Coffee Break Classroom: Brewed for Higher Ed

30. Look at me now, Mom!

With Mother’s Day so close, Ben and Amanda invite two very special guests – their mothers! Both Kari and Denise share their wisdom as fellow teachers. It turns out all the fun that Ben and Amanda bring to the classroom didn’t fall that far from the tree.  The team discuss the relationship between teaching and motherhood. That also means there are a couple of stories about raising young Ben and young Amanda. No spoilers here, you will have to listen to find out! This episode is hosted by Amanda Colosimo and Benjamin Schermerhorn with guest stars, Kari Schermerhorn and Denise Brill. Music for the opening and closing of the episode was mixed by Clayton Behlok.

29. Hands on Learning

Let's get physical! In this week's episode, Ben and Amanda talk about giving learning that special touch. They swap stories about making learning tangible through springs, rocks, dinosaur footprints, globes, and even pool noodles. Learning doesn't just need to be something students hear; it should be something they can experience. Join this episode to talk about the benefits of immersion to learning and the student experience.   This episode is hosted by Amanda Colosimo and Benjamin Schermerhorn. Music for the opening and closing of the episode was mixed by Clayton Behlok.

28. Dr. Jim Lehane on Dinosaurs, Tauntauns, and Diamonds in Germany

Do you know your Top 3 favorite dinosaurs? Amanda and Dr. Jim Lehane do. Luckily for you and Ben, the names are spelled closely to how they sound which makes them searchable. On this episode, Dr. Jim Lehane joins the pod to talk about science communication and using pop culture to spur learning. There are strong feelings about Jurassic Park right of the bat, but they eventually get to the real question – how much geology and paleontology is there in Star Wars? If you want to know, Dino Jim is your guy.This episode is hosted by Amanda Colosimo and Benjamin Schermerhorn with guest star, Dr. Jim Lehane (@dinojim on Instagram). Music for the opening and closing of the episode was mixed by Clayton Behlok.

27. Integrated STEM: I see math, people.

Elks, sound your bugles. In this episode, Ben and Amanda are talking integrated and/or integrative STEM. Debating the difference aside, the duo talks about incorporating cross-disciplinary lessons into their learning environments. From the impact of changes in river systems on wolf populations to the role of air pressure on breathing, learning is never just one thing. So, why do we so often teach it that way? What is the benefit of looking at the bigger picture? And why does it always come back to math?  This episode is hosted by Amanda Colosimo and Benjamin Schermerhorn. Music for the opening and closing of the episode was mixed by Clayton Behlok.

26: The Power of Belonging with Dr. LaToya Manon

What impact does a sense of belonging have in the classroom? How do we foster it and what does it look like when we have it? In this episode, Ben and Amanda sit down with their powerhouse of a colleague, Dr. LaToya Manon to discuss her journey into higher education, from teaching K-12 to teaching future teachers. We unpack the role of a teacher, the power of relatedness in student motivation, and how the choices we make draw the boundaries of who belongs. You don’t want to miss this one! This episode is hosted by Amanda Colosimo and Benjamin Schermerhorn with guest start, LaToya Manon. Music for the opening and closing of the episode was mixed by Clayton Behlok.