Good Teaching with Dr. Toyin Alli Dr. Toyin Alli

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.

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!

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. 

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. 

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

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