on her campus that left students and faculty shaken. Following the loss of two students, Dr. Alli emphasizes the need for educators to prioritize their students' well-being over academic content. In this episode, Dr. Alli explains why canceling quizzes and adjusting deadlines allow her students time to process the events and provide resources for support. Resources: Register for the Mid-Semester Survey Workshop Sign up for The Independent Professor Workshop Read the essay about tenure here Subscribe and follow so you never miss an episode: LinkedIn Profile YouTube Channel Instagram Account Sponsors: Take the Independent Professor Teaching Style Quiz

This week, Dr. Toyin Alli welcomes Dr. Orobosa Owie, an accomplished professor, leadership development expert, and women's empowerment advocate, to the podcast to share her remarkable journey in educating. From her upbringing in Brooklyn to her influential initiatives such as founding Health Scholars and the Be Bold Africa Foundation, Dr. Owie's story is one of resilience and determination. She discusses her experiences as a former United Nations Youth leader and her recognition by global leaders like Barack Obama. Dr. Owie's passion for education and leadership shines through as she emphasizes the importance of aligning passion with purpose and the transformative influence of learning. Resources: Follow Dr. Owie on LinkedIn Follow Dr. Owie on Instagram @drorobosa_lead Subscribe to Dr. Owie’s Youtube @forhealthscholars Read Dr. Owie’s book “Be Bold, Be Confident, Be You!: A Motivational Guidebook for Shattering the Fear Ceiling” Learn more about the Be Bold Africa Foundation Sign up for The Independent Professor Workshop Read the essay about tenure here Subscribe and follow so you never miss an episode: LinkedIn Profile YouTube Channel Instagram Account Sponsors: Take the Independent Professor Teaching Style Quiz

If your students could rate your teaching style for the semester, what do you think they would give you? This week, Dr. Toyin Alli, a senior lecturer at the University of Georgia, shares valuable insights on improving student course evaluations. From negative critiques to the most positive, Dr. Alli emphasizes the importance of understanding student feedback and how to use it to enhance the learning experience for students each semester. In this episode, Dr. Allli shares ways to implement more organization into your teaching style including how to set up your class learning management system (LMS), assignment language and instructions, and how it can positively impact student success and overall perception of the instructor. Resources: Listen to the “Preparing for a New Semester of Teaching” Sign up for The Independent Professor Workshop Read the essay about tenure here Subscribe and follow so you never miss an episode: LinkedIn Profile YouTube Channel Instagram Account Sponsors: Take the Independent Professor Teaching Style Quiz

Does the perfect academic career exist?  In today’s episode with Dr. Toyin Alli, a senior lecturer at the University of Georgia, sits down with Dr. Tega Edwin, clinical trauma specialist and licensed counselor to discuss what it means to thrive, be confident, and build a fulfilling career in STEM and beyond! From building relationships with students to creating a flipped classroom approach, Dr. Edwin shares her journey into academia and how her experiences as an assistant professor of counseling changed her career and outlook on the academic space.  Dr. Edwin opens up to Dr. Alli about her work in the academic field as a woman of color and how she went from feeling miserable in her career to thriving in her career with a few tangible steps.  Together, Dr. Alli and Dr. Edwin go through their current semesters workload and share effective teaching strategies that leave their students feeling equipped and their day-to-day teaching lives feeling more at ease. 

There are so many factors to consider when you sit down to determine the best time to give an assessment to your class. In this episode, Dr. Toyin Alli, a senior lecturer at the University of Georgia, dives into the intriguing topic of when to give quizzes in a class—whether at the beginning or end. Drawing from personal experiences and insights, Dr. Toyin Alli explores the pros and cons of each approach, offering a unique solution that balances engagement and effective learning.  As the episode unfolds, the importance of creating a conducive learning environment becomes evident, with practical tips and considerations for instructors seeking to optimize their teaching styles. 

Stereotypes in the world of STEM are nothing new. But what would STEM look like if more women of color joined the field? This week, Dr. Toyin Ali welcomes Dr. Carlotta Berry, a distinguished Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology to the podcast to discuss the challenges Black women in STEM have and how they’re changing the vision of engineering, one semester at a time. With more than 17 years of teaching experience under her belt, Dr. Berry shares how she’s learned to flip the mold as a Black woman working in engineering and methods to her teaching strategy that have not only challenged, but set students pursuing the field up for success! In addition, Dr. Berry talks through what it means to hold the prestigious 2021-2024 Dr. Lawrence J. Giacoletto Endowed Chair for Electrical and Computer Engineering, while unfolding her remarkable journey from an aspiring math teacher to a trailblazing engineering professor. This episode highlights insights into her passion for diversifying the engineering profession and beyond!

Welcome to Season 2 of the Good Teaching podcast hosted by Dr. Toyin Alli, a senior lecturer at the University of Georgia with a Ph.D. in Math. In today’s episode we’re diving right in to explore effective teaching practices and strategies for college instructors to be on their A-game and prepare for a successful semester of teaching. Dr. Alli emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, reviewing student evaluations, goal-setting, crafting a syllabus, first day activities and planning the format and structure of the class, and more! In addition, Dr. Alli introduces a new quiz called the "Independent Professor Teaching Style Quiz," designed to help educators identify their teaching styles and explore self-hosted learning experiences.

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Good Teaching" with Doctor Toyin Alli. In this podcast, we delve into the world of higher education, exploring the most effective teaching strategies and the emerging trend of self-hosted learning experiences. Today, we're about to embark on a journey into the pivotal realm of feedback. Feedback, as we'll discover, isn't just a buzzword; it's the lifeblood of effective teaching, a means to enhance the student experience, and the cornerstone of creating a vibrant learning environment. In this article, we'll explore why feedback is the linchpin of pedagogy and how it can positively influence both educators and students.

