Learning Unboxed

In this landmark 200th episode of Learning Unboxed, we're taking a moment to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the incredible journey of one of our most treasured contributors, Fatima Bainazar. From her initial days as a reserved intern during her freshman year of high school to the accomplished graduate that stands before us today, Fatima's growth is a testament to the transformative power of education.Fatima shares the genesis of her journey with the PAST Innovation Lab—how a mere interest in robotics, sparked by friends, led her down a path she could have never predicted. We delve deep into her initial perceptions of the PAST Foundation, her growing involvement, and her passionate contributions to Minecraft-based educational programs designed to make learning an immersive experience.Listen in as Fatima sheds light on her transition from high school to college, crediting her early exposure to engineering at the PAST Lab for giving her an unparalleled edge. Join us on this heartfelt journey as we unpack a decade of memories, lessons, and milestones, anchored in the foundational belief of the PAST Foundation: Every child has the potential to solve the world's greatest challenges.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Fatima's introduction and contributions to PAST FoundationThe evolution of teaching methodologies at PAST and the emphasis on real-world learning experiencesChallenges and rewards of authentic learning environments: from grappling with ambiguity to reveling in freedomDynamics of teaching and mentorship: the balancing act of guiding students while also learning from themResources:Connect with Fatima on LinkedInProduced by NOVA Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we continue our deep dive with AJ Crabill in part 2 of our enlightening 2-part series focused on student-led restorative practices in schools.The series sheds light on a 24-month pilot spearheaded by AJ from June 2022 to June 2024. A noteworthy aspect of this endeavor? The initial nine months were solely dedicated to adult training. AJ firmly believes in equipping adults first so they are not just passive participants but empowered allies in the initiative.From the strategic selection of student leaders and the innovative concept of "student-led restorative rooms" to AJ's personal narrative and the profound impact of adult behavior on student outcomes, this episode dives deep into the intricacies of restorative practices in education. AJ emphasizes the need for intentional character development, highlighting the role of community, mediation, and restorative circles in shaping school culture and student success. Tune in, unbox, and learn!To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The importance of adult training in implementing student-led restorative practicesThe interplay between adult behavior and student outcomesThe three circles: Community, Mediation, and RestorativeThe need for intentional character development in schoolsResources:Learn more at ajc7.comRead: Great on Their BehalfProduced by NOVA Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're delving into the realm of student-led restorative practices with AJ Crabill, the author of "Great on Their Behalf." With a firm belief that student outcomes won't shift until adult behaviors change, we explore the transformative education through a restorative lens.AJ Crabill breaks down the contrasting approaches of retributive versus restorative, showcasing how the latter focuses on repairing harm instead of simply punishing wrongdoing. Together, we dive into the effects this has on absenteeism, revealing how conventional punishments may not lead to behavior change.Join us as we navigate the calibration of focusing on more frequent behavioral issues, emphasizing early intervention and the importance of teaching life skills like conflict resolution. Crabill introduces us to three powerful tools: community circles, mediation circles, and restorative circles, each with distinct applications in conflict resolution and rule violations.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How conventional punishments might not lead to behavior change.Teaching essential skills for dealing with conflicts and undesirable situations.Three Tools for Restorative Practices: Introduction to community circles, mediation circles, and restorative circles.How teachers can benefit and the step-by-step approach to incorporating restorative practices.The crucial role of school boards and superintendents for long-term success.Resources:Learn more at ajc7.comRead: Great on Their BehalfProduced by NOVA Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we delve deep into the realm of project-based learning (PBL) with Bryan Harms, a teacher, software engineer, and co-founder of Imagine If, a transformative educational organization based in Denmark. With a mission to reimagine education and provide engaging, personalized, and meaningful learning experiences, Imagine If has been pioneering change in the educational landscape.Join us in this inspiring conversation with Bryan as we examine the ways in which project-based learning can spark transformative change in education, cultivating authentic, personalized, and equitable learning experiences. Tune in to hear how educators can take the first steps toward this transformation.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How Imagine If uses project-based learning to achieve educational goalsThe five design principles of Imagine IfMaking the leap into project-based learning at scaleResources:Learn more at imagineif.dkConnect with Brian on LinkedInProduced by NOVA Media

