Learning Transforms

In this 33-minute episode, researchers Asma Noureen and Kristi Koons from the Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies reflect on their early journeys as graduate researchers committed to fostering social change. Grounded in activist roots and driven by a desire to make meaningful contributions, they explore a range of research methodologies that align with their values and research goals. They discuss:

Last week, we officially welcomed Dr. Vanessa Andreotti to UVic as our new Dean of Education. She was appointed in April 2022 with plans for a transition year leading up to her five-year term beginning on July 1, 2023. Dr. Catherine McGregor, our Associate Dean, Graduate Programs and Research, graciously stepped up to take on the position of Acting Dean for the faculty during this transition year. UVic Faculty of Education Community Relations Coordinator Jasdeep Randhawa spoke with Catherine and Vanessa to learn about their experiences with this process, their reflections on the past year and their hopes for the future.

In this episode, we had a great conversation with doctoral student Suriani Dzulkifli about her research and her journey as an international student in Canada, from her undergraduate studies in Ottawa to her current research in the Department of Educational Psychology & Leadership Studies at UVic. Suriani describes her use of arts-based methodology in her research to investigate the different ways in which international students navigate the three education settings: formal education, non-formal education, and informal learning that we do on a daily basis.

Jeff Hopkins is the creator and principal for the Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry (PSII) located in downtown Victoria. In this episode, Hopkins explains why he chose to create this new high school to fill gaps in education using questions and quests and how it benefits students. Read more about PSII: https://learningstorm.org/

We had a great conversation with Wendy-Sue Andrew, UVic’s 2020 Education Distinguished Alumni of the Year. Wendy-Sue is now the executive director for Lifetime Networks. Living with her son diagnosed with autism and cerebral palsy, she moved from being a full-time teacher to helping out children of parents who like her wondered: What is going to happen when the parents are no longer there to support their children? What could they do to have their children on the autism spectrum engage and connect with people to create lasting relationships that will support them through life? Lifetime Networks is now helping over 400 people connect and become more independent. Learn more about Lifetime Networks: https://www.lifetimenetworks.org/

Assistant professor Alison Shields invited Teresa Vander Meer-Chassé as an artist-in-residence to create beadwork and explore how she connects with students the Indigenous way. They explored what happened as Teresa sat at a table beading and took the time to meet with passersby and art education classrooms being sent her way. They sat with her and learned through watching and conversations. Connecting around a kitchen table brings out personal stories and larger questions. Let’s hear what they have to say about beadwork and how taking the time helps to learn and connect with each other.

Thomas Webb’s experience in science started at a young age when he started exploring life's mysteries along with a group of primary school kids enrolled in the UVic Science Venture program. His discoveries inspired him to follow a path in Science. He is now one of the program coordinators for Science Venture. Webb explains the nuts and bolts of the program and shares how the program changed his life. Find out more about Science Venture: https://www.scienceventure.ca/

Being a university student can be stressful at times. We had a conversation with Annie Lucas, a nurse with the University Health Services (HEAL) to find out what services are available on campus and what works for students. Find out more about UVic Student Services: https://www.uvic.ca/studentaffairs/departments/student-services/index.php

UVic psychology and education students Vishnu Punwani and Parker Johnson started The Table, a welcoming safe space where people of colour (POCs) are invited to share their stories and experiences with the community. People coming from all walks of life and generations express themselves around a table to further intercultural reconciliation, share their truths and connect with the stories of others. Everyone is welcome to sit in and listen. www.facebook.com/thisistabletalk/

Nick Henry is an Elementary Teacher Education student from the Pauquachin Nation in Saanich. He is the host of W̱ILṈEW̱ Radio, a CFUV radio show exploring topics such as language revitalization, Indigenous art, W̱SÁNEĆ stories, local music groups and much more.