Welcome back to "Good Teaching" with Dr. Toyin Alli. In this podcast episode, we embark on a journey into the fascinating world of online education beyond the traditional realms of academia. Dr. Alli unravels the thriving multi-billion dollar industry where individuals eagerly seek knowledge outside the conventional academic boundaries. Surprisingly, many academics have yet to explore this expansive domain. The episode delves into the motivations propelling academics to venture into self-hosted learning experiences. Dr. Alli sheds light on the multifaceted benefits and fulfillment this path can bring. She presents statistics that unveil the substantial income potential in this field and underscores the significance of a genuine desire to help others. Drawing from anecdotes and personal experiences, Dr. Alli emphasizes the intrinsic value of enriching one's life beyond the confines of traditional academia. Her own journey serves as a compelling example, demonstrating how creating self-hosted learning experiences alongside her university role has led to both financial success and a profound sense of fulfillment.

In this episode of "The Good Teaching Podcast," hosted by Dr. Toyin Alli, the focus shifts towards alternative career paths within academia, particularly those outside the traditional tenure track positions. Dr. Alli draws from her personal experience and her recent essay on the relevance of tenure in academic success and fulfillment. She highlights the various types of academic positions available, including non-tenure teaching roles that are often overlooked. These roles, such as lecturer, teaching assistant professor, and more, are permanent positions that prioritize teaching over research. Dr. Alli shares her own journey, where she chose a non-tenure track position despite receiving tenure-track job offers. She emphasizes the importance of aligning one's career goals with personal fulfillment, even if it means taking a less conventional path. Furthermore, she introduces her "Independent Professor Workshop," designed to assist academics and professors in creating self-hosted learning experiences. This workshop aims to help educators extend their impact beyond traditional university courses and engage with students on a deeper level. The episode encourages academics to explore alternative career paths that align with their passion for teaching and making a meaningful impact.

In the world of STEM education, some individuals shine brighter than others. Dr. Janet Antwi, a passionate STEM educator and chemistry professor, is undoubtedly one of those shining stars. Her journey from a young dreamer in Ghana to a respected chemistry professor in the United States is nothing short of inspirational. Moreover, Dr. Antwi's teaching strategies, which include utilizing the Top Hat platform for interactive engagement and the Think-Pair-Share technique for enhanced learning, have left an indelible mark on the world of academia.

On this podcast episode of "Good Teaching with Doctor Toyin Alli," the host discusses the concept of metacognition and its importance in education. Dr. Toyin Alli shares two practical activities she uses to help her students develop metacognitive skills and take responsibility for their own learning. The episode also introduces her independent professor workshop, which empowers academics to create their own self-hosted learning experiences.

In this captivating podcast episode, Dr. Toyin Alli, the host of "The Good Teaching Podcast," delves into the transformative journey of redesigning a precalculus class into a flipped classroom model. The episode unveils how this innovative approach enhances student engagement, understanding, and learning outcomes. From traditional lecture-based methods to interactive video lessons, Dr. Toyin Alli narrates the evolution of her teaching strategies, shedding light on the effectiveness of flipped learning.

In this heartfelt podcast episode, Dr. Chinasa Elue, an accomplished educator and visionary founder of True Titans Consulting Group, shares her journey as a new tenure track faculty member, revealing the challenges she encountered as a woman of color. Dr. Elue's experiences reflect the importance of authenticity, connection, and breaking molds in academia. Her insights serve as a guiding light for both new and experienced educators navigating the complexities of the teaching profession.

In this episode of the Good Teaching Podcast, hosted by Dr. Toyin Alli, the focus is on effective teaching strategies for college instructors, specifically on what the first day of class should look like. Dr. Alli highlights four general goals for the first day: introducing yourself and the class, clarifying expectations, establishing class culture, and demonstrating that students can learn from you. She believes that it's crucial to give students a realistic preview of what the class will be like on day one, rather than simply going through the syllabus in detail. Dr. Alli shares her approach to the first day in her classes, focusing on giving students a feel for what the class entails. For example, she uses the crowd crumple activity for precalculus, where students work in groups to plot points and discover the distance formula. In calculus one, she incorporates a get-to-know-you activity that emphasizes the importance of precalculus as the foundation for the course. For applied linear algebra, she engages students in a thoughtful discussion about what they believe the course is about before revealing the actual definition.

In this podcast episode of the "Good Teaching Podcast," the host, Dr. Toyin Alli, welcomes a special guest, Dr. Jessye Talley, an assistant professor of industrial and systems engineering at Morgan State University. Dr. Talley shares her journey in academia, from her initial interest in fashion design to becoming an engineer. She discusses her teaching strategies, emphasizing problem-solving skills, and creating a supportive learning environment for her students. Additionally, Dr. Talley offers valuable advice for new faculty members, focusing on course preparation, establishing clear communication with students, and maintaining work-life integration.

In this podcast episode of "The Good Teaching Podcast," hosted by Dr. Toyin Alli, the focus is on active learning in college teaching. Dr. Alli shares her personal experience as a senior lecturer at the University of Georgia and discusses the importance of active learning in the classroom. She explains that active learning involves engaging students in the learning process and making them responsible for their own education. Dr. Alli emphasizes the benefits of active learning, including increased student engagement, better understanding of course materials, and improved retention. She also offers practical tips and strategies for implementing active learning techniques in the classroom.