Welcome to the July edition of Learning Unboxed. As many of you know, we tend to take the month of July off, but we have heard from our loyal listeners that you would love content during your summer vacation. So we have crafted a set of four episodes to run during the July holiday that are all about exploring student agency. For those working to make a meaningful shift in your classrooms, schools, and communities, the most crucial place to start is making the decision to shift from a teacher-led ecosystem to one that is student-led. But this shift can be daunting. So join us as we explore four examples of student-centered learning that demonstrate what's possible.We know that the modern school wasn't designed for education and that it's woefully inadequate at meeting the needs of today's students and the work environment of the future. So much so that small tweaks aren't enough to fix it — it has to be redesigned completely.Nathan Gorsch, Founding Principal of Village High School in Academy School District 20 in Colorado Springs. Like us at the PAST Foundation, Nathan recognized that our current model of education — the factory model — did not suit kids well, and so he sought out to reinvent high school with the idea of rebuilding it from the ground up. Joining him is Katie Flanagan, a teacher at Village High School, as well as Kate Bennett and Kenny Dufalt, two students attending the school.We dive into what Village High School is, why it's a unique hybrid model, and why those out there thinking of transformative education should consider some of the components of that hybrid model.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The student experience as an impetus for innovation Why students are drawn to Village High SchoolThe concerns and pain points of a non-traditional educationScaling this model of education for the futureResources:Learn more: village.asd20.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nathan-gorsch-759b287aProduced by Nova Media

Welcome to the July edition of Learning Unboxed. As many of you know, we tend to take the month of July off, but we have heard from our loyal listeners that you would love content during your summer vacation. So we have crafted a set of four episodes to run during the July holiday that are all about exploring student agency. For those working to make a meaningful shift in your classrooms, schools, and communities, the most crucial place to start is making the decision to shift from a teacher-led ecosystem to one that is student-led. But this shift can be daunting. So join us as we explore four examples of student-centered learning that demonstrate what's possible.When given trust and resources, students can do some incredible things. One Stone is a student-led and directed nonprofit that makes students better leaders and the world a better place. Through allowing students to pursue their passions and interests, they learn to become more confident, empowered, and self-sufficient. Jesse Ross is the director of senior partnerships at One Stone. He's joined by two senior students, Saumya Sarin and Elani Waight, who share why they joined the program and what they get out of it.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What One Stone is and why it's necessary in educationWhy students are choosing One Stone for their high school experienceBalancing educational requirements with new, creative ideasThe youth innovation challengeExperiential learning opportunitiesResources:onestone.orgProduced by Nova Media

Welcome to the July edition of Learning Unboxed. As many of you know, we tend to take the month of July off, but we have heard from our loyal listeners that you would love content during your summer vacation. So we have crafted a set of four episodes to run during the July holiday that are all about exploring student agency. For those working to make a meaningful shift in your classrooms, schools, and communities, the most crucial place to start is making the decision to shift from a teacher-led ecosystem to one that is student-led. But this shift can be daunting. So join us as we explore four examples of student-centered learning that demonstrate what's possible.Many people shy away from talking about middle school, but it's an important topic. Middle school is often where we make or break a kid's future – and there is so much opportunity and potential during middle school to shape them for the rest of their lives.Andrew Ravin and Denise Daniels join us to discuss what Workshop Middle School does differently and how they're rethinking the structure of the classroom, from starting later in the day to organizing smaller class sizes. Getting things right for kids at this transitional period in life is so important. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What Workshop Middle School is and how it's structuredMaking learning opportunities accessible for more kidsRevolutionizing the conversation around middle schoolResources:Learn more at workshopmiddleschool.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrewravinLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/denise-daniels-5006a611bProduced by Nova Media

