University at Buffalo Office of Curriculum, Assessment and Teaching Transformation
The Teaching Table is a monthly podcast where we'll engage in insightful conversations about the dynamic world of teaching, learning and technology within highe...
Overcoming Burnout and Reigniting Your Passion for Teaching: Part One
Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Picture this: You're at the end of a grueling semester, feeling utterly drained and questioning your passion for teaching. Our latest episode of the Teaching Table podcast tackles this all-too-familiar crisis as we sit down with Dr. Aisha O'Mally, a seasoned professor at the School of Management, who candidly shares her battle with burnout. Dr. O'Mally opens up about how the relentless pressures of managing a demanding workload led to a profound sense of exhaustion and disconnection from her students—a reality many educators face. Through her personal journey of transformation, she uncovers how acknowledging burnout and embracing reinvention can reignite one's zeal for education and well-being.Join us as we explore the powerful role of self-reflection, empathy, and open communication in overcoming burnout. Dr. O'Mally reveals the game-changing strategies that helped her reconnect with her students and foster an engaging classroom atmosphere. From fostering meaningful dialogues on crucial topics like diversity and integrity to gradually building a supportive learning environment, we uncover actionable insights that are not just about surviving but thriving in the teaching profession. Tune in for a wealth of inspiration and practical advice that aims to help educators manage their workload effectively while preparing students for the broader challenges of life.This is part one of a two-part series.
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Engaging Today’s Learners: Building Skills, Trust, and Success
Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Unlock effective teaching strategies that resonate with today’s students in a post-pandemic world. Kathleen D'Alfonso, adjunct instructor in UB’s Education Opportunity Program, shares innovative techniques for creating accessible, engaging learning experiences—like daily planners, color-coded assignments, and personalized communication. Drawing from hands-on experience, Kathleen tackles modern challenges, from time management to writing conventions, while balancing empathy and firmness.Educators today are not just teachers but authentic guides and learners themselves. Kathleen explores the essential qualities—trust, adaptability, and professionalism—that inspire student engagement across formats. From practical course design tips to ethical AI use in academia, this episode is filled with actionable insights to help you meet the evolving needs of your students.
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Empowering Change Through Inclusive Education
Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Dr. Seval Yildirim, UB's Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence, joins us on the Teaching Table podcast to tackle a pressing question: How can we foster an inclusive environment that excites and engages everyone on campus? Discover her strategies for managing change and progress in equity, diversity, justice, and inclusion as she shares her personal journey and the importance of understanding a campus's unique culture. Dr. Yildirim talks about building collaborative alliances, addressing resistance, and the critical role of listening in understanding the diverse identities and needs within our communities.Throughout the conversation, we explore what diversity, equity, and inclusion truly mean and how these concepts can be effectively implemented in educational settings. Dr. Yildirim emphasizes the importance of equitable outcomes for students and the need for faculty and staff to equip themselves with the right tools to create inclusive classrooms. With valuable insights into creating meaningful change from the ground up, this episode is essential for anyone committed to advancing educational excellence and social justice. Join us as we unpack the complexities of building a more inclusive university environment, one step at a time.
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Bridging Classroom and Career with Experiential Projects
Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Can experiential learning be the key to unlocking students' career potential? This episode, featuring Dr. Mara Huber, the newly appointed Senior Director for Instructional Innovation and Transformation at the University of Buffalo's Office of Curriculum Assessment and Teaching Transformation (CATT), aims to answer that question with a resounding yes. Dr. Huber brings a wealth of knowledge from her previous role with the UB Experiential Learning Network (ELN), underscoring the importance of hands-on learning in making students standout candidates for jobs, internships, and graduate programs. We explore the synergy between CATT and ELN, and introduce the PEARL framework—Prepare, Engage and Add Value, Reflect, and Leverage—to show how it enhances both student and faculty experiences through effective assessment and structured mentoring.Wondering how these concepts translate into real-world impact? Tune in as we spotlight how UB's experiential learning projects are transforming education. From a technical writing course tackling environmental issues to an architectural study abroad program in Tanzania, we discuss how these hands-on projects enrich student learning and benefit partner organizations. Dr. Huber also highlights exciting cross-departmental initiatives at UB and offers insights into how the PEARL model can ensure students are comprehensively guided without overwhelming faculty. This episode is a must-listen for educators and students alike, poised to revolutionize your understanding of high-impact learning.
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Revolutionizing Dental Education with AI
Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!What if artificial intelligence could revolutionize dental education? Join us as we uncover the groundbreaking initiatives spearheaded by Dr. Nathalia Andrade from the UB Dental School. In this episode, Dr. Andrade shares her journey of securing an AI Seed Fund for her transformative project, "Transforming Periodontal and Dental Care Powered by Artificial Intelligence." She unveils her innovative course, Periodontal and Dental Technologies, which seamlessly integrates AI, digital planning, and microsurgery into dental training. Dr. Andrade discusses her structured teaching approach, emphasizing the importance of a solid knowledge foundation and her dedication to making learning engaging and efficient for her students.Dr. Andrade's commitment to educational excellence is evident as she explains her strategies for accommodating different learning styles and connecting theoretical knowledge with clinical applications. She incorporates diverse learning activities, personalized sessions, and innovative tools like AI and hands-on simulations to enhance dental education. Through group case presentations and debates, she fosters collaborative learning and critical thinking. The episode also highlights the invaluable support from the academic community, showcasing the collective effort required to create a successful course. Listen in to discover how Dr. Andrade's passion and innovative approach are shaping the future of dental education.
The Teaching Table is a monthly podcast where we'll engage in insightful conversations about the dynamic world of teaching, learning and technology within higher education. Brought to you by the University of Buffalo Office of Curriculum, Assessment and Teaching Transformation, and made possible by the generous support of the Genteels' Excellence in Teaching Fund, this podcast aims to shed light on the pathways to educational excellence.