Care for a ride? Kinesiology alumnus Carson Sage, founder of the Victoria chapter of Cycling Without Age, shares what inspired him to provide bike rides to seniors. Cycling Without Age is a service that helps them enjoy nature and fresh air as they are driven around the community in a rickshaw-like bike by volunteer cyclists. He talks about the benefits to both the users and the volunteers. He explains how he turned this project into a key component of his Kinesiology Master’s degree. Get on board and enjoy the ride! More on the Victoria chapter of Cycling Without Age: https://cyclingwithoutage.ca/victoria/

This episode explores what the Centre for Outreach Education (CORE) is about. Guests Carmen Rodriguez, Chair of the CORE steering committee, along with Claire Moser, tutor at the centre for the last 3 years, tell us more about who benefits from the services of the centre and how it works. While the CORE is dedicated to helping children and youth with special needs, it also offers an opportunity for our teacher education students to explore fun and untraditional ways of teaching as they prepare to become teachers. The CORE also offers grants in the community for initiatives furthering the help of children with diverse needs and much more, thanks to the generosity of donors. Learn more about the CORE: https://www.uvic.ca/education/core/

Dr. Anita Prest teaches Music Education at UVic. Inspired by her time working as a music educator in Keremeos, BC, Prest is very interested in mixing rural music education and Indigenous education. Prest works on furthering the relationship between music teachers and Indigenous culture-bearers, knowledge keepers, and cultural workers to introduce Indigenous music and their cultures in schools. “We have a responsibility as music educators and as people who are teaching future music educators to do this work,” she says. To the question “how do we do this without appropriation?”, she emphasizes the importance of respect and building strong relationships with the community members and the culture.

Dr. E. Paul Zehr is a neuroscientist, a biomedical researcher, and a professor in the University of Victoria’s School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education. He teaches kinesiology and neuroscience and his research focuses primarily on understanding neuromuscular plasticity; the ability of the human body to recover after neurological traumas. He believes in the need for science to communicate to society in an approachable way. One of the ways Zehr does this is by using superheroes as metaphors. Zehr’s books include Becoming Batman, Inventing IronMan, Project Superhero, and Creating Captain America. One of the major points Zehr stresses is how advanced the thinking is within the comic book genre. Technology which seemed like science fiction is now reality. He often juxtaposes images from comics with images of real neuroscience technology. Zehr is finding that incorporating superheroes in to his courses has helped create an interdisciplinary appreciation for science. To learn more about E. Paul Zehr, visit www.zehr.ca

Dr. E. Paul Zehr is a neuroscientist, a biomedical researcher, and a professor in the University of Victoria’s School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education. He teaches kinesiology and neuroscience and his research focuses primarily on understanding neuromuscular plasticity; the ability of the human body to recover after neurological traumas. He also believes in the need for science to communicate to society in an approachable way. In this episode, Zehr talks about the ethical concerns facing scientific research and discovery. The ethics of everything from medical studies to gene editing to artificial intelligence. Though most research begins with the best intentions, in a society where discoveries and advancements can be made so quickly, how can we be sure what the best options are for the results? Zehr hopes that his books will help bring more people in to the discussion, encouraging everybody to get involved with ethical decision-making. He includes tips on how this can be achieved. Some of Zehr’s books include Becoming Batman, Inventing Iron Man, Project Superhero, and Creating Captain America. To learn more about Dr. E. Paul Zehr, visit: www.zehr.ca

2019 UVic Education Distinguished Alumni of the Year award winner Alex Nelson is recognized for his lifetime of achievements to change the world of sports and recreation for Indigenous peoples and for his work in suicide prevention. Nelson graduated from the University of Victoria Faculty of Education’s Recreation and Health program. Sports can provide youth with inspirations and role models. Inspired by his own life and his uncle, Nelson coaches, creates sports programming and believes in the ability of sport to foster personal skill and builds community. He helped create programs specifically for Indigenous youth. For Nelson, soccer was a chance to leave the school behind for a brief moment. He is a residential school survivor and discovered his love for soccer during his time in Alert Bay. “It is an opportunity and a time where you leave that institute, you leave that building, you leave that smell, the regimentation, the staff, and all that it stands for,” he says. “And now you have this freedom. You have the fresh air, you have nature, and you have the soccer ball.” Some of Nelson’s other work includes serving as Executive Director of Aboriginal Sports BC in 1997, and was involved in creating the North American Indigenous Games in Victoria. Nelson is also using what he’s learned in the sports world as a method of suicide prevention. Listen to this episode to learn more about Nelson’s story and how he uses sports to foster community and culture in new and innovative ways.

