Episode 8 Reaching the Reluctant Learner: Active Techniques That Work with Carolyn Ives and Paul Martin (Part 2)

Guests: Carolyn Ives, M.A., and Paul Martin, Ph.D.

Carolyn Ives (she/her) is a Coordinator, Learning and Faculty Development and co-chair of the Learning Design and Innovations Department at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). She is a former faculty member in English at MacEwan University and at TRU, and she has also held previous roles as Academic Integrity Officer, Academic Quality Assurance Manager, Curriculum Planning and Development Coordinator, and Interim Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence at MacEwan. Her current research focuses on evidencing value of educational development work, decolonizing academic integrity, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), open pedagogical practices, and humanizing science education. Recent work also includes open educational resources for faculty for course design and for students engaging in competency-based PLAR. As a Métis and neurodiverse faculty member, she cares deeply about making space for multiple perspectives in learning spaces. 

Dr. Paul Martin is the Director of Curriculum Development and Delivery, Open Learning, at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia. There, he oversees not only the design and development of Open Learning’s course offerings but also the delivery of their courses to nearly 30,000 students annually. Prior to joining TRU in 2019, he was the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Marquette University (2018-19), Faculty Development Coordinator at MacEwan University (2011-2018), and an Assistant Professor of English and Director of Canadian Studies at the University of Vermont (2003-2011).

Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast.

Steve leads today's podcast by introducing two leaders of the Great Teachers Movement in Canada. He also shares some of his cultural norms with us and wonders if listeners know where he was raised because of his accent. Carolyn and Paul share that they are joining the podcast from one of the Thompson Rivers University campuses. Thompson Rivers University (TRU) campuses are on the traditional lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops campus) and the T’exelc (Williams Lake campus) within Secwepemcúl’ecw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc. The TRU region also extends into the territories of the St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Nuxalk, Tŝilhqot'in, Dakelh, and Syilx peoples.

We explore active learning and gamification in this exciting second part of our interview with Carolyn and Paul. Both educators share their expertise and passion for innovative teaching methods that keep students engaged.

We begin with a lively discussion on active learning, highlighting how it transforms the classroom experience. Carolyn and Paul offer insights into making learning more dynamic and interactive.

Paul then explains a gamification model a colleague used in her course, detailing elements that make learning fun and engaging. He also discusses challenges with colleagues and administration when introducing new methods and shares strategies to overcome resistance.

Paul shares his favorite app for tracking attendance, noting its user-friendly features. Carolyn contributes with apps she uses and some reliable old-school methods. Together, they provide a balanced view of high-tech and traditional gamification approaches. Steve shares one of his favorite games - The Crime Scene Wig.

An interesting segment features Carolyn and Paul’s differing approaches to introducing the syllabus. Their contrasting styles offer valuable insights into influencing classroom dynamics.

Carolyn and Paul’s enthusiasm and commitment to student success are evident throughout the episode. Their stories, tips, and advice provide a wealth of information for educators looking to innovate and inspire.

This is part 2 of the interview with Carolyn