This Teaching Life

This Teaching Life is a Faculty of Arts Podcast where teaching academics gather to chat about teaching experiences, discuss innovations, and exchange tips and ideas in their practice. The show is hosted by Xia Cui, and her colleagues from the Arts Teaching Innovation team in the Faculty of Arts. New episodes are released weekly. To join the conversation, email arts-ati@unimelb.edu.au.

In this episode, David Seignior, senior learning designer from the University of Melbourne, explains in what ways online teaching allows teachers to actively engage with their students in learning, and how that can be achieved even with minimal technological interventions.Host: Xia CuiGuest Speaker: David SeigniorEditor & producer: Xia Cui

Arts Excellence Teaching Award winner Andrew Jamieson ran a subject called Field Archaeology intensive, which, according to some students, is "the most life changing, and influential". In this episode, Andrew chatted about this initiative, experiential learning as a teaching approach, digital applications, and more.For more on Andrew's work, please visit the links below:2020 Chanel 31 The Modern Middle East (pilot for submission to the SBS and ABC)2019 Chanel 31 The Modern Middle East2019 The Power of Objects_ OBL Goulburn Valley ProjectArts West Objects Based Lab videoObject Based Learning with Andrew Jamiesonhttps://vimeo.com/122614258 (password: archaeology)Object-Based Learning: An aspirational educational pathway for disadvantaged students in rural VictoriaPractical Archaeology “Virtual Field trip”Mesopotamian minuteABC Casts and Copies podcastHost: Wajeehah Aeyeshah Guest Speaker: Andrew Jamieson Editor & producer: Xia Cui.

In this episode, Arts Teaching Excellence Award winner Elena Balcaite chatted about her students centred teaching approach, and how to unpack complexity to make theory heavy subjects engaging.Host: Xia CuiGuest Speaker: Elena BalcaiteEditor & producer: Xia Cui

This is part 2 of the "checking-in" series in which our host Wajeehah Aeyeshah zoomed in with academics from the Faculty of Arts and chatted about how they are adjusting in life and teaching in this fast changing situation.In this episode, Delia Lin from the Asia Institute shared her experiences, in particular, how she managed to still engage with her students in the online learning environment.Host: Wajeehah Aeyeshah Guest Speaker: Delia LinEditor & producer: Xia Cui

This is part 1 of the "checking-in" series in which our host Wajeehah Aeyeshah zoomed in with academics from the Faculty of Arts and chatted about how they are adjusting in life and teaching in this fast changing situation.In this episode, Lousie Olliff from the School of Social and Political Sciences shared her experiences.Dr Louise Olliff works as a senior advisor for the Refugee Council of Australia, where she has been employed in policy, research and advocacy roles since 2009. Her current role focusses on RCOA's international and community engagement work.Host: Wajeehah Aeyeshah Guest Speaker: Louise Olliff Editor & producer: Xia Cui

Kathryn Coleman is an artist, researcher and senior lecturer in Visual Arts and Design Teacher Secondary Education at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education.In this episode, she shared her insights into the integration of digital pedagogies for authentic learning experience, and new opportunities for learners that arise from the online environment.Host: Xia CuiGuest Speaker: Kathryn Coleman Editor and producer: Xia Cui

This is part 4 of the "checking-in" series in which our host Wajeehah Aeyeshah zoomed in with academics from the Faculty of Arts and chatted about how they are adjusting in life and teaching in this fast changing situation.In this episode, Fabio Mattioli from the School of Social and Political Sciences shared his experience: what's new, what has changed, and what he actually really enjoys.Host: Wajeehah Aeyeshah Guest Speaker: Fabio Mattioli Editor & producer: Xia Cui

This is part 3 of the "checking-in" series in which our host Wajeehah Aeyeshah zoomed in with academics from the Faculty of Arts and chatted about how they are adjusting in life and teaching in this fast changing situation.In this episode, Mara Favoretto from the School of Languages and Linguistics shared her experience, in particular, why she would like to do more online teaching even after the pandemic.Host: Wajeehah Aeyeshah Guest Speaker: Mara FavorettoEditor & producer: Xia Cui

