Best Learning At Laurier Podcasts (2025)

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In Conversation with Elizabeth Mitchell: Making Music Guided by People at Laurier 42:32

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2M ago42:32

42:32

2024 Hoffman-Little Award winner Elizabeth Mitchell from Laurier’s Faculty of Music shares her journey into music therapy and the connective power of music in helping people express emotions, memories, and experiences. She discusses the importance of improvisation, versatility, and self-awareness, skills that allow practitioners to meet clients whe…

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In Conversation with Marybeth White: Teaching as a Continual Process of Learning at Laurier 34:17

3M ago34:17

34:17

Marybeth White from Laurier’s Religion and Culture Department and recipient of the 2024 Sustained Excellence Teaching Award, shares insights on fostering a student-centered learning environment grounded in compassion, flexibility and inclusive design. Marybeth discusses the changes she’s seen in students throughout her career, including what studen…

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In Conversation with Michael Woodford: Mentoring Students to be Change Agents 54:36

4M ago54:36

54:36

Join 2024 Faculty Mentoring Award recipient Michael Woodford from Laurier’s Faculty of Social Work as he shares how some of the mentors along his personal and professional journey impacted him, the importance of sharing power in mentoring relationships, and the value of creating spaces where students can thrive as their authentic selves. Whether na…

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In Conversation with Avis Beek: Inspiring Exploratory and Inclusive Education at Laurier 42:42

5M ago42:42

42:42

Avis Beek from Laurier’s Faculty of Education and the recipient of the 2024 Early Career Excellence Award shares her hands-on, kinesthetic approach to STEM education. Through creative activities that include slime-making, terrarium building, and even live animals(!), Avis sparks curiosity and fosters collaborative and inclusive learning environment…

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In Conversation with Jeremy Hunsinger: Building Knowledge Together at Laurier 1:01:56

6M ago1:01:56

1:01:56

Jeremy Hunsinger from Laurier's Communication Studies department and recipient of the 2024 Innovation in Teaching Award, shares his approach to creating a student-centered, studio-like classroom environment. Jeremy discusses how he integrates active learning from the very first class by having students co-create the course syllabus. His approach to…

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In Conversation with Elaine Cheng: Preparing Future Archaeologists at Laurier 36:50

8M ago36:50

36:50

Elaine Cheng from Laurier’s Archaeology and Heritage Studies program and 2024 Early Career Excellence winner shares how she guides students through classroom and field experiences that blend real-world challenges with a mix of career-integrated and experiential learning. Elaine emphasizes the importance of both hands-on fieldwork and in-class activ…

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In Conversation with Simona Pruteanu: Teaching Language with Global Perspectives at Laurier 45:17

9M ago45:17

45:17

Simona Pruteanu from Laurier's Languages and Literatures department and recipient of the 2024 Excellence in Internationalization Award, shares her passion for creating a multicultural and inclusive curriculum that incorporates guest speakers, creative assessments like storytelling and comic book creation, and career-integrated learning opportunitie…

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In Conversation with Max Gwynn: Inspiring Students’ Confidence with Stories and Humour at Laurier 45:17

9M ago45:17

45:17

Max Gwynn from Laurier’s Psychology Department and recipient of the 2024 Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award reflects on his mentors and the teachers who have shaped him as an educator, and discusses the importance of stories, humour, and personal anecdotes on engaging students. He shares how his focus on increasing students’ self-efficacy allow…

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In Conversation with Sara Klinck: Teaching as a Learning Journey 38:19

10M ago38:19

38:19

Sara Klinck from Laurier's Music Therapy program and recipient of the 2023 Sustained Excellence Award in the Part-time Category shares her journey from a clinical music therapist to an inspiring educator, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, humility, and lifelong learning in her pedagogical approach. Sara’s commitment to fostering a suppo…

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In Conversation with Scott Nicholson: Motivating Students to Play and Explore 51:59

1y ago51:59

51:59

Professor Scott Nicholson from Laurier’s Game Design and Development program shares his passion for creating unique and inspiring learning experiences through games. Not only does Scott teach about games, he also weaves meaningful gamification principles throughout his teaching, igniting students’ interest in both the subject matter, and their own …

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In Conversation with Danielle Law: Leading with Care at Laurier 40:36

1y ago40:36

40:36

Danielle Law from Laurier's Psychology and Youth and Children's Studies programs and recipient of the 2023 Faculty Mentoring Award, shares her mentorship philosophy rooted in trust, support, and mutual respect. She explains how her emphasis on "red means love" in her grading shifts the way students receive academic feedback, fostering a positive, s…

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In Conversation with Robert Ame: Seeking Knowledge with a Global Purpose 55:43

1y ago55:43

55:43

Robert Ame from Laurier’s Human Rights and Human Diversity delves into his comprehensive approach towards enriching educational experiences through internationalization. He shares his journey as an international student from Ghana to Norway and Canada and how those experiences shaped his teaching philosophy centered on the value of cross-cultural k…

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In Conversation with Amilah Baksh: Bringing the Energy of Social Work into the Classroom at Laurier 35:58

