The What And Who Of EDU

Macmillan Learning
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Welcome to The What and Who of EDU. Join us as we talk with thought leaders, educators, and experts to explore the latest trends, innovations, and best practices shaping education today. Whether in the classroom or beyond, we equip educators with the tools and insights to support student learning anytime, anywhere.

  1. Show Your Work: 10 Ways to Get Students to Reveal Their Thinking (Not Just Their Answers)

    4D AGO

    Show Your Work: 10 Ways to Get Students to Reveal Their Thinking (Not Just Their Answers)

    What if your students already have the answer… but skipped all the thinking that got them there? That's the problem ten instructors sat down to solve. In this episode, they share how they get students to show their work, not just turn in something correct. You'll hear how they grade reasoning, build reflection into assignments, use peer review as a mirror, and yes, navigate all of this in the age of AI. Because ChatGPT or Claude can produce the right answer in four seconds. What it can't do is show your students' thinking. That part's still on them. Because "42" might be the answer to life, the universe, and everything… but if your students can't tell you how they got there, are they really learning? 🎙️ Episode Breakdown + Timestamps [0:00] The "Right Answer" Trap  [1:29] Tip 1: Drop the Receipts, Not Just the Result  [4:02] Tip 2: Grade for Process, Not Perfection  [5:42] Tip 3: Use Reflection to Surface Struggle  [8:15] Tip 4: Ask Why… and Why Not? [10:06] Tip 5: Compare Notes, Not Just Scores  [12:29] Tip 6: Peer Review or It Didn't Happen  [14:35] Tip 7: Turn Group Work Into a Game Show [17:25] Tip 8: Match the Format to the Thinking  [20:14] Tip 9: Thinking in the Margins  [23:42] Tip 10: Give the First Step, Not the Answer    🎓 Featured Educators Dr. Daniel M. Look is the Charles A. Dana Professor of Mathematics at St. Lawrence University. He's spent over 25 years trying to convince students that math is not only useful, but occasionally fun. He authored Math Cats: Scratching the Surface of Mathematics, an illustrated exploration of mathematical ideas through the lens of cats. Dr. Christin Monroe is an Educational Research Associate at the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She previously taught Chemistry at Landmark College with a focus on supporting neurodivergent learners through inclusive and innovative teaching practices. Jennifer Duncan is an Associate Professor of English at Georgia State University's Perimeter College. She has been teaching English literature and composition for twenty-five years and specializing in online teaching for fifteen. Dr. Sara Lahman is a Professor of Biology and STEM Outreach Coordinator at the University of Mount Olive. Betsy Langness is the Psychology Department Head at Jefferson Community and Technical College, where she has worked for more than 20 years. She teaches general and developmental psychology courses in a virtual, asynchronous environment. Mary Gourley is a psychology instructor at Gaston College with over 16 years of teaching experience. She also teaches gender, human sexuality, and social psychology courses at New Mexico State University's Global Campus. Dr. Jennifer Ripley Stueckle has spent the past 17 years as a Teaching Professor and Non-Majors Biology Program Director at West Virginia University. She has taught introductory biology, immunology and human physiology. She also created biology courses offered through dual enrollment at West Virginia high schools. Dr. Erika Martinez is a Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida, where she has taught economics for 14 years. She's passionate about making economics accessible and engaging for all students and also teaches at UNC-Kenan Flagler Business School's MBA@UNC online program and Santa Barbara City College. Dr. Margaret Holloway is an Assistant Professor of English and the Composition Coordinator in the English & Modern Languages Department at Clark Atlanta University. Her research is rooted in the rhetoric and composition discipline. Dr. Amy Goodman is a Senior Lecturer in the Mathematics Department at Baylor University, where she has taught since 1999. She is also a course designer, author, teaching mentor, and learning analytics researcher. Her pedagogy is founded on the belief that all students can be successful at math.   If this episode made you rethink how you grade, prompt, or even phrase "Show your work," we've done our job. Follow the show and leave us a review. It's the podcast version of showing your work. And if you've got a colleague who's stuck in the "right answer loop," go ahead and text this to them. We won't tell.  We're always interested in your ideas: TheWhatAndWhoofEDU@Macmillan.com.