Dr. Jillian Roberts is a clinical psychologist, an app developer, a best-selling author, and an associate professor in the Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies at the University of Victoria. Her latest book: "Kids, Sex, and Screens: Raising Strong Resilient Children in the Sexualized Digital Age", is designed to help parents guide children through issues like sexting and cyber-bullying, which they may not have grown up with themselves. The book’s approach compares parenting to a seven-point compass. Each point representing a different concept for parents to understand as they communicate with their children. In this episode, Roberts discusses those points to help parents create a family capable of facing adversity and overcoming obstacles together. The seven points are: Start Early, Give Unconditional Love, Stay Current, Set Smart Boundaries, Nurture Relationships, Lose Stigma and Prejudice, and Build Resilience. To learn more, visit Roberts’ website: FamilySparks.com Her books are available on Amazon: ow.ly/4ncM50k6vso

Dr. Ryan Rhodes is an exercise psychologist, a professor, and the Director of the Behavioural Medicine Lab (BMED) at the University of Victoria. His research focuses on the behaviours and psychology behind physical activity and health. Setting goals is key to a healthy lifestyle, but what happens when we can’t make our intentions a reality? Rhodes’ research has shown that over half of those with good exercise intentions fail to follow through. He studies this gap between intention and action, and the behaviours associated with it. Rhodes has learned that motivation, self-regulation, and planning and prioritization are key in achieving goals and creating habits. Listen to his tricks if you want to stick to your new year’s resolutions. Visit his lab website: http://ow.ly/Wpu150k5snz

Dr. Shauneen Pete is the Indigenous Resurgence Coordinator at the University of Victoria’s Department of Indigenous Education in the Faculty of Education. As a long-time educator, Pete heard from teacher education students that they were not given enough formal Indigenous education in the school system. As a result, the potential educators were scared of integrating the province’s Indigenous education requirements. Even some faculty members had never had structured education about Indigenous culture. In her work, she strives to help fill these gaps. In this episode, Pete discusses how pedagogy and conversation can help reduce the stigma around integrating indigenous content in to the classroom. Learn how she plans to support faculty and staff through this process as she steps in her role at the Faculty of Education.

Alan Chaffe is a sessional professor at the University of Victoria’s Department of Economics and a PhD student in the Faculty of Education’s Leadership Studies program. Chaffe’s research is taking him across Canada to visit queer theatre festivals. Looking not at the actual content of the performances, but rather at the festivals themselves within the broader LGBTQ+ movement, Chaffe is researching what effects these festivals have on the communities that hold them and on society as a whole. Chaffe completed over 60 hours of interviews with 70 participants. His research is teaching us a lot about the ways communities are built and bonds are formed between performers. In towns that lack queer spaces, these kinds of festivals are depended on to fuel confidence for members of the LGBTQ+ community and also to help educate allies. In this episode, Chaffe talks more about the educational process fostered by these festivals and the ways in which they address broader social movements.

Sam Liu is an Assistant Professor at the University of Victoria’s School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education (EPHE). His research focuses on the ways in which social media can be used to promote health. The rise of social media and digital technology has brought with it controversy. Smartphones, screen time, and social networking can be used for good, but can also have negative impacts on our health. They can create communities, but they can also cause anxiety and other health issues. Liu’s research studies both sides of the argument. Even more than just studying the impacts of social media, Liu studies how and when we can intervene when the negative side starts to outweigh the positive. For example, Liu and his team are mining Twitter data and comparing it to other biomedical data to determine physical activity levels within certain geographical communities. With this data, they are able to monitor in real-time which areas may need help becoming more physically active. Listen to this episode to learn more about how Liu’s research is creating mentally and physically healthy communities by monitoring social media. Find out more about Liu's work on his Digital Health Lab website: https://www.uvic.ca/research/labs/digitalhealth/

Onowa McIvor is a researcher in Indigenous Language Revitalization at the University of Victoria. Before shifting her focus more strongly to research, McIvor was the Director of the Indigenous Education department in the Faculty of Education for nearly 10 years. Her scholarly work has earned her multiple federally-funded research grants and she is now working with nine Indigenous communities and organizations partners across the country, including several communities in British Columbia. It is the first nation-wide research project in Canada focused on Indigenous language revitalization. This Indigenous-led, community-based research is focused on hope and shines a light on the successes communities are having in continuing their languages into the future. One part of the research partnership explores how the fields of language revitalization and additional-language learning can learn from one another and exchange strategies to create new speakers. In this episode, McIvor explains how she hopes to build a nation-wide network through relationship building as well as an online sharing portal to support Indigenous communities to connect across language revival strategies as well as invite the general public alongside the journey of assuring the continuation of all of the original languages of these lands. Our Indigenous language revitalization programs: http://ow.ly/SXGb30msKlb More on the research: http://ow.ly/SXGb30msKlb

