Learning Innovation: The Teaching & Learning Podcast

learninginnovation

By the Lethbridge Polytechnic Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation (CTLI)

  1. MAY 20

    E71: 📚 Accidental scholars — Responding to teaching and learning gaps in the Trades

    Ryan Mann, Faculty Development Facilitator at SAIT’s Centre for Academic Development and Innovation, and Eric Mitchell, an Automotive Services Instructor at Lethbridge Polytechnic, are actively responding to teaching and learning gaps in the Trades through innovative—and technically scholarly—work. Despite the improvements they're making, Ryan and Eric don't really consider their work as scholarly—but framing it differently could amplify the impact. Ryan and Eric are joined by the polytechnic's Jaddon Park (Academic Services Manager) and Craig McCarthy (Learning Experience Designer). The four discuss the value of reframing work as scholarly, the power of integrating student feedback, and the joy in discovering creative ways to pass along knowledge.  During the show, guests and host (Donna) mention: SAIT: Southern Alberta Institute of Technology  Centre for Teaching and Learning  Academic Development and Innovation  Automotive programs Apprenticeship and Trades  Lethbridge Polytechnic  CTLI: Centre for Teaching, Learning, And Innovation ICP: Instructor Certification Program NIOP: New Instructor Orientation Program SoTL: Scholarship of Teaching and Learning LC Extension Community of Practice OER: Open Educational Resources Making the switch from textbooks to OERs: How (and why) one instructor made the change Automotive Services Technician Apprenticeship  Automotive Systems certificate  Introduction to the Trades  Electrician Apprenticeship   UDL: Universal Design for Learning  EAL: English as an Additional Language  ChatGPT Alberta Minister of Advanced Education  AIT: Apprenticeship and Industry Training  Registered Apprenticeship Program  STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics  The Fast and the Furious  Gone in 60 Seconds  Calgary Corrections Centre  Integration of Trades-Based STEM Education in Canadian K-12 Schools by Josh Hill  Kahoot  Bright Space (learning management system) LITL-Pod episodes:  E69: How to make online learning feel like in-person community – A creative course revision at Lethbridge Polytechnic  E66: 👍 Researcher’s Guide to the Galaxy – How to practically (and painlessly) share your research project, create meaningful impact, and find your community as a Networked Scholar  E55: Environmental Psychology and Conservation – An instructor's creative course-build through the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning  E47: Updates in STEM – Sparking real-world connections between K-12 and the Trades to foster early career passions  E29: How to Develop, Validate, and Disseminate Your Teaching and Learning Research Project through The Scholarship for Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Download Ryan's AI guidebook here: A Guide to Generative AI for Educators

    1h 5m

  2. MAY 6

    E70: 🧠 Exercise cognition research — Examining how physical activity shapes the brain

    Beyond the obvious benefits exercise has on your body, research shows that it has powerful benefits on your brain, too—like improved memory, attention, and processing speed. Simon Schaerz (Exercise Science instructor at Lethbridge Polytechnic), David Selles (Physical Education student from the University of Lethbridge), and Tyler Duffy (Exercise Science student at Lethbridge Polytechnic) discuss exercise cognition and its profound impacts on the brain—specifically, on executive functioning. Exercise cognition research could also be pivotal in helping prioritize physical education (PE) programs—especially in K-12, where PE's importance can often be minimized. During the show, guests and host (Craig) mention: Lethbridge Polytechnic  Exercise Science Program  Exercise-physiology class  Research Methods in Kinesiology class  DCM Program  University of Lethbridge  Physical Education Program  Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John J. Ratey  Embodied Cognition Theory  Central Governor Model and Fatigue  Cerebral hemodynamics  Synaptogenesis  Physical Activity and the Development of Executive Function in Healthy Children: A Bioecological Perspective by Simon Schaerz  Pedagogical knowledge model:  Content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and curricular knowledge  Progressive overload  Executive Function Zone of Proximal Development HPEC: Health & Physical Education Council  SSHRC: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council  ECSS: European College of Sports Science Tyler's games to promote executive functioning: Tic-Tac-Toe Pattern Pursuit Red Light, Green Light

    43 min

  3. APR 22

    E69: How to make online learning feel like in-person community – A creative course revision at Lethbridge Polytechnic

    Instructor Kathie Ervin and Instructional Designer Craig McCarthy collaborated to revamp Kathie's Distance Learning (DL) course in the Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Therapeutic Recreation Gerontology program.  The goal? Create a more hands-on learning experience for DL students.  Kathie and Craig outline their revision strategy, share stories about student creativity and community, and explain why they think the project was so successful. The pair also share tips on how other instructors can revamp their DL courses.  During the episode, Donna (host) and guests mentioned: Therapeutic Recreational Gerontology  CTLI – Centre for Teaching and Learning  UDL – Universal Design for Learning  WIL – Work-Integrated Learning  E68: WIL-Power – Connecting classroom theory with hands-on, Work-Integrated Learning  Student feedback audio on Kathie's TRG course

    42 min

  4. MAR 26

    E68: WIL-Power – Connecting classroom theory with hands-on, Work-Integrated Learning

