Something I'm looking forward to in 2025 is completing a draft of my book on evoking curiosity in the college classroom. This week, I just signed a contract with University of Oklahoma Press's Teaching, Engaging, and Thriving in Higher Ed Series. 🧵

I came across a great intro activity from The Art of Noticing substack that I plan to use in my course on curiosity: What could you speak about, with no advance preparation, for 30 minutes? Such a great way to find out more about your students' passions and interests.

How would you answer? (1/2)

CELEBRATION—At the last fellowship mtg of the fall we prioritized celebration. Think sparkling cider in champagne flutes, fancy chocolates, and origami dragons. I’d like to think we started a little tradition that will bring me joy for years to come.

ENERGY—I piloted a new program called Listen to Learn, which is essentially a podcast club. Faculty liked the idea but attendance was lackluster. At the last session, only a first-year student and instructor showed, but watching the two of them talk was truly the highlight of my semester (5/6).

PLAY— @sevello.bsky.social and I developed a game based on the book Emergent Strategy for creating new approaches to fac dev programming. We piloted the game at the NEFDC Conference and received such lovely feedback from fac developers who felt stuck in a rut and needed the space to be curious.

I've been reading a book on finding joy in design and experiences. TBD on how I'll apply it to fac dev, but it did prompt me to create this nugget of joy for my office, inspired by an absurd SNL sketch of Christopher Walken, referenced in the book, about a gardener afraid of plants. (1/2)

When I used to lead New Faculty Orientation, I had faculty introduce themselves at their small tables by creating a visual representation of their research or area of teaching using art supplies. The laughing I’d hear as they spoke to each other—across disciplines and career stages. It was lovely.

Thoughtfully working on (scrambling to create) a 10-minute POD Talk to be given at this year's POD Network Conference in Pittsburgh. Looking forward to seeing so many people there!

And some deep appreciation to @sevello.bsky.social for prototyping an emergent strategy brainstorming workshop with me at the NEFDC Conference that aims to get ed developers in the "right relationship with change."