In this time of isolation, Olivia Meehan thought it might be interesting to consider the art of looking, the practice of seeing and describing, and in the case of podcasts, the serenity of just listening.Hence in this special series, she will be exploring a few of the Museum From Home programs and guiding the audience to appreciate the selected collections around the world through the art of looking. Her language is beautiful, and description vivid, putting the audience right there among the artworks.At the end of each episode, the audience will also get to hear the reading of selected works by Robyn Archer.This first episode of the series presents Kettle's Yard house museum and gallery in Cambridge, England.Resources & Links of interestLook Up! The Art and Science of LookingThe Art of Slow Looking PodcastArts and Culture GoogleKettle's Yard Museum, Cambridge EnglandReCollection: Oral History ArchiveA Handful of Objects – explore five key objects from the Kettle's Yard collection through film, sound, images and 360-degree views.Work of ArtChristopher Wood, Boy with a Cat (Jean Bourgoint), 1926, oil and graphite on canvas, 1480 x 585 mmhttp://tour.kettlesyard.co.uk/e1-library/attachment/boy-cat/ ReadingA Room to Live In: A Kettle's Yard Anthology edited by Tamar Yoseloff, Cambridge: Salt Publishing, 2007, pp.52-53.First Reading: Meredith BowlesSecond Reading: A Bowl By Lucie Rie by Susan WatsonWith thanks to Robyn Archer for the reading.

This is part 5 of the "checking-in" series in which our host Wajeehah Aeyeshah zoomed in with academics from the Faculty of Arts and chatted about how they are adjusting in life and teaching in this fast changing situation.Muhammad Kamal is a senior lecturer in Islamic Studies. He admitted that he's not a technological person and doesn't even have a mobile phone himself. So how has he been doing working and teaching from home? Find out in this episode.Host: Wajeehah Aeyeshah Guest Speaker: Muhammad Kamal Editor and producer: Xia Cui

As school children are now studying at home, how can educators and parents help them to adapt? Today our guest speaker on the matter is William Newman from Alice Spring School of the Air, the world's largest classroom covering 1.3 million kilometres, which has been providing education to children in remote areas since 1951.Interviewer: Xia CuiGuest speaker: William NewmanProducer and editor: Xia Cui

Jennifer Beckett is an expert on managing online communities, and she's very familiar with the subtle art of keeping these communities healthy, safe, and productive in an educational context. In this episode, our host Mitch Goodwin chats with Jen to find out how.Further information on the Sense of Community Index as mentioned in the episode.Host: Mitch GoodwinGuest Speaker: Jennifer Beckett Editor and producer: Xia Cui

In this second part of the conversation between Mitch Goodwin and Jennifer Beckett, they chat about how to maintain a sense of personal well-being while working from home, and ways to help our students during this time of local and global upheaval.More information on the The ALGEE Health Plan mentioned in the episodeHost: Mitch GoodwinGuest speaker: Jennifer Beckett Editor and producer: Xia Cui

In this time of isolation, Olivia Meehan thought it might be interesting to consider the art of looking, the practice of seeing and describing, and in the case of podcasts, the serenity of just listening.In this second episode of her series to explore the Museum From Home programs, she will be taking us to Nezu Museum in Tokyo. At the end of the episode, the audience will be hearing Robyn Archer's reading of In Praise of Shadows. Resources & Links: The Metropolitan Museum of Art New Yorkhttps://www.metmuseum.org/Rijksmuseum in Amsterdamhttps://www.rijksmuseum.nl/enBritish Museum Londonhttps://www.britishmuseum.org/V&A Londonhttps://www.vam.ac.uk/ NGV – National Gallery of Victoriahttps://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/Art Gallery of New South Waleshttps://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/National Library of Australiahttps://www.nla.gov.au/Nezu Museum Tokyohttp://www.nezu-muse.or.jp/en/index.htmlReadingJun'ichirō Tanizaki, In Praise of Shadows 陰翳礼讃, In'ei Raisan, translated by Thomas J. Harper and Edward G. Seidensticker, London: Vintage Books, 1977.With thanks to Robyn Archer for the reading.

