Balancing research and teaching seems overwhelming. How can you ensure they work in harmony?

In my experience before that you should determine your key goals for both research and teaching. It is important to prioritize tasks that align with these goals, ensuring you focus on what’s most important in each area. Then allocate specific blocks of time for research and teaching activities. For example, dedicate certain days or times of the day solely to research, and others to teaching preparation, grading, or office hours. Whenever possible, use your research to enrich your teaching. This not only saves time but also enhances the learning experience for students by bringing cutting-edge knowledge into the classroom. Finally, use project management tools, calendars, and time-tracking apps to stay organized.

Combine the two by integrating research into your lessons. Use your findings to enrich the curriculum and share real-world insights with students. Set clear boundaries for each task and create a schedule that allocates time for both. Remember, teaching and research can complement each other, so look for ways they can enhance one another.

I think it's essential to maintain your practicality. When immersed in the academic world, we tend to go deeper and deeper in a rabbit hole. We love to think about our abstract ideas and do our research, yes. But unfortunately, your studies will finish someday; graduation is coming to all of us. Therefore, after that, you will like to get a job. That is why, while studying, you should think: what do I want to do professionally after this program? Where do I see myself using this new set of skills? Once you answer those questions, then I encourage you to change your research into something closer to that professional objective. You will save time and will start building the right skills and networking.

Ao trazer suas pesquisas para a sala de aula, você não só enriquece o conteúdo acadêmico, mas também inspira os alunos a participarem ativamente do processo de descoberta. Encoraje a curiosidade deles, transforme suas pesquisas em projetos colaborativos, e use as perguntas e insights dos alunos como pontos de partida para novas investigações. Assim, pesquisa e ensino não apenas coexistem, mas se fortalecem mutuamente, criando um ambiente acadêmico dinâmico e envolvente.

GenAI offers a powerful way to not only balance but also synergize research and teaching. In research, AI can assist in generating hypotheses, synthesizing literature, and even drafting & editing portions of academic papers, freeing up more time for deep analysis & exploration. On the teaching side, AI can create personalized learning experiences for students by generating tailored content and assessments based on individual needs in a fraction of the time assessments have historically taken. By integrating GenAI into both areas, you can elevate the quality of your work and ensure that your research enriches your teaching and vice versa. This not only saves time, it also enhances the overall academic experience of both you & your students.