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In their lively and entertaining weekly discussion of issues related to higher education, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger explore the topics of higher education, lifelong learning, and exercising the brain. Ed and Jennifer practice what they preach, too, by introducing math puzzlers and brain teasers to keep listeners on their toes.

Higher Ed: How to Understand Deeply and Make Meaning

Remember "Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey," that spoof of affirmations and pithy sayings?  They're funny for sure, but the idea of understanding something deeply is a serious part of education during school and beyond. In this week's episode of KUT's podcast Higher Ed, Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss how to understand something deeply and how that impacts learning. Sound intimidating? Listen on - it's really not!

This week, Ed and Jennifer talk about how to go after a deep understanding of a subject. It turns out that deep understanding doesn't require delving intensely into the topic; consistent baby steps will actually do the trick. So will stepping back and admitting what you don't know about a topic; that change of perspective can help you explore new territory. Jennifer is not an expert when it comes to chess boards, as becomes clear with the solution to the latest math puzzler about dominoes and chess boards! Listen on to find out the solution.

This episode was taped on February 23, 2015.

Jennifer Stayton is the local host for NPR's "Morning Edition" on KUT. Got a tip? Email her at jstayton@kut.org. Follow her on X @jenstayton.