Dr. Olav Krigolson is an associate professor in the School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education at UVic and the lead investigator of the Theoretical and Applied Neuroscience Laboratory. His research uses brain imaging to attempt to understand how we learn and make decisions. In this episode, Krigolson discusses his work with portable Electroencephalograms (EEG systems) and their potential application. Most notably, he is collaborating with NASA on a Mars simulation mission. Krigolson and his team are using Muse headbands to monitor participants’ brain waves from his lab at UVic as they complete their mission at the Mars habitat in Hawaii. “When I finished my PhD here in 2008, if you had told me that you could have a headband that you could buy at Best Buy that would accurately measure brain function, I would have told you that you were living in fantasy land,” says Krigolson. “And now, less than ten years later, there is a headband that can do that. So just like our cell phones got smaller and better and our computers got more powerful, brain imaging has become mobile and easy to use.”

Darlene Clover is a professor in the Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies at UVic. Her research and teaching focus on adult education in community spaces. In this episode, Clover discusses “museum hacks,” an alternative way to teach and learn in a museum setting. She encourages students to think about the stories that are not being told and to challenge their own assumptions about the works in the museum. Who is represented in the museum? Who isn’t? And, most importantly, what might this mean? Clover uses the example of women in art galleries. She notes their lack of representation both as subjects and as artists, and explains how adult educators can encourage the populations they work with to think critically about social and gender issues through museum representations. “We’re asking them to take note of the absences and the presences,” says Clover. “These series of questions ask us to look more deeply at the displays, at the artworks themselves, at the stories, the narratives, and the language.”

Mike Irvine is a UVic alumni bringing innovative and interactive learning opportunities to the classroom. In this episode, Irvine discusses the technology he has developed to live stream everything from ocean dives to bear viewings for classrooms. Students can watch and ask questions to on-site experts in real time. Irvine also discusses the various ways teachers can integrate his live streams into the BC curriculum. “Two thirds of the planet’s population is living in urban centres,” says Irvine. “We are so disconnected from those places and the research that’s taking place there.”

Donna McGhie-Richmond is an Associate Professor in the Department of Education Psychology and Leadership Studies at the UVic. McGhie-Richmond is a passionate advocate for inclusive education. She is a research fellow of the Canadian Research Centre on Inclusive Education, a national hub for collaborative research on inclusive education relative to teaching students with learning needs. “The diversity that we see in our communities really should be represented in our classrooms and in our schools.” Understanding the value inherent in our diverse communities begins at school where all children are welcomed, attend, and are supported to learn in regular education classrooms with their same-aged peers. In this episode, McGhie-Richmond discusses the myriad benefits of this style of learning of inclusive education and how it can support teachers in becoming effective teachers of all students.

Dr. David Blades is working directly with the BC Ministry of Education and other governments across Canada to change the way we teach science in schools. "Teachers need to do more than teach scientific facts; they need to relate their lessons to the students' roles as citizens, so that kids can, for example, combat global warming at home," says Blades. Blades also teaches his own students how to make science relevant in their future classrooms. "If you can't explain a lesson's importance, then you shouldn't teach it. You need to connect it to life."

Chaw-win-is was the Indigenous Resurgence Coordinator at the University of Victoria’s Faculty of Education until August 2018. Chaw-win-is graduated with an MA in Indigenous Governance at UVic and completed two years in the English department in the Literatures of the West Coast Program. She has been involved in Indigenous Education in various roles, including teaching, community coordinating, intercultural education and Indigenous Language Revitalization for several years. In this podcast, Chaw-win-is discusses the process of indigenous resurgence. From why we do a territorial acknowledgment, to better understanding our history and trauma, and why indigenizing education is important.

Dr. Tim Black is chair of Educational Psychology & Leadership Studies and Associate Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Victoria. For the past twenty years, he has worked with the Canadian military and veterans as a researcher and clinician. Working with Wounded Warriors Canada, Black co-founded their COPE (Couple Overcoming PTSD Everyday) Program to help reduce the impact of PTSD on families of veterans and first responders. In this podcast, Black discusses the Trauma Resiliency Program he designed, alongside Alex Sterling, for Wounded Warriors. The program focuses on team-based training to develop trauma-resilient skills for those who experienced traumatic events. “What’s new about this program,” Black says, “is the focus on changing the culture of psychological injuries from one of perceived weakness to one where hard work is required, teamwork is valued and transformation is the goal.”