    28 min
  2. What Discipline is the Coolest? 10 Professors Explain Why Their Field Rules the School

    FEB 25

    What Discipline is the Coolest? 10 Professors Explain Why Their Field Rules the School

    This episode is proof that every subject can be the "cool one" …  if it's taught with purpose, passion, and the right demo (hello, exploding gummy bears). We asked 10 professors to explain what makes their field unforgettable. The result is a joy-filled look at classroom strategies, student engagement, and the surprising connections between psychology, economics, biology, chemistry, and more. Whether you're looking for teaching inspiration or just some subject-area pride, this one's for you. Brought to you by Macmillan Learning Episode Breakdown + Timestamps 1:23 Chemistry Blows It Up, Then Breaks It Down 3:32 Storytelling Is Our Superpower 5:27 Psychology Is Everywhere (Yes, Even There) 8:43 Math Makes You Prove What You Know 10:35 Developmental Psychology Explains Your Roommate.  12:22 Psychology is Immediately Relevant 13: 57 Anatomy Lets You Look Under the Hood.  15:38 Psychology Sticks to Everything. 17:31 Economics is Essentially Dessert 19:08 Economics Explains the World (and Your Paycheck). Featured Educators Dr. Christin Monroe is an Educational Research Associate at the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She previously taught Chemistry at Landmark College with a focus on supporting neurodivergent learners through inclusive and innovative teaching practices. Jennifer Duncan is Associate Professor of English at Georgia State University's Perimeter College. Jennifer has been teaching English literature and composition for twenty-five years and specializing in online teaching for fifteen. Dr. Star Sinclair is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Florida Gulf Coast University. For 18 years, she has taught general psychology, lifespan development, behavioral statistics, and research methods in psychology to students of all backgrounds and preparation levels. Dr. Dan Look is the Charles A. Dana Professor of Mathematics at St. Lawrence University. He's spent over 25 years trying to convince students that math is not only useful, but occasionally fun. He authored Math Cats: Scratching the Surface of Mathematics, an illustrated exploration of mathematical ideas through the lens of cats. Dr. Kendra Thomas is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Hope College. She has been teaching human development courses for 12 years. She is a mother of two and researches adolescents' perceptions of justice and how hope changes over time. Betsy Langness is the Psychology Department Head at Jefferson Community and Technical College, where she has worked for more than 20 years. She teaches general and developmental psychology courses in a virtual, asynchronous environment. Dr. Derek Harmon is an Associate Professor - Clinical in the Department of Biomedical Education and Anatomy at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. For over a decade, he has taught anatomy to students, medical residents, and practicing clinicians. Dr. Eric Chiang is currently a Professor-in-Residence in Economics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He's the author of Economics: Principles for a Changing World (6th ed.), published by Macmillan Learning and is known for integrating technology into active learning environments. Dr. Erika Martinez is a Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida, where she has taught economics for 14 years. She's passionate about making economics accessible and engaging for all students and also teaches at UNC-Kenan Flagler Business School's MBA@UNC online program and Santa Barbara City College. If this episode made you feel a little more pride in your discipline, or made you want to call your parents who still think you should have been a "real" doctor, follow the show, leave a rating, or share it with a colleague who insists their class is the coolest. You can reach us at TheWhatAndWhoOfEDU@macmillan.com

    24 min
  3. AI + Accessibility: Cognitive Load, Em-Dashes, and Other Hidden Barriers

