Sharing ideas that change how we learn
Overview
ED Talks are public presentations that bring Michigan faculty expertise to communities statewide. Each talk makes educational research accessible and actionable—connecting scholarship with the real challenges people face in schools, workplaces, and communities.
Through plain language and engaging stories, ED Talks foster dialogue between researchers and practitioners. Topics range from how children learn to read to what makes mentorship effective to designing inclusive classrooms.
How It Works
Events happen several times each semester in partner communities. Each 20- to 30-minute talk is followed by open discussion that invites audience insight and questions. Speakers come from across disciplines—engineering, medicine, art, education—showing that learning innovation is everywhere.
Talks are free and open to the public. Recordings and summaries appear afterward so ideas keep circulating long after the event. Attend in person, join online, or propose a talk of your own.
Upcoming Ed Talks
ED Talks launch across Michigan in Winter 2026. Join our mailing list for speaker announcements and locations.
Come enjoy a sweet treat and make new friends while testing out U-M's new conversation game, The Pluralism Playdeck. The Pluralism Playdeck is a low-key scaffolded card game designed to allow university students to practice the soft skills they need to engage in compassionate and honest conversations about hot-button issues across ideological and demographic differences. You'll learn about yourself. You'll learn about others. You'll develop a skill set that will serve you well in both social and professional settings.
01/22/2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
LSA Building, Room 1040
What if a set of photos could completely transform how you understand your purpose, the experiences of others, and the value of humanity? With over 5 billion pictures taken globally every day, Photovoice uses this powerful medium to foster deeper connections and understanding between participants. In this 90-minute interactive session, you’ll use photographs to reflect, share your story, and engage in meaningful dialogue with others. Whether you're looking to explore your own journey or connect with diverse perspectives, this innovative experience is designed for everyone. No photography skills are needed—just bring your curiosity and an open mind! Come capture more than just a moment—discover the stories behind the images! The theme for November is "gratitude." Here's the prompt: How do you experience gratitude? How do you express gratitude? Snap 3-5 photos that relate to the feeling and action of gratitude for you, and be prepared to share and talk about them with others during this event. Additional student dinners will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month at rotating locations (no dinner during December). The theme of each Photovoice dialogue will be different, but the meal will always be vegetarian. Receive more information about future monthly topics by filling out the interest form included.
01/22/2026
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Michigan Union, Room Pendleton
Come enjoy a sweet treat and make new friends while testing out U-M's new conversation game, The Pluralism Playdeck. The Pluralism Playdeck is a low-key scaffolded card game designed to allow university students to practice the soft skills they need to engage in compassionate and honest conversations about hot-button issues across ideological and demographic differences. You'll learn about yourself. You'll learn about others. You'll develop a skill set that will serve you well in both social and professional settings.
02/26/2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
LSA Building, Room 1040
Upcoming Ed Talks
ED Talks launch across Michigan in Winter 2026. Join our mailing list for speaker announcements and locations.
Come enjoy a sweet treat and make new friends while testing out U-M's new conversation game, The Pluralism Playdeck. The Pluralism Playdeck is a low-key scaffolded card game designed to allow university students to practice the soft skills they need to engage in compassionate and honest conversations about hot-button issues across ideological and demographic differences. You'll learn about yourself. You'll learn about others. You'll develop a skill set that will serve you well in both social and professional settings.
01/22/2026
LSA Building, Room 1040
What if a set of photos could completely transform how you understand your purpose, the experiences of others, and the value of humanity? With over 5 billion pictures taken globally every day, Photovoice uses this powerful medium to foster deeper connections and understanding between participants. In this 90-minute interactive session, you’ll use photographs to reflect, share your story, and engage in meaningful dialogue with others. Whether you're looking to explore your own journey or connect with diverse perspectives, this innovative experience is designed for everyone. No photography skills are needed—just bring your curiosity and an open mind! Come capture more than just a moment—discover the stories behind the images! The theme for November is "gratitude." Here's the prompt: How do you experience gratitude? How do you express gratitude? Snap 3-5 photos that relate to the feeling and action of gratitude for you, and be prepared to share and talk about them with others during this event. Additional student dinners will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month at rotating locations (no dinner during December). The theme of each Photovoice dialogue will be different, but the meal will always be vegetarian. Receive more information about future monthly topics by filling out the interest form included.
01/22/2026
Michigan Union, Room Pendleton
Come enjoy a sweet treat and make new friends while testing out U-M's new conversation game, The Pluralism Playdeck. The Pluralism Playdeck is a low-key scaffolded card game designed to allow university students to practice the soft skills they need to engage in compassionate and honest conversations about hot-button issues across ideological and demographic differences. You'll learn about yourself. You'll learn about others. You'll develop a skill set that will serve you well in both social and professional settings.
02/26/2026
LSA Building, Room 1040