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In this week's Field Journal, I revisit my conversation with Remi Kalir about a way to receive feedback from students that reduces bias and learn more about how the University of Michigan is cultivating mattering on their campus. I share an abandoned (in a good way) art project, wonder about your favorite quote about learning or teaching, and explore a paradox through a quote that Dave shared. |
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Episode 628
The Fair Feedback Project with Remi Kalir
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On the latest episode of Teaching in Higher Ed, Remi Kalir shared The Fair Feedback Project with us. This freely-available tool offers evidence-based practices for reducing the bias in students feedback on courses. For example, Remi discussed how:
If you actually have students write about affirming values as a kind of open free write before they complete an evaluation of teaching, it actually has been shown to mitigate bias. |
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About Mattering at Michigan
Helping students feel like they matter
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Not finishing an art project
It is ok to just enjoy something, even if you don't reach the finish line
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I continue to enjoy Lisa Bardot's Art Makers Club. A few weeks back, she offered a workshop she called a "wonky still life." I was tracking with her up to a certain point, but got behind on adding the shading to the two apples and some of the other line details that really made the piece come together. It felt good to just enjoy the time with her and the other people who joined the session, yet not feel like I had to go back and "catch up" with the others to reach the finish line.
I've been working on some small art details for something I'll be sharing at the UCI Pedagogical Wellness Day on July 31, 2026. It seemed better to apply my emerging skills on those pieces vs something that doesn't align as well with my priorities and goals.
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About Your Favorite Writing Implement
Now I want to buy all the pens... :-)
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Last week, I warned you that if I didn't hear back from anyone, I would be forced to share my super boring answer. You did not disappoint. |
Tolu Noah
I love the Pilot G2 0.7 mm pens. I have them in many colors, and I refuse to write with anything else. 😂
More about Tolu
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Jim Stauffer
My go-to writing instrument is dictating into Google Docs on my phone. (I say “go-to” instead of “favourite” because writing is not my favourite thing to do.)
When I have to write a letter or make a presentation, I almost always start by dictating my draft into Google Docs. I can do it on my phone; I can do it lying down when ideas gel but I don’t feel like getting up to grab a pencil or turn on the computer.
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Eric Jensen
A TWSBI ECO fountain pen is my go-to writing instrument. I use a vintage Eversharp Skyline for writing special cards, but I don’t carry it day-to-day.
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This week, I'm wondering:
What is one of your favorite quotes about learning or teaching?
Hit reply to share yours with me. I'll choose a few to include in next week's Field Journal. Let me know in your reply if you prefer to remain anonymous, as otherwise, I'll assume it is ok to include your name.
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A Quote about a paradox
Pathways toward new possibilities
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Dave texted our friend group the other day with a quote that stood out to him from Daniel Coyle's latest book.
Good lives are built from the things that make them hard. It’s a familiar mantra, one we hear whenever someone who has lived a fulfilling life is asked about how it came to be.
No one ever says, “Well, I planned it all out, and it all went exactly as I had figured.” No, they invariably tell a story about an obstacle that ended up creating their pathway—a pathway that they never could have walked without the help of others.
We tend to see these stories as proof of moral character, or good fortune, but in fact they are how the Rule of Surprise works. The moments that tilt the rivers of our lives are the same moments in which new patterns and possibilities are born. Because life is not a machine; it’s a shared flow of energy through a world that is, in turns, terrifyingly and wonderfully indifferent to our desires. Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment
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THIS WEEK ON TEACHING IN HIGHER ED
Luke Green tells us the story of grades. That, plus another often-shared fable that relates to attempting to assess student learning more than we might like to admit to ourselves.
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Teaching in Higher Ed Podcast
Listen with us each week.
The Teaching in Higher Ed podcast brings together over 25,000 followers to conversations about the art and science of facilitating learning.
Get your ears on for the conversation. Listen through to the recommendations.
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Bonni Stachowiak
Committed to human flourishing through learning + teaching
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