We know you're busy. Here's just 10 of the hardest-hitting insights from our recent Mindset in Motion LIVE podcast recording with Marianna Savoca (Stony Brook University) and Melanie Booth (Nectary Solutions).
There's a whole lot more where this came from, and you don't have to miss out. You can access the recording by entering a few bits of info here. We promise it's worth it to access what was an electrifying and motivating conversation between two of the greatest minds in #HigherEd!
1. Skills terminology reveals deeper values
Melanie Booth: The language we use matters profoundly—terms like "non-credit," "non-degree," "non-traditional," and "alternatives" actually undermine the value of learning. This rhetoric reduces learning's importance when we should be elevating it. Marianna agreed, emphasizing the need to change communication and signaling around skills.
2. Employers lack talent development skills
Marianna Savoca: Companies routinely cut learning and development programs during crises before cutting other areas—and "that's a big mistake." Professionals in the workplace often lack training in how to develop new talent, which creates a fundamental gap in work-based learning.
3. Everyone on campus is an educator
Marianna Savoca: It's not just faculty who contribute to student learning—"there are lots and lots of other folks on our campuses who contribute to the educational mission." Melanie strongly agreed, noting that "teaching is happening everywhere" and that learning occurs across multiple contexts.
4. This disruption is a door, not a threat
Melanie Booth: While many in higher education see the current moment as "the sky is falling," this is actually "a moment of opportunity to reclaim trust" and adapt. The time to act is now, and it's urgent. Marianna agreed that they need to work within the system to help educators understand they're already doing what's needed.
5. Intentionality transforms work-study into experiential learning
Marianna Savoca: On-campus student employment is a "prime opportunity for skill development"—but only when institutions are intentional about curating experiences, providing staff training, and creating meaningful work rather than just filling positions.
6. Credentials without learning design are meaningless
Melanie Booth: "A badge or a micro-credential without learning design is like getting a diploma without taking the courses." You can't just slap credentials on existing activities—you need to apply learning theories and design intentional experiences. Marianna's ACES program exemplifies this principle.
7. Students don't realize they're developing skills
Marianna Savoca: Students are engaged in skill-building activities constantly, but "they don't realize they're developing these skills" unless institutions are "very intentional about the signaling" and help them articulate what they're learning.
8. Industry partnerships require risk-taking from both sides
Melanie Booth: Successful partnerships happen when both higher education and industry are "willing to be a little vulnerable" and take risks together. Industry must trust that students can learn on the job, while institutions must trust industry to provide meaningful learning experiences.
9. The "big why" is missing from higher education
Marianna Savoca: Educators are already doing what they need to do, but higher education needs to improve "the communication, the signaling, the language, and the intentionality with which we share the rationale or the big why" behind learning activities.
10. Portfolios require scaffolded support to be meaningful
Melanie Booth: Simply providing portfolio platforms isn't enough—students need "scaffolded opportunities" and "metacognitive activities" to make sense of their learning. Without structured reflection and guidance, portfolios become overwhelming rather than empowering. Marianna agreed, noting her team provides intentional support for students to document and articulate their experiences.
