Fruits from the higher branches of learning: The future of bringing research into the classroom

Abstract

Connecting esoteric research to mundane classroom material seems daunting. Yet, it is a myth that diligent scholars cannot be effective teachers, or that students will not be interested in what professors are working on. On the contrary, students will be engaged with professors who share when it is done with élan. Showing the practical application of research in the classroom is a significant way to energize both the students and the curriculum. However, it is a myth that scholars cannot be effective teachers. Students engage with professors’ research as long as it is done with élan. The practical application of research in the classroom energizes students and curricula. Over two millennia ago, Socrates chastised Phaedrus for being bewitched by the new learning technology of the text. The argument over this issue is driven by contradictory evidence. The controversy mirrors the overstated claims of big data enthusiasts and reflects the industrial model’s threat to education. This paper argues that a future integrated scholarly and teaching community must be fostered by universities.