Open Classrooms

Welcome to Season 3 of Open Classrooms. In this episode, our new host, Dr Tim Smith, Principal Advisor, Learning & Teaching in the STEM College, chats with returning guest Dr Jessica Danaher, who was the 2021 winner of the RMIT Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 2021 STEM College Early Career Teaching Excellence Award winner. In their conversation, Jess reflects on how the changes she planned to make to her courses that she spoke about in Episode 1 have played out, the impact of COVID-19 on her teaching practice, and her plans for where she's going next.

In this Episode, Cameron Stanley from Engineering discusses how he produces and uses podcasts with industry experts to engage and inspire his students.

In Episode 23, Natasha Taylor talks to Ash Moreland from Health and Biomedical Sciences about the work she has done to transform the way Research Methods (RM) is taught to Exercise and Sports Science students. Faced with the challenge of teaching a subject which students can find intimidating, irrelevant and conceptually disconnected, Ash enthusiastically describes her work as quest for the 'Da Vinci Code' of RM teaching.

In this Episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Will Sullivan about the work he does in engaging students from under-represented schools into STEM pathways.

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Lisa Newman from the School of Science about the active-learning approaches she uses to personalise the learning experience for students in her second year nutrition classes.

In this Episode Natasha Taylor talks to Colin Kestell about the Flipped Classroom. They explore the many challenges associated with adopting a flipped approach, exposing some the myths and common misconceptions of this popular innovative approach to teaching in Higher Education.

Natasha Taylor talks to Amir Homayoon (Homy) Ashrafzadeh about the approaches he uses to engage students of software engineering both in Melbourne and Vietnam.

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Fabio Zambetta about the work he and his team have done to transform the assessment experience for first-year computer programming students. Hear how they have successfully moved away from a very traditional paper-based exam to a real-time, computer-based problem-solving test (under exam conditions in a lab). Fabio reflects on the challenges the team faced in bringing the project to fruition and explains how the impact on student learning has made it all worthwhile!

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Fabio Zambetta about the work he has done to transform the way that computer programming students are assessed, moving from a traditional exam format to a live in-lab programming task.

In this two-episode special, Natasha Taylor explores a new assessment project which has been delivered for the first time the semester in the School of Engineering. First-year students of Engineering Design and Communication work together in groups to research, design, 3D print and ultimately race drag cars – the aim is to teach them the skills and processes of computer-aided product design by immersing them in it. The project incorporates group learning, agile/design thinking methodologies, maker based pedagogy and peer assessment. Episode 16 focuses on the teacher perspective with Hormoz Marzbani; for Episode 17, three students reflect together on the benefits and challenges they experienced throughout the course.

In this two-episode special, Natasha Taylor explores a new assessment project which has been delivered for the first time the semester in the School of Engineering. First-year students of Engineering Design and Communication work together in groups to research, design, 3D print and ultimately race drag cars – the aim is to teach them the skills and processes of computer-aided product design by immersing them in it. The project incorporates group learning, agile/design thinking methodologies, maker based pedagogy and peer assessment. Episode 16 focuses on the teacher perspective with Hormoz Marzbani; for Episode 17, three students reflect together on the benefits and challenges they experienced throughout the course.

Natasha Taylor talks to a group of students who participated in the Drag Car Build and Race Project (introduced by Hormoz Marzbani in Episode 16). They discuss their individual and shared experiences of this exciting new assessment approach.

Natasha Taylor talks to Hormoz Marzbani from the School of Engineering about his pioneering Drag Car Racing Project which has transformed the way first year students learn design skills and processes. Be sure to tune in to Episode 17 which features three of Hormoz's students talking about the project from the learner perspective!

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Paul Wyborn about the approaches used to teach trainee pilots at RMIT Flight School, Point Cook. Paul explains how the Point Cook team use their unique teaching spaces and professional behaviours/work practices to help students build a strong sense of belonging and identity. Also, how their close partnership with the RAAF museum team brings real authenticity to the learning experience. Paul reflects on some of the challenges faced by students, especially in the first stage of their course when they have to adapt to intensive learning approaches, both in the air and on the ground. Hear how the staff support them to work through issues such as aviation sickness, claustrophobia and stress management and how the use of simulators supports personalised and paced learning where needed.

In this Episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Paul Wyborn about the work he does teaching pilots and flight instructors at RMIT Flight School in Point Cook.

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Marion Muliaumaseali'i about her work on the indigenous student journey. They discuss how Marion's ethnographic work on storytelling, language and knowledge informs her transformative work with students and staff to enhance the teaching and learning experience at RMIT.

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Marion Muliaumaseali'i about the projects she is involved in to understand and enhance the indigenous student journey. With a research background in ethnography, Marion has brought an important cultural lens to some high profile RMIT projects, exploring the interface between western and indigenous ideologies and developing practical ways of normalising indigenous language and practices into our university culture. She uses ethnographic tools to understand what she refers to as the ‘human experience'. This includes working with students as partners to identify the "pain points," values and learning priorities of our indigenous students, working together to develop ways of improving retention and success in learning. The conversation touches on some important learning and teaching themes, including empathy, storytelling and reciprocity.

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Nicolas Menicucci from the School of Science about the work he has done to transform how quantum physics is taught to first-year students. Few topics excite physics students more than quantum mechanics, and first-year students arrive at RMIT inspired and keen to learn. But the very features that make quantum physics so fascinating also present a steep learning curve. Difficult mathematics and counter-intuitive concepts usually delay real learning about quantum physics until the later years of the degree programme. Nick has developed a curriculum that enables students to get their hands dirty with the real mathematical tools and concepts used in cutting-edge quantum physics research – all in first year. His approaches include: Literally translating the elements of the high-level mathematical notation into sentences and concepts that students can intuitively understand. Making them do problem-based learning (PBL) activities to learn how to manipulate mathematics (assisted by the concepts). Providing detailed instructions for how to complete these problems (after the PBL session) so that they can reproduce the procedure on their assignment and exam. Using calculus/complex-numbers self-quizzes 4 times through the semester to enable students to self-assess their learning and identify areas of achievement/improvement.

