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PODCAST · education

Friday SLO Talks

by Jarek Janio

Friday SLO Talks: Rethinking Student Learning Outcomes Welcome to Friday SLO Talks, the podcast that redefines student success in higher education by focusing on learning as skill and competency development, not just course completion or diploma attainment. Presented by the California Outcomes Assessment Coordinators' Hub (COACHES), each episode explores effective teaching practices and assessment strategies that emphasize meaningful, measurable growth. Through in-depth conversations with educators, program leaders, and academic innovators, we bring you practical insights and tools to enhance student learning in ways that matter. If you’re a higher education professional dedicated to cultivating real-world skills and competencies in your students, join us for inspiring discussions and a community committed to reshaping the future of student-centered education.

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Episodes

  1. Beyond the Grade: Assessing Skills for Career Readiness

    The webinar addressed the growing consensus that traditional grades (e.g., A-F) are insufficient metrics for determining if a student is prepared for the modern workforce. The discussion centered on modernizing assessment strategies to focus on verifiable competencies and practical application.…

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  2. Beyond a Checklist: Rethinking Rubrics to Honor the Process of Learning

    In this episode of Friday SLO Talks, a team from the University of California, Berkeley Center for Teaching and Learning discusses how rubrics can be used to clarify expectations, support student learning, and improve the consistency of assessment in higher education classrooms. The presenters...

  3. Connecting Programmatic Learning Objectives with Practice: Insights from an Analysis of Workforce-Based Assessments

    In this episode of Friday SLO Talk, we dive deep into the complexities of evaluating student performance in real-world clinical settings. Guests John Moore and Phil Reeves from the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) join us to share insights from an extensive research project involving…

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  4. Buggy Whips, Rocket Ships, or Total Eclipse? Assessing Higher Education in the Age of AI. with J.D. Mosley-Matchett, Ph.D.

    In this Friday SLO Talk, J.D. Mosley-Matchett, Senior Assessment Developer at Western Governors University, examines how higher education is responding to artificial intelligence and the broader technological changes affecting teaching and learning. Drawing on more than three decades of…

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  5. Behaviorism Myths, Misconceptions with Ronald C Martella

    This Friday SLO Talk with Drs. Ronald and Nancy Martella challenges common misconceptions about behaviorism and reintroduces it as a precise, ethical, and evidence-based framework for understanding learning and motivation. The discussion emphasizes a simple but powerful truth: behavior is shaped…

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  6. AI, Education, and the Scientific Method with Lizelena Iglesias and Vi Hawes

    In this episode, educators and innovators explore how generative AI can transform classrooms into continuous experiments in growth. Drawing from the October 10, 2025 session Empowering Inquiry: AI and the Scientific Method in Practice, the discussion reveals how AI can support every stage of...

  7. Beyond Transcripts: Beyond the Transcript: Measuring What Physical Therapy Students Truly Learn

    In this session, Dr. Pavithra Suresh and Dr. Sabrina Altema of Howard University share how the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program has built a student-centered, equity-driven model of assessment that goes far beyond the traditional transcript. Their approach focuses on preparing graduates…

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  8. HyFlex Learning Assessment Using Generative AI

    Dr. Brian Beatty from San Francisco State University discussing "Addressing the Challenges of Assessment in HyFlex Courses Using Custom GPTs." Dr. Beatty, a professor of instructional design, introduces the concept of HyFlex learning, which blends face-to-face, synchronous, and asynchronous…

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  9. From Theory to Clinical Competency: A Case Study in Authentic, Performance-Based Nursing Education with Dr. Stacy Greathouse and the Team from University of Texas at Arlington

    In this Friday SLO Talk, Jarek Janio from Santa Ana College and Enrique Jauregui from Fresno City College host a dynamic session highlighting an innovative nursing course development project from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Dr. Leslie Jennings, Missina Minter, Megan Zara, and Dr....

  10. Assessment of Student Learning: The Case for Observable Behavior with Dr. Jarek Janio

    Podcast Episode: Assessment of Student Learning – The Case for Observable Behavior with Dr. Jarek Janio In this episode of Friday SLO Talks, organized by the California Outcomes Assessment Hub (COACHES), Dr. Jarek Janio from Santa Ana College led a compelling discussion on the role of observable...

  11. GenAI – Your Supercharged Assessment Assistant with Dr. Gavin Henning

    Here’s a more detailed description of the episode: Podcast Episode: GenAI – Your Supercharged Assessment Assistant with Dr. Gavin Henning In this episode of Friday SLO Talks, organized by the California Outcomes Assessment Hub (COACHES), Dr. Gavin Henning, professor of higher education at New...