    Students Cory, Adam, Lenae, and Maddie share all about their Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) experiences at Lethbridge Polytechnic.  No matter the program, classroom theory comes to life when students are paired with real-world scenarios – and the lessons are invaluable. Students discuss favourite moments and key insights from their WIL experiences. They also exchange strategies for navigating challenges like imposter syndrome – sometimes it helps to don a "suit"! During the show, guests and Donna (host) mention: Acronyms/definitions: WIL: Work-Integrated Learning  RN: Registered Nurse  NESA: Nursing Education in Southwestern Alberta Imposter syndrome Lethbridge Polytechnic Wellness Services Programs:  Ecosystem Management  Nursing (NESA) Criminal Justice – Corrections  Child and Youth Care  Wildlife Analytics Lab E63: Wildlife Analytics Lab – Lethbridge Polytechnic's hub of innovation and collaborative conservation WIL community connections: Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society   Galbraith Elementary School  Family Ties

    51 min

  5. MAR 18

    E67: Celebrate Stone Pipe Days – Sharing knowledge to preserve culture

    Stone Pipe Days is a four-day event recognizing the pride, history, and culture of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) community here at Lethbridge Polytechnic. Jordan Head, Indigenous Cultural Advisor, is a key organizer for this year's Stone Pipe Days, and he joins us to share all about this special event. Jordan outlines the agenda (opening ceremonies, meals, guest speakers, films, a traditional powwow), and he expands on the meaningful partnership Stone Pipe Days represents between the Blackfoot people and the polytechnic. He also shares a piece of his personal journey, including how his family inspired and guided him toward education – which eventually led him full circle back to Lethbridge Polytechnic. During the show, Jordan and Donna (host) mention: Stone Pipe Days (March 24 – March 28, 2025):  Event schedule: Ohkotoki’aahkkoiyiiniimaan (Stone Pipe Days)  Movies/media: 500 Days in the Wild  Bones of Crows  E65: A'paitsitapisksinimaattsaa (Weasel People Education) – Revitalizing Blackfoot language and culture through land-based learning  Blackfoot Confederacy (Niitsitapi peoples):  Siksika (Blackfoot)  Kainai (Blood)  Kana (and A'kana) – Many chiefs or many leaders  Piikani (Peigan)  South Peigan  Notable works and how-tos:  A Contemporary Winter Count by Kerry M. Scott  Powwow Dances  How to take part in a round dance  Organizations/institutions:  National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation  Alberta Health Services  Treaty 7 Tribal Council  Assembly of First Nations  Indigenous and Northern Affairs  U of L (University of Lethbridge)  U of A (University of Alberta)  Lethbridge Polytechnic:  Val Matteotti Gym  The Cave  Business Administration Program  People, history, locations:  United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act  Indian Agents in Canada  Indian Act  Treaty 7  Dunbow Residential School Old Man River  St. Mary’s Reservoir  Trans Canada Trail  Jim Bennett  Troy Knowlton  Travis Plaited Hair

    47 min

  6. MAR 4

    E66: 👍 Researcher’s Guide to the Galaxy – How to practically (and painlessly) share your research project, create meaningful impact, and find your community as a Networked Scholar

    Dr. Erika Smith (Educational Development Consultant at the University of Calgary), Richard Hayman (Associate Professor and Digital Initiatives Librarian at Mount Royal University), and Constance Sheriff (Research Services Librarian at Lethbridge Polytechnic) explore the daunting task researchers face in sharing their work with their audiences.  Erika, Richard, and Constance explain how using strategies like Knowledge Mobilization and Knowledge Translation, and finding support through the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning can help dismantle barriers in dissemination–especially when researchers strive to become Networked Scholars. Even if you don't want your work to be published, there are so many benefits from engaging in scholarly research, like improved: student learning outcomes (because you've removed roadblocks and increased accessibility in the classroom) research sharing strategies (because you've sharpened your communication skills and learned which formats work best for you) network connections (because you've been showing up as an active, contributing expert in your field) And there's more where that came from. During the show, guests and host (Donna) mention: KM, KT, and SoTL article: Connecting the dots between knowledge mobilization, knowledge translation and the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning: A conversation with Erika Smith, PhD, and Richard Hayman, MA & MLIS  Ebook: The Impactful Academic: Building a Research Career That Makes a Difference  Erika and Richard's chapter: Strategic Digital Engagement for Impact: Building Your Academic Presence Online LITL-Pod episodes: E63: Wildlife Analytics Lab – Lethbridge Polytechnic's hub of innovation and collaborative conservation E49: Generative AI and instructional design: Emphasizing the process of learning over the product of learning Acronym definitions: OERs: Open Educational Resources OER Commons (San Francisco) DORA: Declaration on Research Assessment Post-secondary institutions: Mount Royal University University of Alberta University of Calgary Resources for researchers: Orcid Google Scholar Github  osf.io Thinkshare  LinkedIn Guest bios Constance Sheriff (she/her) is a Research Services Librarian who has been at Lethbridge Polytechnic for nearly 20 years. Her focuses include the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Integrated Librarianship, Research Ethics, and Research Data Management.  Dr. Erika Smith (she/her) is an Educational Development Consultant specializing in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning at the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning at the University of Calgary. She has an interdisciplinary background in digital humanities and completed her PhD in Adult, Community and Higher Education at the University of Alberta. She has 20 years of professional experience in diverse learning environments. Erika supports curriculum, pedagogy, and technology innovations and initiatives under the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning umbrella. She is Senior Associate Editor and a founding member of Imagining SoTL, a peer-reviewed open-access journal, and co-PI on a SSHRC-funded Scholarship of Teaching and Learning initiative that integrates students as partners in knowledge co-creation. She has written for The Conversation and widely shares and translates knowledge via videos, infographics, and social media. Her research interests include educational development, digital literacies, and emerging technologies in higher education.  Richard Hayman (he/him) is an Associate Professor and Digital Initiatives Librarian at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta. As a researcher-practitioner interested in open access and scholarly communications, educational technologies, and evidence-based practice in academic (library) settings, his expertise engages multidisciplinary modes of knowledge exploration, creation, mobilization, and translation. He is committed to open practices in research ensuring his publications are available via open access and supporting others seeking to do the same. Richard is currently co-PI on a SoTL-focused scoping review project.

