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Bringing Your Personal Passions to Your Teaching and Research

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On Wednesday, January 29, Vice Provost Candis Watts Smith led a dynamic conversation with Bridgette Hard, Professor of the Practice of Psychology and Neuroscience, and Mohamad Noor, Executive Vice Provost and Professor of Biology. The discussion, part of the Bass Society Seminar on Teaching Excellence, explored how personal passions can enhance teaching and research.

Noor set the tone by sharing his enthusiasm for storytelling and science fiction. “I love good stories and Sci-Fi—especially Star Trek,” gushed Noor. “Back in 2010, I wanted to figure out a way to use my iPad to teach. I love the tools and application of tech in teaching. I’m excited about AI in the classroom.”

“My classroom is tech-free because I don’t need to compete for their attention,” offered Hard. “I’m challenged by AI. I really want AI to amplify my students and not have it serve as a crutch. Every semester, I try a different approach with AI, but I haven’t come to something I like yet.”

Michael Munger watches speakers

The Bass Society Seminar on Teaching Excellence provides a space for faculty from across Duke to engage in meaningful conversations about teaching strategies. These expert-led interactive sessions offer new and junior faculty an opportunity to discuss various pedagogical topics over lunch. Wednesday’s discussion touched on themes such as storytelling, the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom, and the differences in teaching approaches across disciplines.

A key part of the conversation centered on fostering inclusivity in the classroom. Hard highlighted the importance of creating an equitable learning environment. “We have Duke students who come from backgrounds where they have only heard one perspective from the people they know and love,” she noted. “Your classroom might be the first time they’ve seen anything different. Nurturing a space of fairness is important when making your classroom inclusive.”

Session participants were encouraged to pose their questions to Hard and Noor. A question about the importance of a student’s grade generated the following exchange.

“The grade matters–especially when you work with pre-med students. Acknowledging that upfront is important,” said Noor, “If a student feels like they were heard and you were being fair about their grade, then they get it. A few will get mad, but you need to hold the line. It’s not fair to everyone else if you change their grade. I hate curves because I don’t want some students’ success to push someone else down.”

Hard agreed, referencing research on grading practices. “There is research on this (curve grading), and I agree,” she added. “Students see curves as an indicator that some faculty don’t think everyone should succeed. We are motivated to work hard when we feel connected. If I can create a community where people feel connected, then they will work harder. Social connection and belonging are so important in the classroom.”

Two upcoming Bass Society Seminar sessions this semester focus on supporting first-generation and lower-income students and teaching life skills through arts, science, and personal discovery. Lunch is provided to registered participants. The Bass Society encourages new and junior faculty to attend. More details and registration information are available at:

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