    FEB 11

    AI + Accessibility: Cognitive Load, Em-Dashes, and Other Hidden Barriers

    Can AI make learning more accessible … or is it just adding new barriers? In this debut episode of The What & Who of EDU's AI+ series, we sit down with Rachel Comerford, Senior Director of Accessibility at Macmillan Learning, to talk about what AI is getting wrong (and right) when it comes to accessibility. From the myth of the "fully accessible" AI tool to why Universal Design for Learning is more than a checklist, Rachel offers practical, honest, and human-centered advice for instructors navigating this new landscape. Whether you're AI-curious or still AI-cautious, this episode is packed with ways to use technology more intentionally, and with all learners in mind. Brought to you by Macmillan Learning   Episode Breakdown + Timestamps 1:20 Welcome to the AI+ Series: Meet our guest and kick off our first AI+ conversation. 2:46 What Educators Can Get Wrong About AI and Accessibility: (Hint) It's not about screen readers alone. 5:15  Vetting AI Without Being an Expert: The questions instructors can ask, even without deep technical knowledge. 7:50  UDL as Mindset, Not Mandate: Why designing for flexibility supports every learner, not just some. 10:50  Students Are Already Using AI. Are We Helping Them Use It Well? What instructors should know about student AI habits (and how to respond). 014:28  AI vs traditional tools. What are the benefits and challenges for students? 15:53  What to Fix About AI Tools. Why instructors should start small, and what to look out for. 20:07  How to Start Small with Accessible AI. Low-risk, behind-the-scenes ways to test AI in your own practice. 24:42  AI Isn't Perfect. So Now What? Rachel's candid take on the next wave of tools, code, and compliance. 29:45  AI Won't Replace the Human Layer. Rachel's reminder that AI is a support, not a solution, and humans are still essential. 31:54  What We Learned Today. Accessibility isn't a checkbox, it's a human experience. Featured Guest Rachel Comerford is the Senior Director of Accessibility Outreach and Communication at Macmillan Learning where she leads cross-functional efforts to ensure students of all abilities have access to their course materials. In 2020, BISG awarded Rachel the Industry Innovator award for her work helping Macmillan Learning to become the first Global Certified Accessible publisher by Benetech. Under her leadership, Macmillan Learning  was recognized by WIPO's Accessible Book Consortium with the International Excellence award Award for Accessible Publishing for their work towards providing educational materials that any student can use.  Rachel has over a decade of experience in the print and digital publishing world.  Required Reading Title 2 Resource Page: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/our-story/accessibility/titleII Universal Design and Accessibility: https://www.section508.gov/develop/universal-design/ Benetech Global Certified Accessible Program: https://bornaccessible.benetech.org/global-certified-accessible/    Call to Action If this episode gave you a new way to think about AI, accessibility, or Universal Design for Learning, follow The What & Who of EDU, leave us a quick rating, or share it with a colleague who's navigating the same challenges. Got an idea for an AI+ topic or a question you want us to explore? Email us at TheWhatAndWhoOfEDU@macmillan.com, we love hearing from you.

    34 min
  4. 10 Engagement Myths That Make Teaching Harder (and What to Do Instead)