    58 min

  7. FEB 18

    E65: A'paitsitapisksinimaattsaa (Weasel People Education) – Revitalizing Blackfoot language and culture through land-based learning

    "It's my dream. It's our dream. It's the polytechnic's dream. But it's a dream of our elders that we keep going." ~ Marcia Black Water, Indigenous Coordinator for the Centre for Business, Arts, and Sciences  Marcia Black Water (Indigenous Coordinator for CBAS), Jessica Fox (English and Blackfoot Instructor), and Sandra Atwood (Indigenous Studies Instructor) partnered to create A'paitsitapisksinimaattsaa – a program rooted in Blackfoot ways of knowing. In this deeply heartfelt conversation, Marcia, Jessica, and Sandra discuss how this course has been a slow dream come true through community relationships. The trio hope that through pommotsiiysinni (a Blackfoot word meaning the transfer and gaining of knowledge, and understanding your place in the world) this program will meet both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students where they are at – and even spark the next generation of leaders. During the show, guests and host (Donna) mention: CBAS – Centre for Business, Arts and Sciences  Blood Tribe (Kainai)  Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksikaitsitapi)  Blackfoot word meanings:  Aapaa: Weasel  Kakyosin: Being aware of your surroundings and really knowing what's out there  Niitsitapiiysini: Blackfoot ways of knowing  Miinipooka: Peter Weasel Moccasin  Pommotsiiysinni: Transferring knowledge  Niitsitapi: Real person  Kainaisksaahko: Land-based learning course Maria took with Narcisse Blood  Aakoka’tsinn: Many lodges camp  Niksokowaiksi: Relatives  Poiskinasskin: Sacred Ochre Blessing  Indigenous Careers Pathways:  Introduction to Indigenous Studies  Indigenous Literature   Blackfoot Language 1   Blackfoot Language 2  Lethbridge Polytechnic programs: Bachelor of Nursing  General Arts and Science  Residential Schools in Canada  Bloom’s taxonomy  University of Calgary  University of Lethbridge  Dhillon School of Business  Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump  Red Crow College  Annabel Crop Eared Wolf’s thesis: MATSIYIPÁÍTAPIIYSSINI: KÁÍNAI PEACEKEEPING AND PEACEMAKING  Coulee Walk – Iissksiniip (Coming to Know and Learn)  Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action  Wellness Services  Niitsitapi Strategy

    57 min

  8. FEB 4

    📣 STUDENT VOICES 📣 E64: Welcome to the melting pot – Navigating mental wellness through Black culture and connection

    Black History Month is a time to pause, rest, and reflect on who you are, and what makes you special as a Black person. Lethbridge Polytechnic students Noel, Michelle, Janet, and Tony explore what Black culture means, and how they navigate mental wellness as students. This lively group argues about how they find healing and talks about how they love to share culture – the food, the fashion, the music, and of course the party!  During the show, guests and host (Donna) mention:  Lethbridge Polytechnic events:  Sexy Bingo Paint Night Karaoke  Turban Day LPSA – Lethbridge Polytechnic Student Association  BHM Meal Kits  Register for your BHM Meal Kit here!  Location overviews:  Kingston, Jamaica Edmonton, Alberta Calgary, Alberta Fort McMurray Vancouver, British Columbia Kenya  Nigeria  Ghana  Sudan  Burkina Faso  AFROBEATS 🔥 2025 (Spotify playlist)  Lethbridge Polytechnic programs:  Practical Nursing  Computer Information Technology  General Arts and Science  Afro-Caribbean Diwali Holi  University of Lethbridge   Black Students’ Association  Afro Fest 2024 (no date set for 2025 yet)  Melatonin  Sleep apnea  Hypersomnia  Wellness Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic Fearless Journeys: Thriving on Campus Podcast

    1h 10m
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By the Lethbridge Polytechnic Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation (CTLI)

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