Teaching Beyond the Stars: Astronomy and Neurodiversity with Dixie Burns
Description
In this episode, we talk with Dixie Burns, who teaches physical science and astronomy at Madison College and has been with the college for 25 years. Dixie shares her experience in teaching, especially how she got interested in astronomy and how she uses that interest to teach her students.
We also discuss the changes she's seen at the college over the years and her action research project on neurodiversity and mental health. This project aims to make the college more welcoming for neurodivergent students and those with mental health challenges. Dixie offers tips for faculty on supporting these students and talks about her own experience as someone who is neurodivergent.
Dixie Burns has served as a physical sciences instructor at Madison College since 1998. She completed her undergraduate studies in astronomy, physics, and math at UW Madison, followed by a master's degree in astrophysics from Ohio State University. After two years of part-time teaching, she transitioned to a
full-time teaching role. Dixie's teaching focus is on astronomy, although she has also instructed courses in physics and earth science. Her classes are primarily held at the Truax campus, employing both online and hybrid teaching formats. Additionally, she is actively engaged in research concerning neurodiversity and mental health inclusion at Madison College.
United States