    JAN 28

    10 Engagement Myths That Make Teaching Harder (and What to Do Instead)

    Some teaching strategies feel right—until they don't.  The What & Who of EDU is kicking off season 2 with a banger, breaking down the most common student engagement myths that sound like good advice but actually backfire in real classrooms. From "just make it fun" to "you can tell who's paying attention by looking," these well-meaning myths often make teaching harder, not better. Whether you're teaching online, in person, or somewhere in between, this episode offers practical teaching strategies to help you rethink classroom engagement and reconnect with the students in your room. Brought to you by Macmillan Learning. Student Engagement Myths Myth 1: Stricter Rules = More Engagement  [01:15] Myth 2: Online Students Don't Want Connection [03:23] Myth 3: You Can Tell Who's Engaged Just by Looking [06:25] Myth 4: Engagement Means More Energy [08:03] Myth 5: You Need to Fix Disengagement Immediately [10:45] Myth 6: Good Teaching Means Powering Through [13:04] Myth 7: If the Content Is Good, They'll Care [15:59] Myth 8: Start with Content, Add Relevance Later [19:07] Myth 9: Engagement Lives at the Front of the Room [20:51] Myth 10: Engagement Only Happens in Class [24:19] Featured Educators (In order of appearance) Dr. Ryan Herzog is an Associate Professor of Economics, Program Coordinator, and Faculty Fellow at Gonzaga University, where he has been teaching for 16 years. His work focuses on macroeconomics, financial markets, and public policy. Betsy Langness is the Psychology Department Head at Jefferson Community and Technical College, where she has worked for more than 20 years. She teaches general and developmental psychology courses in a virtual, asynchronous environment. Dr. Christin Monroe is an Educational Research Associate at the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She previously taught  Chemistry at Landmark College, with a focus on supporting neurodivergent learners through inclusive and innovative teaching practices. Dr. Jennifer Ripley Stueckle has spent the past 17 years as a Teaching Professor and Non-Majors Biology Program Director at West Virginia University. She has taught introductory biology, immunology and human physiology. She also created biology courses offered through dual enrollment at West Virginia high schools. Dr. Daniel M. Look is the Charles A. Dana Professor of Mathematics at St. Lawrence University. He's spent over 25 years trying to convince students that math is not only useful, but occasionally fun. He authored Math Cats: Scratching the Surface of Mathematics, an illustrated exploration of mathematical ideas through the lens of cats. Adriana Bryant is an English and Developmental English Instructor at Lone Star College–Kingwood in Texas. She teaches courses of different modalities, and strives to create an engaging environment that helps foster her students' growth and desire to learn. Dr. Kendra Thomas is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Hope College and co-author of The Developing Person Through the Life Span. She is a mother of two and partners with schools and community development organizations to apply developmental science to improve interventions. Dr. Eric Chiang is currently a Professor-in-Residence in Economics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He's the author of Economics: Principles for a Changing World (6th ed.), published by Macmillan Learning and is known for integrating technology into active learning environments. Dr. Star Sinclair is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Florida Gulf Coast University. For 18 years, she has taught general psychology, lifespan development, behavioral statistics, and research methods in psychology to students of all backgrounds and preparation levels. Jennifer Duncan is Associate Professor of English at Georgia State University's Perimeter College. Jennifer has been teaching English literature and composition for twenty-five years and specializing in online teaching for fifteen. Resources iClicker for Student Enagement: https://www.iclicker.com/ Economics: Principles for a Changing World (6th ed.) The Developing Person Through the Life Span:  Join the Conversation If this episode gave you something useful, or just made you nod while grading, pass it along to a colleague or that one friend who still says "I'm staying ahead this semester." (We believe in you.) Send us an email with your engagement hacks at TheWhatAndWhoOfEDU@Macmillan.com.