Natasha Taylor talks to Nicolas Menicucci about how he is transforming the way quantum physics is taught to first year students, exposing them to difficult mathematical tools and concepts in the earliest stages of their learning journey.

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Ashlee Pearson from the School of Engineering about the training programme she delivers for tutors. She tells us how she opens up discussions and explorations of key topics like: what are the qualities of a good tutor? how you can bring your research into the classroom/curriculum? how can you enhance student learning through effective questioning? how can you embed values, inclusivity and diversity into the curriculum and your practice? what can you learn by reflecting on a session and exploring different future approaches? Ashlee is herself a PhD student and tutor in the School and this gives her a unique and valuable perspective on the training needs and practice experiences of this important part of our teaching community.

Natasha Taylor talks to Ashlee Pearson about the Tutor Training Programme she leads in the School of Engineering. Hear how Ashlee delivers key topics - including research-led teaching, lesson planning and inclusive practice - in a way which engages and empowers new tutors.

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Ilya Kavalchuk about the approaches he uses to teach our Vietnam-based first-year engineering students essential employability skills. Faced with the challenge of teaching a multi-lingual cohort of students who are culturally accustomed to a teacher-centric approach and rote-based assessment, Ilya has effectively used problem-based learning and ePortfolios to give his course authenticity and relevance.

Natasha Taylor talks to Ilya Kavalchuk about the work he is doing to transform engineering education for students based in RMIT Vietnam. He explains how the use of problem based learning, authentic assessment and e-portfolios has helped to make the learning experience more active and industry relevant.

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Nevena Todorova about the approaches she uses to teach research methods to a large, mixed cohort of engineering students. In addition to a range of approaches to make lectures engaging, they explore creative approaches to assessment that promote active and authentic learning.

Natasha Taylor talks to Nevena Todorova about overcoming the challenges associated with teaching research methods to large cohorts of engineering students.

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to 3 members of staff from Science and Engineering who have been experimenting with new assessment formats this semester. Together they explore how introducing the opportunity to evidence learning in non-traditional and creative ways – including videos, infographics, self-set essay questions, social media profiles and website design – has transformed the assessment experience for students and markers!

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to 3 members of staff from Science and Engineering who have been experimenting with new assessment formats this semester. Together they explore how introducing the opportunity to evidence learning in non-traditional and creative ways - including videos, infographics, self-set essay questions, social media profiles and web-site design - has transformed the assessment experience for students and markers!

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Sam Grover about the innovative way in which she has designed her soil science course. Working in groups, students are heavily involved in the design and delivery of classes – they curate content, present it and facilitate class activities/discussion. Central to the success of the approach is the early establishment of an empowering team dynamic – this is achieved through the use of Lego Serious Play.

In this Episode, Sam Grover describes the approaches she uses to engage students as partners in curriculum and assessment design.

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Nic Connelly about the creative ways in which she embeds careers information, employability skills and industry engagement into the first-year curriculum.

In this Episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Nic Connelly about the work she is doing to get her students passionate about careers, industry and employability.

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to James Harland about his innovative use of Open Educational Resources (OERs) to replace traditional textbooks in his Computer Science course.

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to James Harland about his innovative use of Open Educational Resources (OERs) to replace traditional text books in his Computer Science course.

In this episode of Open Classrooms, Natasha Taylor talks to Nick Brown about the work he is doing to allow a diverse cohort of students to participate in an immersive experiential learning experience that is assessed through strength-based assessment.

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Nick Brown about giving a diverse cohort of students the opportunity to take part in an immersive learning experience which is assessed through strength-based assessment.

In this episode of Open Classrooms, Natasha Taylor talks to Oliver Jones about the work he is doing to use 3D printed models to make his lectures more active and engaging for students. Oliver explains how he has made creative use of open access software to develop models of chemical structures, which he has then 3D printed at RMIT's Advanced Manufacturing Precinct.

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Oliver Jones about the work he is doing to use 3D printed models in his teaching.

In this episode of Open Classrooms, Natasha Taylor talks to Shekhar Kalra about the work he is doing to make his classes and course materials more inclusive, using the transcription tool Sonnant. Shekhar tells a brilliant story of metamorphosis – hear how his work to make his lectures more accessible for a diverse student body led him on a journey of discovery into his identity and practice as a teacher.

In this Episode, Shekhar Kalra talks about the work he is doing to make his lectures more inclusive, using the transcription tool Sonnant. Hear how the process has transformed both the student learning experience and his own teaching practice.

In this episode of Open Classrooms, Natasha Taylor talks to Danilla Grando about the work she is doing to transform her lectures into buzzing active learning spaces. Getting students out of their seats, working collaboratively and engaging in deep, analytic learning is the key to her success.

In this episode of Open Classrooms, Natasha Taylor talks to Danilla Grando about the work she is doing to transform her lectures into buzzing active learning spaces. Getting students out of their seats, working collaboratively and engaging in deep, analytic learning is the key to her success.

In this episode of Open Classrooms, Natasha Taylor talks to Jessica Danaher about the work she is doing to make the learning experience for her Nutrition students fun, flexible and personalised.

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Jessica Danaher about the work she is doing to make the learning experience for her Nutrition students fun, flexible and personalised.