1+ y ago35:58

35:58

Amilah Baksh from Laurier’s Faculty of Social Work shares her holistic approach to education, which acknowledges the significance of positionality and identity and invites both educators and students to bring their entire selves into the classroom. Amilah discusses how establishing classroom community guidelines sets a foundation for respectful and…

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In Conversation with Lisa Kuron: Guiding from Alongside at Laurier 47:58

1+ y ago47:58

47:58

2023 Early Career Excellence Award recipient Lisa Kuron from Laurier’s leadership program discusses her student-centered teaching approach which emphasizes being a 'guide on the side', utilizing classroom space creatively for diverse learning experiences, and instilling excitement about learning right from the first class. Lisa highlights the impor…

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In Conversation with Hind Al-Abadleh: Unlocking Environmental Sustainability with Chemistry at Laurier 40:15

1+ y ago40:15

40:15

2023 Hoffman-Little award recipient Hind Al-Abadleh from Laurier’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Department discusses integrating science with societal and environmental issues, employing effective strategies for large classes, and promoting a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving. She reflects on her approach to self-care, how she helps stude…

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In Conversation with Anne-marie Joy Henry: Helping Students Choose Curiosity at Laurier 55:23

1+ y ago55:23

55:23

2023 Staff Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Anne-marie Joy Henry from Laurier International shares the travels that have taken her across Canada and around the globe. These foundational intercultural experiences deeply inform her approach in her current role at Laurier, where she engages students in rich discussions of complex issues …

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In Conversation with Jonathan Finn: Personalising Learning with Innovation at Laurier 39:22

1+ y ago39:22

39:22

2023 Innovation in Teaching recipient Jonathan Finn, from Laurier’s Communication Studies department, reflects on how his unique self-tracking pedagogy not only fosters ownership among learners but also encourages reflection beyond the classroom. Jonathan helps students to co-create their learning environments and personalise their learning, and di…

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In conversation with Tracy Snoddon: Building Thriving Learning Communities at Laurier 38:49

1+ y ago38:49

38:49

2023 Sustained Excellence in Teaching recipient Tracy Snoddon, from Laurier’s Economics department joins Debora VanNijnatten, academic director of Teaching Excellence and Innovation to discuss her efforts to connect with students individually and create an impactful and supportive learning environment, emphasizing real-world applications, active te…

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Shaunasea Brown: Building Collective Care in the Classroom 35:58

1+ y ago35:58

35:58

Shauansea Brown in Laurier’s Communication Studies department discusses how she creates an environment where students can have difficult conversations safely by building trust and a collective care ethic in her classroom. Dr. Brown discusses how she encourages students to bring their lived experiences into her course. She also helps students unpack…

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In conversation with Michael Woodford: 2SLGBTQ+ Thriving in Academic Spaces 47:37

2y ago47:37

47:37

Michael Woodford from Laurier’s Faculty of Social Work discusses creating supportive and inclusive classrooms and campuses that support 2SLGBTQ+ students and faculty. Michael’s research work on large studies like Thriving on Campus helps campus communities understand how to better support the needs of diverse 2SLGBTQ+ students in and beyond the cla…

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In Conversation with Steve MacNeil: Centring Student Learning 1:07:12

2+ y ago1:07:12

1:07:12

Steve MacNeil from Laurier’s Chemistry and Biochemistry department discusses his journey from a blended and flipped classroom into scaffolding a metacognition co-curriculum throughout his courses to help students reflect not only on what they know, but on how they learn. Steve talks about how techniques like collaborative testing and IF-AT cards ha…

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In Conversation with Paula Fletcher: Mentoring Students for Broad Possibilities 38:28

2+ y ago38:28

38:28

Faculty Mentoring Award recipient Paula Fletcher from Laurier’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education joins Mary Wilson, vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, in conversation to discuss how she helps build confidence in students, the importance of faculty mentoring one another and the mentors who have shaped her journey. Laurier’s Donal…

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In Conversation with Lydia Awuah-Mensah: Helping Students Reflect on Volunteer Experiences 37:57

2+ y ago37:57

37:57

Staff Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning recipient Lydia Awuah-Mensah from Laurier’s Career Development Centre joins Mary Wilson, vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, in conversation to discuss how she helps students reflect on their skill development, navigate transformative volunteer experiences and make meaning of the “Aha” moments …

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In Conversation with Michael Cinelli: Celebrating the Journey of Learning 53:13

2+ y ago53:13

53:13

Hoffman-Little Award recipient Michael Cinelli from Laurier’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education joins Mary Wilson, vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, in conversation to discuss his approach to mentorship, how he helps students find balance in their lives, and strategies he uses to create thriving classroom and lab environments. L…

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In Conversation with Richelle Monaghan – Setting Students Up for Transformational Learning 51:08

2+ y ago51:08

51:08

Laurier Teaching Fellow Richelle Monaghan from Laurier’s Community Health and Biology programs joins Mary Wilson, vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, in conversation to discuss creating community in the classroom, structuring courses with empathy and the impacts of embedding Universal Design for Learning into her teaching. The Laurier Teaching F…

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In Conversation with Colin Labadie: Tuning into Your Classroom 31:45