This is part 6 of the "checking-in" series in which our host Wajeehah Aayeshah zoomed in with academics from the Faculty of Arts and chatted about how they are adjusting in life and teaching in this fast changing situation.Josiah Lulham teaches in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne. He's an actor, an artist, a gamer, and also a PhD student all at the same time. In this episode, he shares his unique working from home experience.Host: Wajeehah AayeshahGuest speaker: Josiah LulhamEditor and producer: Xia Cui

Mentorship and guidance are among the most important facets of students' academic journeys. In this two part episode, host Megan McIntosh chats with Lauren Bliss from the University of Melbourne, and Antoinette Gagne from the University of Toronto, to find out their insights and strategies in providing support and mentorship online for students. Host: Megan McIntosh Guest speaker: Lauren Bliss (Part 1), Antoinette Gagne (Part 2)Editor and producer: Xia Cui

Dr. Antoinette Gagne runs a very successful and popular thesis writing community for her students at the University of Toronto. In this episode, she explains in details how to set up and maintain such communities to keep the students engaged, motivated, and productive. Host: Megan McIntosh Guest speaker: Antoinette Gagne Editor and producer: Xia Cui

Dr Angela Daly is a senior lecturer at Strathclyde Law School. She is co-director of the Strathclyde Centre for Internet Law & Policy, and she also directs the fully online, distance learning LLM/PgDip in Internet Law & Policy/Information Technology & Telecommunications Law. In this episode she chats with host Wajeehah Aeyeshah about her experience during the lock down, the teaching, the martial arts, and in particular, the topic of data safety. Host: Wajeehah Aeyeshah Guest speaker: Angela Daly Editor and producer: Xia cui

Our guest speaker for this two part episode is Tom Whitford, teaching and learning specialist from the Faculty of Business and Economics. In part 1, Tom reflects on the process of transitioning to teaching online in his faculty during the lockdown. In part 2, Tom chats to host Xia about what post-Covid-19 teaching and learning might look like, and how we should prepare ourselves for it.Host: Xia CuiGuest speaker: Tom Whitford Editor and producer: Xia Cui

Our guest speaker for this two part episode is Tom Whitford, teaching and learning specialist from the Faculty of Business and Economics. In part 2 of this episode, Tom chats to host Xia about what post-Covid-19 teaching and learning might look like, and how we should prepare ourselves for it.Host: Xia CuiGuest speaker: Tom WhitfordEditor and producer: Xia Cui

In this time of isolation, Olivia Meehan thought it might be interesting to consider the art of looking, the practice of seeing and describing, and in the case of podcasts, the serenity of just listening.In this 3rd episode of her series to explore the Museum From Home programs, she will be taking us to Musée du Louvre, and in particular, Le Printemps, painting by Théodore Rousseau. At the end of the episode is Robyn Archer's reading of Swann's Way, In Search of Lost Time, by Marcel Proust. Resources and notes:Musée du Louvrehttps://www.louvre.fr/en/homepageMusée du Louvre Online Tourshttps://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligneMona Lisa Focushttps://focus.louvre.fr/en/mona-lisaThe Barbizon School of paintershttps://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780199920105/obo-9780199920105-0097.xmlReading:Marcel Proust, Swann's Way, In Search of Lost Time, Vol. 1 translated by Lydia Davis, London: Penguin Classics, 2004, pp. 438-439.With thanks to Robyn Archer for the reading.

Dr. Mitch Goodwin is a media artist, curator and an academic with a research focus on digital aesthetics. In this episode, he shares some effective and easy to apply strategies in using videos to make genuine connections with learners. Here is the link mentioned in the episode:Seven ways to improve students' online learning experiences in your subjectGuest speaker: Mitch GoodwinHost: Xia CuiProducer and editor: Xia Cui

How do you celebrate Ramadan and how has that changed this year? What's your special Ramadan dish? and what's your spiritual practice during this month?In this episode, This Teaching Life host Wajeehah Aayeshah chats to four colleagues in the Faculty of Arts and find out their answers to these questions.Host: Wajeehah Aayeshah; Co-host: Xia CuiGuest speaker: Ali Reza Yunespour, Nadia Aly, Nira Rahman, Yasmeen HassanEditor: Xia Cui