    28 min
  5. Season 1 Wrapped: 10 Favorite Moments that Stuck With Us

    12/30/2025

    Season 1 Wrapped: 10 Favorite Moments that Stuck With Us

    What if the most powerful teaching tips weren't found in textbooks, but in the lived wisdom of the educators down the hall?  In this Season 1 finale, host Marisa Bluestone counts down 10 unforgettable mic-drop moments from the year, the ones that stuck, stirred something, and might just reshape how you teach. From building student belonging in unexpected places to teaching confidence through well-timed mistakes, these research-backed teaching strategies are as practical as they are profoundly human. Binge the full episodes below during your next walk, commute, or grading break. Brought to you by Macmillan Learning Best of Season 1 Episodes: From Anxiety to A‑Game: 10 Ways to Build Student Confidence Listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts From Me to We: 10 Strategies to Build Belonging  Listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts Little Reflections, Big Gains: Digging Into the Data on Student Belonging & Metacognition  Listen On Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts From "Is This on the Test?" to "Here's What I Think": 10 Ways to Make Critical Thinking Happen Listen On Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts Advice New Teachers Actually Need: 10 Tips From Educators Who've Been There Listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts 10 Ways to Create Accessible Classrooms that Lower the Barriers (Not the Standards) Listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts This Is Not a Test: 10 Ways Instructors Measure Learning Beyond Grades Listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts The Psychology of Psychology: Drs. Dave Myers & June Gruber Discuss Emotion, Happiness & Students' Wellbeing Listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts From Grades to Grit: What Psychology Authors Drs. Dave Myers and June Gruber Want Every Student to Know Listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts   🎓 Featured Educators Meet the voices behind this season's top teaching strategies (in order of appearance): Dr. Jennifer Ripley Stueckle has spent the past 17 years as a Teaching Professor and Non-Majors Biology Program Director at West Virginia University. She has taught introductory biology, immunology and human physiology. She also created biology courses offered through dual enrollment at West Virginia high schools. Dr. Erika Martinez is a Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida, where she has taught economics for 14 years. She's passionate about making economics accessible and engaging for all students and also teaches at UNC-Kenan Flagler Business School's MBA@UNC online program and Santa Barbara City College. Julie Moore has been teaching writing and literature in Higher Education for 35 years, and is currently working as a Senior Online Academic Advisor and First-Year Composition Instructor for Eastern University. She's authored four collections of poems, with several notable prizes including the Donald Murray Prize from Writing on the Edge. Marcy Baughman is Vice President of Learning Science and Insights at Macmillan Learning. She leads a team of researchers focused on translating student data into practical tools that help educators and institutions support learning that sticks. Dr. Christin Monroe is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Landmark College, where she has been teaching for five years. She teaches in Principles of Chemistry, Introduction to Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry, with a focus on supporting neurodivergent learners through inclusive and innovative teaching practices. Betsy Langness is the Psychology Department Head at Jefferson Community and Technical College, where she has worked for more than 20 years. She teaches general and developmental psychology courses in a virtual, asynchronous environment. Mary Gourley is a psychology instructor at Gaston College with over 16 years of teaching experience. She also teaches gender, human sexuality, and social psychology courses at New Mexico State University's Global Campus. Jennifer Duncan is Associate Professor of English at Georgia State University's Perimeter College. Jennifer has been teaching English literature and composition for twenty-five years and specializing in online teaching for fifteen. Dr. Star Sinclair is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Florida Gulf Coast University. For 18 years, she has taught general psychology, lifespan development, behavioral statistics, and research methods in psychology to students of all backgrounds and preparation levels. Dr. June Gruber is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder and Director of the Positive Emotion & Psychopathology Lab. Her research explores emotion science, mental health, and the science of well-being. Dr. David G. Myers is a Professor of Psychology at Hope College and author of the world's best-selling psychology textbook. His research spans behavior genetics, social psychology, and public understanding of science. 💡Resources Want to dig deeper into the ideas from this season? Explore the research, classroom tools, and readings that inspired our guests.  Psychology, 14th edition Student Store: Psychology, 14th edition David Myers Classroom Activities Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to help students assess their own stress levels CAN Lab Awe Walks What the Best College Teachers Do, Ken Bain

