This paper discusses the ways in which the teacher is recognised through the formulation of evaluation frameworks which encompass criteria for so-called effective teaching and, by extension, effective learning. It argues that the emphasis on that which is 'effective', and therefore measurable, is symptomatic of an overly technicist understanding…

This paper uses the PBS Nova show "Mind Over Money" to introduce a number of topics in behavioral finance. Instructors can also use the video as a jumping off point for expanding the discussion to the "second generation" of behavioral finance, where many of the decisions that differ from what are considered optimal are due to…

By using the "Game of Thrones" pop-culture television series, the author has structured courses in a way that seeks to solve problems that plague many history courses serving university requirements. In this article, the author will discuss how gaming the classroom can serve as a solution to the issue of engaging majors and non-majors…

Challenges to identity formation often emerge during college experiences as one's world view is confronted by exposure to new social circles, ideas, and cultures. Through the analysis of interpenetrating identities in the popular television show, "The Big Bang Theory," students are able to locate concrete examples of the four frames of…

A meditation from a storytelling teacher on my attempts to construct rules and guidelines for my work. This semi-narrative internal dialogue attempts to explore both the ways in which my identity shapes a learning environment and the ways I can create structures in my teaching practice that undermine the structural imbalance of our society.

Having students read news articles or novels, watch television snippets, engage in class discussions, essay-writing, emailing, and drafting letters are excellent ways to broach any number of society's systemic and oppressive social maladies. Engaging in these activities in the English language arts classroom can serve as a catalyst to encourage…

Satirical news is a type of humorous media that mixes parody and satire to critique contemporary figures, events, and situations (Ermida, 2012; McClennen & Maisel, 2014; Peters, 2013). In addition to satirical television news programs like The Daily Show, satirical news websites such as "The Daily Mash," "The Onion," and…

As a teacher of an intensive class for college-level students that focuses on learning the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) vocabulary, Kelly Keegan wanted to create and play vocabulary-review games that encourage flexibility and spontaneity in authentic contexts. This article describes how she created games that give…

This article examines how the radio drama, or "Hörspiel", might be successfully implemented in the German classroom to train students' ability to listen for context. "Hörspiele" can help students reduce their dependency on visual stimuli, develop critical and discerning listening skills, and acquire familiarity with a…

Teaching students about race remains a challenging task for instructors, made even more difficult in the context of a growing "post-racial" discourse. Given this challenge, it is important for instructors to find engaging ways to help students understand the continuing significance of race and racial/ethnic inequality. In this article,…

Recurring expressions and idiolectal speech patterns are often used by the scriptwriters of sitcoms to portray the personality of some of the characters. These expressions, which in many cases end up becoming popular, are so significant that they need be kept in the translated versions of these series. A corpus-based script analysis method that…

The Twin Cities PBS "Ready to Learn" project focuses on the building of science and literacy skills of diverse students ages 5 to 8. It also promotes equity for historically underrepresented children in science (race-ethnic minorities, low-income children with disabilities, English Language Learners). The Transformative Transmedia…

This essay explores disability studies in broadcast journalism education and seeks to help answer a question faced by teachers: Does the material discussed in class make a difference in their lives, including how they approach their work? This essay draws on a case study of university broadcast journalism students who took part in classes that…

This article presents the Cultural Facilitation Model as a means to guide the investigation of cultural questions with benefits for English Foreign Language (EFL) instructors Native English Speaking Teachers (NESTs) and Non Native English Speaking Teachers (NNESTs) and EFL students alike. It will describe how instructors can act as cultural…

Because of the importance that geography plays in our understanding of economics, history, and politics, it has been argued that the subject should be taught to students beginning at the early elementary level, usually focusing on the family unit and local communities. However, when the proper technology tools and strategies are used, students at…