In this episode, David McInnis chats about his blended-learning approach which combines unique online content with active, performance-oriented activities in seminars, which is his response to the challenge: how should Shakespeare be taught in Australia today?David McInnis is Associate Professor of Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama at the University of Melbourne. He also won the Barbara Falk Award for Teaching Excellence for this initiative. Host: Wajeehah Aayeshah Guest speaker: David McInnis Editor: Xia Cui

In this episode, 4 students from the Faculty of Arts chat about their learning experience since the start of virtual campus: what has the dynamic been like between them and their teachers? How does this dynamic affect student engagement and partnership? And what particular aspect of their online learning experience they would hope to continue when they go back to campus.Host: Nira RahmanGuest speakers: Michael HesterCampbell RiderTejas SethiMargherita MezzasomaProducer and editor: Xia Cui

In this 4th episode of The Art of Looking series, Olivia Meehan takes us to The Blue House Museum in Mexico. Listen to how she sees the Blue House, and enjoy an interspersed audio feast of Robyn Archer's reading from Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo. Resources and Links:Museo Frida Kahlo – The Blue Househttps://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/en/the-blue-house/Virtual Tourhttps://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/en/the-blue-house/multimedia/Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self UpA fresh perspective on Kahlo's compelling life story through her most intimate personal belongingshttps://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/frida-kahlo-making-her-self-upGoethe: The Theory of Colourhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3cszjvcEDITORIAL FEATURE: The Hidden Meanings In Frida Kahlo's PaintingsExplore the wonderful details included in the artist's works with the help of Art Camerahttps://artsandculture.google.com/theme/the-hidden-meanings-in-frida-kahlo-s-paintings%C2%A0/MwISAVsIDncgLQ?hl=enReadings:Hayden Herrera, Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo, Perennial; Reprint edition, 2002,With thanks to Robyn Archer for the readings.

Ruonan teaches Chinese language subjects at the Asia Institute. In this episode, she shares her insights in how to engage students and enhance their sense of community both in class, and out of class.Guest speaker: Ruonan ZengHost and episode editor: Xia Cui

This is part 7 of the "checking-in" series in which our host Wajeehah Aayeshah zoomed in with academics from the Faculty of Arts and chatted about how they are adjusting in life and teaching in this fast changing situation. In this episode, Nonie May from the School of Culture and Communications chats about her experience in adjusting to online teaching, and in particular, how she feels about her duty of care towards the students. Host: Wajeehah Aayeshah Guest speaker: Nonie MayEditor: Xia Cui

Dr. Wendy Haslem teaches in the Screen Studies program. She is also the Program Director for Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne. In this episode, she chats to host Wajeehah about what changes Covid-19 has brought to the Bachelor of Arts, as well as to her own subjects. Host: Wajeehah AayeshahGuest speaker: Wendy Haslem Editor: Xia Cui

Can we suppose an object might have its own character, a life of its own? A purpose and function beyond decoration or ornament? In this 5th episode of The Art of Looking series, Olivia Meehan explores the biography of an object by listening to it!Resources and LinksBBC Sunday Feature: Cristiani and Her CelloClassic FM: Case Notes: the award-winning true crime podcast: The stolen Stradivarius Collection PiecesThe Metropolitan Museum of Art"The Gould" Violin, 1693; "The Antonius" Violin, 1711; "The Francesca" Violin, 1694Ashmolean Museum OxfordThe ‘Messiah' Violin, 1716The Grainger Museum, University of MelbourneRare Music CollectionMuseo del Violino, CremonaACO Australian Chamber OrchestraOur instruments: https://www.aco.com.au/the-orchestra/our-instrumentsACO Home to Home: Richard Tognetti and Satu VänskäJoin Artistic Director Richard Tognetti and Principal Violin Satu Vänskä for this special recital as they perform the music of JS Bach, Paganini and Leclair from their Manly home.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96xUS2BlBmIThe Musical ForestViolinmakers have been coming to the Latemar forest in South Tyrol since the time of Stradivarius. Violinmaker Paul Lijsen is once again searching the Latemar forest in South Tyrol's Eggental valley. How can they hear a violin just from a tree trunk? Join him as he searches for the perfect tree…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGM_VsTwoMAWith thanks to Robyn Archer for the readings.Readings and quotes taken from:Faber, Toby. Stradivarius: Five Violins, One Cello and a Genius, Pan; Reprints edition, 2005.