    25 min
  6. 10 Teaching Strategies Teachers Once Doubted & Now Swear By

    12/03/2025

    10 Teaching Strategies Teachers Once Doubted & Now Swear By

    Some teaching ideas feel a little too trendy, too techy, or too fluffy… until they're not. Today we're counting down 10 teaching strategies educators once doubted and now swear by. From the surprising power of silence to the glow-up of structured lectures, these are the classroom moves that went from "no thanks" to "never teaching without it." You'll hear from instructors across English, psychology, chemistry, economics, math, and biology as they share the moments that changed their minds and their classrooms. Along the way, we explore what actually boosts student engagement, strengthens learning, and saves instructors time and energy. Brought to you by Macmillan Learning Lectures can be boring. So give yours a glow-up. Enjoy the Sound of Silence. Pauses are where learning happens. Scaffold. Rome wasn't built in a draft, and neither are great essays. Doubting the five-page paper? Go with short writing to build stronger thinking. Ungraded work still counts. Students need a point, not a point system. Now be a good robot. Tech doesn't replace teachers, it frees them up to teach. Flip the script. Move content home so class time focuses on context. Turn the discussion bored into a discussion board. The right prompt can transform 120 posts into 120 perspectives. Learn together, better. Group work isn't chaos, it's collaboration with a plan. Multiple choice isn't the easy way out. Done right, it's practice for the real-world exams ahead.  Dr. Margaret Holloway is an Assistant Professor of English and the Composition Coordinator in the English & Modern Languages Department at Clark Atlanta University. My research is rooted in the rhetoric and composition discipline, and I have nine years of college-level teaching experience. Dr. Ryan Herzog is an Associate Professor of Economics, Program Coordinator, and Faculty Fellow at Gonzaga University, where he has been teaching for 16 years. His work focuses on macroeconomics, financial markets, and public policy. Jennifer Duncan is an Associate Professor of English at Georgia State University's Perimeter College. She has been teaching English literature and composition for twenty-five years and specializing in online teaching for fifteen. Dr. Kendra Thomas is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Hope College. She has been teaching human development courses for 12 years. She is a mother of two and researches adolescents' perceptions of justice and how hope changes over time. Dr. Christin Monroe is an Educational Research Associate at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. She previously taught Principles of Chemistry, Intro to Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry at Landmark College, with a focus on supporting neurodivergent learners. Dr. Daniel M. Look is the Charles A. Dana Professor of Mathematics at St. Lawrence University. He's spent over 25 years trying to convince students that math is not only useful, but occasionally fun. He authored Math Cats: Scratching the Surface of Mathematics (Running Press, Oct 2025), an illustrated exploration of mathematical ideas through the lens of cats. Mary Gourley is a psychology instructor at Gaston College with over 16 years of teaching experience. She also teaches gender, human sexuality, and social psychology courses at New Mexico State University's Global Campus. Julie Moore has been teaching writing and literature in Higher Education for 35 years, and is currently working as a Senior Online Academic Advisor and First-Year Composition Instructor for Eastern University. She's authored four collections of poems, with several notable prizes including the Donald Murray Prize from Writing on the Edge. Betsy Langness is the Psychology Department Head at Jefferson Community and Technical College, where she has worked for 20+ years. She currently teaches psychology courses in a virtual, asynchronous environment. Previously, she worked as a counselor and  worked as Senior Academic Advisor for the Honors Program at the University of Louisville. Dr. Jennifer Ripley Stueckle has spent the past 17 years as a Teaching Professor and Non-Majors Biology Program Director at West Virginia University. She has taught introductory biology, immunology and human physiology. She also created biology courses offered through dual enrollment at West Virginia high schools. Dr. Amy Goodman is a Senior Lecturer in the Mathematics Department at Baylor University, where she has taught since 1999. In addition to teaching, she is also a course designer, author, teaching mentor, and learning analytics researcher. Her pedagogy is founded on the belief that all students can be successful at math. ☎️ Join the Conversation If this episode gave you something useful, or just made you nod while grading, pass it along to a colleague or that one friend who still says "I'm staying ahead this semester." (We believe in you.) Got a tip of your own? Send us an email at TheWhatAndWhoOfEDU@Macmillan.com or leave us a voicemail at (512) 765-4688 & your strategy might just make it into a future episode.

    25 min
  7. From Grades to Grit: What Psychology Authors Drs. Dave Myers and June Gruber Want Every Student to Know

    11/19/2025

    From Grades to Grit: What Psychology Authors Drs. Dave Myers and June Gruber Want Every Student to Know

    What do sleep, gratitude, and emotional chaos have in common? Psychology. In this student-focused episode of The What and Who of EDU, Dr. Dave Myers and Dr. June Gruber return to explore how psychology can help students live better, not just learn better. From stress and self-compassion to gratitude, emotional diversity, and the paradox of happiness, they unpack the research behind what really helps students thrive, both inside and outside the classroom. You'll hear how to use stress as a tool for growth, why chasing happiness can backfire, and how simple habits like gratitude and reflection can build lasting resilience. Whether you're a student navigating college life or an educator supporting them, this episode delivers practical, science-backed strategies for managing emotions, staying grounded, and finding meaning in the messy middle of it all. Brought to you by Macmillan Learning What You'll Learn in This Episode How studying psychology can improve your life beyond the classroom The difference between healthy and harmful stress Why emotional diversity supports mental health How gratitude and self-compassion build resilience Why chasing happiness can backfire How to use evidence, not anecdotes, to make better choices What the research says about optimism, flow, and human growth Featured Guests Dr. David Myers – Professor of Psychology at Hope College and author of the world's best-selling psychology textbook. His research spans behavior genetics, social psychology, and public understanding of science. Dr. June Gruber – Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder and Director of the Positive Emotion & Psychopathology Lab. Her research explores emotion science, mental health, and the science of well-being. Resources More about Dave & June 🎧 Missed the first two episodes in this series? Check out Episode 1: The Psychology of Psychology on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. Check out Episode 2:  Teaching Like a Psychologist on on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts Resources Exploring Psychology, 13th edition Psychology in Everyday Life, 7th edition Psychology, 14th edition Student Store: Psychology, 14th edition