  12. Devan Walton - Tools for Program Level Assessment

    1. The Evolving Role of Assessment Professionals: As AI automates routine tasks, assessment professionals must focus on higher-order skills like identifying key data, designing effective data collection strategies, and interpreting AI-generated insights. "These tools are going to allow us to...

  13. Peter Shae - Trends in AI and Instructional Design

    AI and Instructional Design in Higher Education 1. A New Pedagogical Model: AI offers an opportunity to transition from traditional teaching methods to "generativism," a novel approach combining evidence-based learning principles with AI technology. This shift is essential for maximizing AI's...

  14. Joanna Boeing - Cautionary Considerations for AI in Higher Education

    Cautionary Points and Considerations Around the Adoption and Use of AI in Higher Education 1. Accessibility Availability & Communication: Institutions must clarify which AI tools are accessible to students, faculty, and staff, balancing enterprise versus free versions and effectively…

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  15. Anne Converse Willkomm - Policy and AI

    AI in Higher Education: Policy, Impact, and Ethics Drawing from her experience as a faculty member and policy developer at Drexel University, Willkomm identifies critical focus areas as institutions adapt to the fast-evolving landscape of AI. I. Policy Considerations: Willkomm highlights the...

  16. Bobbijo Grillo Pinnelli, Walden University, AI's Impact on Assessment Practitioner's Role

    The Impact of AI on Assessment Professionals Source: Excerpts from "Bobbijo Grillo Pinnelli.txt"(transcript of the presentation) Main Themes: The rapid evolution of AI and its impact on the roles of assessment professionals. The need for assessment professionals to adapt and acquire new skills to...

  17. Ruth Slotnick - AI Adoption Data

    AI in Higher Education Assessment Main Themes: Urgency of AI adoption in assessment: Assessment professionals need to proactively engage with AI tools and their implications for student learning despite feelings of overload or a wait-and-see approach. Leadership role of assessment professionals:...

  18. Student Learning Outcomes: SLOs, PLOs, and ILOs

    Demystifying Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) in Higher Education Main Themes: Defining and differentiating Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) from other outcome measures in higher education. Understanding the relationship between SLOs and student achievement. Exploring the interconnected levels of...

  19. SLOs: Centering Learning and Serving Students

    Centering Learning and Serving Students Main Themes: Student-centric approach: The current higher education system often prioritizes administrative processes and metrics over student needs and learning outcomes. Accountability through SLO assessment: Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) assessment is...

  20. Advancing Student Learning Outcomes

    Making Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) Assessment Meaningful and Actionable This briefing doc reviews key takeaways and advice from Friday SLO Talks, hosted by California Outcomes Assessment Coordinators’ Hub (COACHES). It explores tools, training, and frameworks to enhance SLO assessment and...

  21. Generative AI in Education: Opportunities, Challenges, and Transformative Potential

    Harnessing Generative AI for Enhanced Learning Source: Transcript of Dr. Curt Bonk's presentation. Friday SLO Talk: "How faculty can harness generative AI for enhanced learning. Part one", hosted by the Coaches Community College network. Main Themes: The educational landscape is rapidly changing:...

  22. The Opposite of Cheating: Teaching for Integrity in the Age of AI

    Main Themes: The Higher Education Social Contract Universities must certify students' knowledge and abilities to meet societal expectations. Generative AI (Gen AI) and Academic Integrity Gen AI introduces challenges and opportunities for education, affecting teaching and learning integrity....

  23. Queen Mary University: Driving change through leadership development and co-creation

    Driving Change and Co-Creation in Higher Education Friday SLO Talk: Janet De Wilde, Emily Salines, and Stephanie Fuller of Queen Mary University of London. The presentation explores the challenges and opportunities of driving change in large, legacy institutions, particularly in the context of...

  24. Queen Mary University: Exploring Assessment Choice to Enhance Practice and Inclusivity in Higher Education

    Exploring Assessment Choice to Enhance Practice and Inclusivity in Higher Education Friday SLO Talks: Stephanie Marshall, Janet De Wilde, Emily Salines, and Stephanie Fuller of Queen Mary University of London's Queen Mary Academy. Main Themes: Inclusive Assessment: Queen Mary University…

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  25. Teaching Smarter with Research-Based Learning Principles with Marie Norman

    Learning Principles and Motivation Source: Excerpts from a Friday SLO Talk webinar featuring Dr. Marie Norman, co-author of How Learning Works: Eight Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching. Main Themes: Teaching vs. Learning: Content expertise alone doesn’t ensure effective teaching. For...

