EdUp Curriculum

S3 E42. Measuring What Matters: Institutional Effectiveness and the Powers Index

In this episode of EdUp Curriculum, host Dr. Nicole Poff [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolepoff/] interviews Dr. Kristina Powers [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinapowers/], an expert in institutional effectiveness. They discuss Christina's journey into the field, the development of the Powers Index, and its implications for higher education institutions. The conversation explores the importance of data alignment, curriculum's role in student learning, and the challenges institutions face in making informed decisions. Kristina emphasizes the need for a culture of data-driven decision-making and the transformative potential of the Powers Index in helping institutions navigate their challenges effectively.

S3 E41. Designing for Learning: Campus Space Done Right

In this conversation, Dr. Nicole Poff [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolepoff/]and Dr. Chris Morett [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-morett/] discuss the complexities of campus planning and space utilization in higher education. They explore the challenges of scheduling, the importance of classroom design, and how institutional priorities can be revealed through space utilization. Chris emphasizes the need for ongoing advocacy for better classroom spaces, the role of faculty in creating positive learning environments, and strategies for provosts to improve space utilization and foster a culture of innovation. The discussion highlights the impact of physical spaces on student experiences and offers practical steps for improving classroom environments within higher education.

S3 E40. Higher Ed Instructional Design: Challenges and Innovation

In this episode of EdUp Curriculum, host Nicole Poff [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolepoff/] speaks with Holly Owens [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyowens/], an instructional designer with experience across higher ed, government, and corporations like Amazon and Mars. They discuss the stark differences between corporate and academic instructional design, why accessibility should be a top priority, and how the field has evolved since the pandemic. Holly shares insights on the many roles IDs juggle—from tech support to pedagogy expert to project manager—and why higher ed needs to move beyond slow innovation. They explore AI policy challenges, faculty who weren't trained to teach, and why today's students are less tolerant of outdated learning experiences. The conversation makes a compelling case for treating online courses as communities, not content dumps, and putting student experience at the center of educational design.

S3 E39. Pedagogical Partnerships: A New Model for Teaching Excellence

In this episode of EdUp Curriculum, host Nicole Poff [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolepoff/] engages with a team from West Chester University of Pennsylvania  [https://www.wcupa.edu/]to discuss an innovative initiative that brings student voices into the classroom through pedagogical partnerships. The program allows students to observe classes and provide feedback to faculty, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship that enhances teaching and learning. The conversation explores the origins of the program, its implementation, and the importance of including diverse student perspectives, particularly those who have faced academic challenges. The conversation explores the iterative process of developing a faculty-student collaborative program at West Chester University, emphasizing the importance of orientation, faculty engagement, and the dynamics of student feedback. The speakers discuss strategies for navigating power dynamics, fostering a culture of teaching excellence, and the impact of student insights on faculty development. They also provide practical advice for institutions looking to implement similar programs, highlighting the value of collaboration and continuous improvement. You can learn more about the student-teacher collaboration program here: https://wcu-tlc.org/tag/student-faculty-teaching-collaboration-program/ [https://wcu-tlc.org/tag/student-faculty-teaching-collaboration-program/]

S3 E38: Scaling Career Success: Insights from Northern Arizona University

In this engaging conversation, Nicole Poff  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolepoff/]and John Gartin  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-g-gartin/]discuss innovative strategies in career services at Northern Arizona University [https://nau.edu/]. John shares his experiences in scaling career development efforts, emphasizing the importance of faculty partnerships and the need to adapt to the changing landscape of higher education. They explore the challenges of providing personalized support to students while managing limited resources and the significance of integrating career readiness into the academic curriculum. In this conversation, John Gartin discusses the evolving landscape of career development in higher education, emphasizing the importance of generative AI, the role of faculty in preparing students for the workforce, and the need for educational institutions to adapt to the demands of the job market. He advocates for a comprehensive approach to career readiness that integrates skills development, compliance, and experiential learning, ultimately positioning universities as vocational institutions that equip students for success in their careers.