    26 min
  8. Teaching Like a Psychologist: Drs. Dave Myers & June Gruber Discuss Strategies To Foster Wellness and Belonging

    11/05/2025

    Teaching Like a Psychologist: Drs. Dave Myers & June Gruber Discuss Strategies To Foster Wellness and Belonging

    What if the secret to better teaching isn't about what you teach, but how students experience your classroom? Psychology legends Dr. David Myers and Dr. June Gruber have spent decades studying what actually makes information stick and it's not more PowerPoint slides. In this episode, they reveal why removing 18 chairs from your classroom, scheduling 5-minute coffee chats, and teaching students about "micro-friendships" might be the most powerful teaching strategies you'll ever use. From awe walks to anxiety management, from handling shelter-in-place alerts to designing spaces for hearing loss, this isn't your typical pedagogy discussion. The duo discuss some intentional moments that transform students from passive listeners into engaged humans who actually retain what you taught them.  Spoiler alert: Teaching like a psychologist is good pedagogy. Period. Brought to you by Macmillan Learning   What You'll Learn in This Episode Teaching Psychology in Practice How to move from passive learning to active, reflective engagement Simple classroom changes that boost belonging How "micro-friendships" can transform classroom dynamics Why small gestures like eye contact or remembering a name make a big impact What educators can do before class starts to build trust and connection Strategies You Can Use Tomorrow How to use tools like the Perceived Stress Scale and "ask yourself" prompts Why five-minute office check-ins build stronger student relationships Easy, low-stakes ways to reduce test anxiety and support emotional awareness How to handle emotionally heavy topics in a supportive, science-informed way Psychology Beyond the Psych Classroom How psychology concepts can enhance STEM, humanities, and public health courses Why the "teach fewer things better" philosophy improves long-term learning What sleep science and stress research can teach students in any discipline How art and nature-based practices like awe walks support well-being and learning Featured Guests: Dr. David Myers – Professor of Psychology at Hope College and author of the world's best-selling psychology textbook, read by millions of students globally. His research spans behavior genetics, social psychology, and the public understanding of science. Despite being completely deaf without hearing technology, Dave has championed inclusive learning and continues to shape how students understand the brain, behavior, and human nature. Dr. June Gruber – Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder and Director of the Positive Emotion & Psychopathology Lab. June's research explores emotion science, mental health, and what it truly means to thrive. As co-author of the best-selling psychology textbook, she brings cutting-edge research on student well-being, emotional diversity, and positive psychology to millions of learner More about Dave & June  **** Check out Episode 1: The Psychology of Psychology on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. Resources Exploring Psychology, 13th edition Psychology in Everyday Life, 7th edition Psychology, 14th edition Student Store: Psychology, 14th edition David Myers Classroom Activities About Dr. Douglas Bernstein About Dr. Christopher France Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) – used in June's classroom to help students assess their own stress levels "Micro-Friendship" Research by Nicholas Epley; Overly Shallow?: Miscalibrated Expectations Create a Barrier to Deeper Conversation Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania (for happiness surveys) Assistive Listening Advocacy by Dr. David Myers

    33 min
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About

Welcome to The What and Who of EDU. Join us as we talk with thought leaders, educators, and experts to explore the latest trends, innovations, and best practices shaping education today. Whether in the classroom or beyond, we equip educators with the tools and insights to support student learning anytime, anywhere.

Information

  • Creator
    Macmillan Learning
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The What And Who Of EDU

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