  26. Designing Assessment to Promote Student Learning with Sam Elkington

    This podcast explores the pressing need for a transformation in higher education assessment practices, particularly given the impact of generative AI. Professor Elkington argues that traditional, high-stakes assessments fail to prepare students adequately for modern careers, advocating instead…

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  27. From Compliance to Empowerment: Leveraging Transparency in Assessment Practice with Dr. Gianina Baker

    In this episode, Dr. Gianina Baker, Associate Director of the Office of Community College Research and Leadership and Acting Director of the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA), explores how assessment practices in higher education can shift from a compliance-driven model…

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  28. Using Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Human Intelligence, Khan Academy

    In this episode, Kristen DiCerbo, Chief Learning Officer at Khan Academy, provides a deep dive into Khan Academy’s research-backed approach to improving student learning outcomes. From understanding the importance of usage in K-12 learning to unveiling the potential of AI-powered tools, DiCerbo...

  29. The Changing Landscape of Writing in the Age of AI with Christina Supe

    In this episode, Christina Supe examines how AI is reshaping writing, literacy, and authorship. She opens by highlighting literacy’s longstanding link to power and social mobility, emphasizing that AI tools might disrupt this by enabling “cognitive outsourcing.” This trend could risk intellectual...

  30. From Data to Decisions: Leveraging Storytelling to Inspire Change in Higher Education

    In this podcast, Ryan Smith, Director of University Assessment at Illinois State University, discusses how data storytelling transforms overwhelming data in higher education into actionable insights that inspire meaningful change. He addresses the challenge of institutions collecting vast amounts...

  31. Storytelling as Assessment (R)evolution at Howard University

    In this podcast, Dr. Daphne Bernard and Glenn Phillips explain how Howard University enhanced its assessment process by incorporating storytelling to improve student learning outcomes (SLOs) and competency attainment. Context: Howard University, a historically Black institution with a unique...

  32. Stanford University, Centers for Teaching and Learning: Challenges and Successes in Faculty Support

    "Leveling the Learning Landscape: An Outcomes-Driven Approach to Equity-Focused Curriculum Change" In this podcast, Stanford University's Center for Teaching and Learning discusses their "Leveling the Learning Landscape" project—a five-year initiative aimed at transforming the undergraduate...

  33. Maximizing the Impact of Assessment: Linking Individual Achievement, Course-Based Data, and Student Learning Outcomes

    Utilizing Course Outcomes for Continuous Improvement Source: Excerpts from a presentation by Dr. Will Miller, Associate VP for Continuous Improvement at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, on leveraging course-level outcomes for student success. Main Themes: The Unit Disconnect: Miller…

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  34. Experiential Learning with Dr. Patrice Ludwig and Dr. Bill Heinrich

    Key Takeaways 1. Experiential Learning (EL) as an Ecosystem: EL is a dynamic ecosystem involving students, faculty, administrators, employers, and community members. Each stakeholder has unique perspectives and expectations, creating a complex environment where definitions and approaches to EL...

  35. Rethinking Assessment: A Learner-Centric Approach with Dr. Jo Alice Blondin

    Most Important Ideas: Questioning the Credit Hour: Dr. Blondin argues that while the credit hour is convenient for administrative purposes, it fails to measure genuine learning. She urges institutions to explore alternative methods that better reflect student competencies. "I've been associated...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Friday SLO Talks: Rethinking Student Learning Outcomes

Welcome to Friday SLO Talks, the podcast that redefines student success in higher education by focusing on learning as skill and competency development, not just course completion or diploma attainment.

Presented by the California Outcomes Assessment Coordinators' Hub (COACHES), each episode explores effective teaching practices and assessment strategies that emphasize meaningful, measurable growth. Through in-depth conversations with educators, program leaders, and academic innovators, we bring you practical insights and tools to enhance student learning in ways that matter.

If you’re a higher education professional dedicated to cultivating real-world skills and competencies in your students, join us for inspiring discussions and a community committed to reshaping the future of student-centered education.

HOSTED BY

Jarek Janio

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Friday SLO Talks have?

Friday SLO Talks currently has 35 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Friday SLO Talks about?

Friday SLO Talks: Rethinking Student Learning Outcomes Welcome to Friday SLO Talks, the podcast that redefines student success in higher education by focusing on learning as skill and competency development, not just course completion or diploma attainment. Presented by the California Outcomes...

How often does Friday SLO Talks release new episodes?

Friday SLO Talks has 35 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Friday SLO Talks?

You can listen to Friday SLO Talks on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Friday SLO Talks?

Friday SLO Talks is created and hosted by Jarek Janio.
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