2+ y ago31:45

31:45

Early Career Excellence Award recipient Colin Labadie from Laurier’s Faculty of Music joins Mary Wilson, Laurier’s vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, in conversation to discuss creating supportive and inclusive classroom environments that allow instructors and students to inspire and improvise with one another, and the role that care and compas…

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In Conversation with Michelle Skop: Finding New Ways to Learn Together 31:35

2+ y ago31:35

31:35

Innovation in Teaching Award recipient Michelle Skop from Laurier’s Faculty of Social Work joins Mary Wilson, vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, in conversation to discuss bringing simulation-based education into the Social Work classroom, centring community in teaching, and creating classrooms that flourish by being open to possibility. Laurie…

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In Conversation with Jennifer Holm: Making Math Education Approachable 39:32

2+ y ago39:32

39:32

Early Career Excellence Award recipient Jennifer Holm from Laurier’s Faculty of Education joins Mary Wilson, vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, in conversation to discuss moving mathematics education forward, keeping the focus on students and their thinking, and leading by example in the classroom. Laurier’s Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teach…

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In Conversation with Kevin Spooner: Helping Students Rise to the Occasion 45:21

2+ y ago45:21

45:21

Sustained Excellence Award recipient Kevin Spooner, who teaches in Laurier’s North American Studies and History programs, joins Mary Wilson, vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, in conversation to discuss his student-centred approach to teaching and reflect on the arc of his career, including being an early pioneer the flipped classroom, while sh…

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S01E09 -- Role Education and Career Planning an Interview with John White and Rick Dalton 36:03

4y ago36:03

36:03

Jared and Jared are joined by John White and Rick Dalton to discuss the important role education and career planning play in students’ lives. Rick believes every student deserves a chance to forge their own route to a bright future – no matter where they’re from, or what resources are available to them. For over 30 years he’s worked side-by-side wi…

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S01E08 -- Helping Educators find Higher Quality Professional Learning, An Interview with Annie Morrison and Litsy Witkowski 30:25

4y ago30:25

30:25

Interview with Annie Morrison and Litsy WitkowskiIn this episode, Jared and Jared are joined by Litsy and Annie from Rivet Education. They share how Rivet’s Professional Learning Partner Guide is helping educators find higher quality professional learning that effectively supports the implementation of high-quality instructional materials.Annie Mor…

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S01E07 - Why is improving reading so hard? Part 2 38:55

5y ago38:55

38:55

In this episode, the guys continue their discussion on reading reforms in recent years and focus on new developments in the availability of high-quality curriculum. Jared and Jared specifically dive into why it is so important for districts to adopt high-quality curriculum and the challenges of creating curriculum that align with the science of rea…

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S01E06 – Why is improving reading so hard? Part 1 33:13

5y ago33:13

33:13

In this episode, Jared and Jared discuss the overall challenges of teaching and assessing reading acumen and how we can improve reading as teachers, administrators, and parents. The co-hosts discuss the evolution of reading in the classroom and instruction. This is part one of three of why reading is so hard to teach and evaluate in education and t…

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S01E05 - What virtual learning strategies are emerging as the most successful early this school year? 30:37

5y ago30:37

30:37

Jared and Jared discuss some aspects of virtual learning that are going well so far this school year. They discuss topics like student schedules, virtual learning platforms, synchronous vs. asynchronous instruction (and why we need to ditch those terms), and the content students are learning. Jared and Jared are also joined by Robin McClellan, from…

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S01E04 -- Does career ready mean college bound? 28:25

5y ago28:25

28:25

Does Career Ready Mean College Bound for Soon to be High School Graduates?In this episode, we discuss the overall view of career-ready and how does it connect to college or a skilled trade. Many career-ready programs do not mean they are preparing students to go to college. In some applications, these programs may train high schoolers to take trade…

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S01E03 -- Should Student Retention be an Option during the COVID-19 Pandemic? 34:54

5y ago34:54

34:54

This episode of the edspective podcast, Drs. Bigham and Myracle discuss school grade retention and what options should be available given the current COVID pandemic given the challenges with technology and shifting the curriculum online. One of the primary reasons why districts and states suspended assessment, some schools were unable to change to …

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S01E02 -- Standardized Testing During COVID-19 24:56

5y ago24:56

24:56

For the second episode of the Edspective podcast, the co-hosts discuss how standardized testing might look in Fall 2020, given the current COVID-19 context. We discuss how various states handle standardized testing suggesting that postponing standardized testing might be the best approach given all the ambiguity regarding the virus, transmissions r…

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S01E01 -- How Should we Respond to Mixed Messages related to COVID-19 and Opening Schools 49:37

5y ago49:37

49:37

In the first full episode of the Edspective Podcast, Drs. Bigham and Myracle introduce the podcast with the types of topics and themes pertinent to teachers, educators, administrators, and parents. In this episode, we discuss the current COVID-19 crisis and how each of us should approach the upcoming school year in the new normal. They discuss the …

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S01E00 - Introducing the Edspective Podcast and the Hosts 23:51

5y ago23:51

23:51

TBABy Dr. Christopher F. Silver, Dr. Jared Myracle, Dr. Jared Bigham