It's challenging to make students feel connected and supported in an online environment, especially when they are first year university students. Since the start of virtual campus, Isidro Garcia and Lara Anderson from the Faculty of Arts have experimented multiple initiatives to support their students and help them to stay connected, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Listen to this episode to find out how they did it. Guest speakers: Isidro Martinez Garcia; Lara AndersonHost and editor: Xia Cui

Potluck, legos, and giraffe talking piece, what do all these have anything to do with Justice Studies? Muhammad Asadullah, Assistant Professor at the Department of Justice Studies from the University of Regina, tell us how in this episode.Host: Wajeehah AayeshahGuest speaker: Muhammad AsadullahEditor: Xia Cui

What's it like teaching indigenous studies during the pandemic? How to develop the linguistic competence in discussing indigenous issues and navigating difficult topics? Lily Brown shares her insights in this episode. Host: Wajeehah Aayeshah Guest speaker: Lily Brown

Teaching teaching indigenous studies during the pandemic, indigenous methodologies, developing the linguistic competence in discussing indigenous issues and navigating difficult topics - Lily Brown shares her insights on these in this episode. Host: Wajeehah AayeshahGuest speaker: Lily Brown

In this episode, Chloe Diskin-Holdaway from the School of Languages and Linguistics reflects on her online teaching experience in the first semester of 2020, and gives some top tips on engaging students in subject content.Host: Wajeehah AayeshahGuest speaker: Chloe Diskin-HoldawayEditor: Xia Cui

This season special provides a collection of snippets from the episodes we've had so far about online teaching: What's it like? What are the top tips from your colleagues? Listen on to find out. With thanks to voices from: Alison HorburyMara Favoretto Nonie MayRuonan Zeng Delia LinLily BrownDavid McInnis Lauren Bliss Louise OliffTom Whitford Editor: Xia Cui

Now the first semester of virtual campus just ended, Alison Horbury in this episode chats to host Wajeehah about her experience: what's challenging, and what works! Host: Wajeehah Aayeshah Guest speaker: Alison Horbury Editor: Xia Cui

Associate Professor Jackie Dutton is the Convenor of French Studies in the School of Languages and Linguistics. She also teaches some really fascinating subjects: A Taste of Europe, and Going Places - Travelling Smarter. In this episode, Jackie talks about language learning during the pandemic, the use of objects in mastering conversations in French, and travelling smarter in this time of isolation. Guest speaker: Jackie DuttonHost and editor: Xia CuiThe article mentioned in the episode: LEARNING A LANGUAGE AT HOME, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.The undergraduate certificate courses mentioned in the episode:Italian Russian German French SpanishTo search for more courses like these, visit https://www.courseseeker.edu.au/

Dr. Megan McIntosh has extensive experience in student advising, and in providing training for advisors. In this episode, she shares insights into the key matters academic advisors need to consider when advising students from diverse backgrounds. Guest speaker: Megan McIntoshHost and editor: Xia Cui

In this episode, Lars Wallner from Linköping University in Sweden chats about how his university has been impacted by the pandemic, and use of Comics in discussing social issues in education. Host: Wajeehah Aayeshah Guest speaker: Lars Wallner Editor: Xia Cui

Debra McDougall teaches an interesting subject called the secret life of students, where students get to collaborate with University staff to conduct ethnographic research and investigate issues essential to their learning experience. In this episode, she chats to host Wajeehah how she does it, and also shares some great tips for project based subject design.Host: Wajeehah AayeshahGuest speaker: Debra McDougallEditor: Xia Cui

In this episode, Hannah Buchan, President of the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU), shared her insights on student diversity and strategies that work for creating inclusive classrooms.Guest speaker: Hannah BuchanHost and editor: Xia Cui

In this special episode as part of the NAIDOC Week, Professor Barry Judd talks to host Wajeehah about indigenous studies in Australia, identity diversity, and more.Guest speaker: Barry JuddHost and editor: Wajeehah Aayeshah

In part 2 of this special episode for the NAIDOC Week, Professor Barry Judd continues his conversation with host Wajeehah about indigenous studies in Australia, identity diversities, and more.Guest speaker: Barry JuddHost and editor: Wajeehah Aayeshah