Ask The Expert

Feb 25, 2021

Ask the Expert: How Can Educators Help Advance Equity in Schools? ‘We Have to Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable So That We Can Disrupt, Better Learn and Understand What’s Problematic Within Ourselves and in our Society,’ Says Professor Joy Gaston Gayles

Many schools and universities boast a diverse student body, but simply having diversity is not the same as providing an equitable educational experience for students across all backgrounds, says Joy Gaston Gayles, Ph.D., professor of higher education and senior advisor for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the NC State College of Education. She explains how educators can become change agents and engage in anti-racist work that can help create more equitable experiences for all. 

Jan 12, 2021

Ask the Expert: How Can Teachers Help Bilingual Students Become Proficient Readers? Through ‘Consistent Exposure to a Variety of Texts and Explicit and Sustained Literacy Instruction,’ Says Assistant Professor Jackie Relyea

English language learners’ development of second language literacy skills is often quite unique, says Assistant Professor Jackie Relyea, Ph.D., because it often takes longer to develop than their day-to-day oral communication skills. She explains how educators can support these students as they become proficient English readers. 

Nov 23, 2020

Ask the Expert: What Can I Do if I’m Struggling this Holiday Season? ‘Seeking Help is a Really Good Thing. I Want Everyone to Know That,’ Says Community Counseling, Education and Research Center Co-director Helen Lupton-Smith

The holiday season is a time of joy for many, but for others the holidays can bring on feelings of stress and anxiety, which may be exacerbated this year by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and divides related to the recent presidential election. CCERC co-director Helen Lupton-Smith offers advice and resources for those who may be struggling. 

Oct 15, 2020

Ask the Expert: What is Social Studies? A Way to Provide Students with ‘Good Background Knowledge and Skills’ to Participate in Democratic Society, Says Associate Professor Meghan Manfra

What is social studies? Associate Professor Meghan Manfra, Ph.D., explains why it’s important for students to receive a quality social studies education and how educators can use technology and address media literacy in the classroom. 

Sep 18, 2020

Ask the Expert: What Does the Constitution Say About Education? Nothing Explicitly, But That Doesn’t Mean it Can’t Help Provide Students with Equal Educational Access, Says Assistant Professor Jenn Ayscue

The U.S. Constitution doesn’t explicitly guarantee a right to public education, but Assistant Professor Jenn Ayscue explains how the 14th Amendment has helped to ensure students have access to equitable educational opportunities. 

Aug 20, 2020

Ask the Expert: Why is it Important to Introduce Engineering Concepts to K-12 Students? To Help Develop ‘Habits of Mind They Can Use for the Rest of Their Life,’ Says Assistant Professor Tamecia Jones

Most students understand careers like doctors and firefighters at an early age, so why shouldn’t K-12 educators model and teach about a career as an engineer as well? Assistant Professor Tamecia Jones, Ph.D. explains why it is important to introduce engineering concepts to K-12 students. 

Jul 27, 2020

Ask the Expert: How is Education Different Around the World? Teaching Philosophies Differ But ‘We All Want What is Best for Our Students,’ Says Friday Institute Executive Director Hiller Spires

Throughout her career, Friday Institute Executive Director and College of Education Associate Dean Hiller Spires, Ph.D., has developed Project-Based Inquiry Global, led the New Literacies and Global Learning program and collaborated with educators across the globe. She uses this experience to share how education is different around the world. 

Jun 17, 2020

Ask the Expert: What Role Do Principals Play in Student Success? Assistant Professor Timothy Drake Says Effective Principals Help Students and Teachers Achieve

Assistant Professor Timothy Drake, Ph.D., says that principals can influence student success directly and indirectly, and partnerships between districts and universities are important for training educators with the skills necessary to become school leaders. 

May 15, 2020

Ask the Expert: How Can Teachers Use Technology in the Classroom? As a Tool to Enhance Instruction and Motivate Students, Says Professor Karen Hollebrands

Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Karen Hollebrands, Ph.D., says that technology can be an important classroom tool to enhance mathematics instruction, but teachers must make sure they are choosing appropriate technological resources. 

Mar 23, 2020

Ask the Expert: How Can Online Learning Opportunities Provide Quality Educational Experiences During the COVID-19 Outbreak? Through Intentional Design and Reasonable Expectations, Says Teaching Associate Professor Angie Smith

With schools around the world closing their doors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Teaching Associate Professor Angie Smith, Ph.D., explains some online learning opportunities available for educators.