The Learning Curve presented by the Academic Commons
The Learning Curve presented by the Academic Commons aims to illuminate higher education teaching & learning through the power of shared experiences and research-informed practices. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, we aim to empower educators to transform their teaching practices, enrich student learning experiences, and contribute to a culture of evidence-based pedagogy in higher education.
Podcast Description
The Learning Curve presented by the Academic Commons aims to illuminate higher education teaching & learning through the power of shared experiences and research-informed practices. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, we aim to empower educators to transform their teaching practices, enrich student learning experiences, and contribute to a culture of evidence-based pedagogy in higher education.
Episodes

Nov 5, 2025
Community Building Design with Andrew Hart
Nov 5, 2025
Nov 5, 2025
33 min
This episode features Andrew Hart as he discusses community building design in architectural education. He emphasizes intentional collaboration, amplification, and the importance of connecting students with their communities. Through immersive, experiential learning, Hart demonstrates how architecture can be a tool for social engagement and empowerment.
Guest Andrew Hart
Role: Assistant Professor of Architecture, College of Architecture and the Built Environment
Expertise: Community-based design, experiential learning, architectural education
Quote from the Episode:"Your job isn’t to make the noise. Your job is to listen and then to amplify." – Andrew Hart
Getting Started:
Start small: Introduce community engagement through manageable classroom activities.
Embrace discomfort: Allow students to take ownership and guide the learning process.
Use feedback: Collect student and community feedback throughout the semester to adapt and improve.
Contact us to talk about engagement in the classroom
Terms to Know:
The terms below are mentioned in the episode, and for context and clarity, we've provided brief definitions of potentially unfamiliar terms you may hear.
Community-Based Design: An approach that involves community members in the design process to ensure outcomes reflect their needs and values.
Experiential Learning: Learning through reflection on doing, often involving real-world engagement.
Selected Resources:The Learning Curve team curated this list based on university resources or guest recommendations.
Felten, P., & Lambert, L. M. (2020). Relationship-rich education: how human connections drive success in college. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Finley, L. L., & Bowen, G. A. (2021). Experiential Learning in Higher Education : Issues, Ideas, and Challenges for Promoting Peace and Justice. (1st ed.). Information Age Publishing, Incorporated.
Creating Experiential Learning Opportunities in Any Course
Engaging Students Through Experiential Learning Inside the Classroom
Academic Commons Upcoming Workshops and Events
Follow and subscribe to be notified about new episodes! Episodes premiere monthly, every first Wednesday at 10:30AM. Head over to our webpage to check out more episodes and learn more about the podcast!

Oct 1, 2025
Information Literacy with Becky Miller
Oct 1, 2025
Oct 1, 2025
24 min
This episode features Becky Miller, MSLS, and a discussion around Information Literacy and how to utilize the ACRL framework in order to help educators and students develop their skills regarding research and enhance critical thinking.
For more information on the episode, check out our resource guide.
Follow and subscribe to be notified about new episodes! Episodes premiere monthly, every first Wednesday at 10:30AM.

Sep 3, 2025
Sep 3, 2025
43 min
This episode features Dr. Brooke Salzman, Dr. Amber King, and Dr. Shoshana Sicks discussing the Jefferson Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education (JCIPE) at Thomas Jefferson University. They explore the importance of interprofessional education (IPE) in preparing healthcare students for collaborative practice, highlight the growth and structure of JCIPE programs like Health Mentors and Team SAFE, and emphasize the need for creativity, faculty support, and interactive learning to foster effective teamwork across disciplines.
For more information on the episode, check out our resource guide.
Follow and subscribe to be notified about new episodes! Episodes premiere monthly, every first Wednesday at 10:30AM.

Aug 6, 2025
Aug 6, 2025
40 min
This episode features Kati Fosselius, MS, RDN, LDN, and a discussion around using culturally responsive teaching practices in the classroom so as to create a more welcoming classroom and build authentic relationships with students.
For more information on the episode, check out our resource guide.
Follow and subscribe to be notified about new episodes! Episodes premiere monthly, every first Wednesday at 10:30AM.

Jul 2, 2025
Jul 2, 2025
35 min
This episode features Anita Fennessey, DrNP, RN, CNE, and a discussion about student engagement, interprofessional collaboration, and methodologies to increase student knowledge and engagement in the classroom.
For more information on the episode, check out our resource guide.
Follow and subscribe to be notified about new episodes! Episodes premiere monthly, every first Wednesday at 10:30AM.

Jun 4, 2025
Jun 4, 2025
26 min
This episode features John Milligan, Ph.D., and a discussion about student engagement by utilizing innovative instruction and virtual reality, including best practices, how it can improve your practice, and how it can support your learners.
For more information on the episode, check out our resource guide.
Follow and subscribe to be notified about new episodes! Episodes premiere monthly, every first Wednesday at 10:30AM.

May 14, 2025
Critical Self-Reflection with Dr. Barry Burton
May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
33 min
This episode features Barry J. Burton, D.O., and a discussion about Critical Self-Reflection in teaching, including how to get started, how it can improve your practice, and how it can support your learners.
For more information on the episode, check out our resource guide.
Follow and subscribe to be notified about new episodes! Episodes premiere monthly, every first Wednesday at 10:30AM.

Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
29 min
This episode features Dr. Elif Gokbel and a discussion about The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL).
We will discuss what it is, why it is important, ways it can improve your teaching, and how to get started if you are new to SOTL.
For more information on the episode, check out our resource guide.
Follow and subscribe to be notified about new episodes! Episodes premiere monthly, every first Wednesday at 10:30AM.