Welcome to the July edition of Learning Unboxed. As many of you know, we tend to take the month of July off, but we have heard from our loyal listeners that you would love content during your summer vacation. So we have crafted a set of four episodes to run during the July holiday that are all about exploring student agency. For those working to make a meaningful shift in your classrooms, schools, and communities, the most crucial place to start is making the decision to shift from a teacher-led ecosystem to one that is student-led. But this shift can be daunting. So join us as we explore four examples of student-centered learning that demonstrate what's possible.We've come to believe that protecting kids from experiences is a good thing, but what ends up happening is we cripple their ability to make decisions, function as adults, and be intrinsically motivated in anything. Gever Tulley is the co-founder of Tinkering School which came about in 2005. We talk about how trusting kids lead to big things, how teachers and students can collaborate effectively, and why age-restricted learning is a tool of the past.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How Gever put kids in charge of his summer campsWhy Tinkering School exists and how it helps kids understand their own potentialTaking a collaborative approach to education with teachers and studentsThe benefits of mixed-age educationCreating educational “arcs” of learningResources:gevertulley.comtinkeringschool.comInstagram: @gevertulleyProduced by Nova Media

In this fascinating episode of Learning Unboxed, we delve deep into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its profound implications for our future.Joining us is Sanjay Saigal, Executive Director for Affiliates and Research Engagement at Stanford Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME), brings us the rich history of AI, the democratization of this powerful tool, and its evolving user interface. He also sheds light on the critical role humanities play in steering the ethical questions and decision-making processes involved in AI use.We're also joined by Jasmine De Gaia, a Global Product Strategy and Technology Executive in Banking and Financial Services, shares her insights from the business world and the increasing integration of AI in her field. She underscores the necessity for strategists and technologists to deploy AI meaningfully and ethically while maximizing organizational value.We talk about the pressing need for a Chief AI Officer to manage the ethical, strategic, and technological dimensions of AI implementation. We explore the democratization of AI and its growing accessibility, as well as its wide-ranging implications across various industries. We discuss AI's practical implications in education, the necessity for more critical questioning, and address fears around AI replacing human jobs. Our understanding of AI has a long way to go from this early impression, but it's important to start asking – and answering – these important questions now.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The growing necessity for a Chief AI Officer to handle the strategic, ethical, and technological aspects of AI in organizations.The democratization of AI, transitioning from a tool used by a few large organizations to a more accessible technology.The implications of AI across various industries, and strategic thinking to capitalize on this technology.The importance of ethical standards in AI usage, aligned with an organization's values.The societal implications of AI and the growing public understanding and fascination with it.The significant shift in the user interface of AI technologies, impacting our everyday experiences.The need for critical thinking and transparency when interacting with AI.The opportunities AI brings into education, shifting emphasis to why we do things rather than how, and highlighting the role of humanities.Resources:Connect with Sanjay on LinkedInConnect with Jasmine on LinkedInicme.stanford.edu/people/sanjay-saigalProduced by Nova Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive deep into the world of Montessori education and its transformative potential. Our special guest is Tessa Wessels, founder of Casa Bilingual Montessori. Tessa opens up about her personal journey, from her upbringing in apartheid South Africa to creating an educational environment that nurtures critical and independent thinking in the Netherlands.Join us as we explore the distinguishing features of Tessa's school, such as its all-day, all-year program, and its core focus on individual personal development. Tessa expounds on the Montessori principles, from fostering an environment that meets a child's developmental needs to guiding older children towards self-reflection and independent thinking.Discover the unique challenges and rewards of adopting a Montessori education model. We discuss the diversity and continuous learning philosophy of the staff at Casa Bilingual Montessori, Tessa's frustration over the perceived lack of curiosity from traditional schools, and her efforts to demonstrate the effectiveness of alternative teaching methods.Finally, we discuss the transition of students from Casa to conventional high schools, touching on the strengths and concerns that arise from their different learning experience. Tune in to explore how Montessori education is redefining what school is and why it matters.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How Tessa founded Casa Bilingual MontessoriThe Montessori approach to education and how it benefits childrenThe future education path for students beyond Montessori schoolResources:Learn more at casaschool.nlConnect with Tessa Wessels on LinkedInProduced by Nova Media

Today, we're honored to have Nick Salmon, founder and president of the Collaborative Learning Network, join us as we discuss the topic of extreme innovation in the education space. As a ninth-generation educator and self-certified 'educational furniture whisperer,' Nick is deeply committed to positively influencing the lives of 1.6 billion young people worldwide.Together, we'll delve into the heart of innovation in education, challenging traditional concepts of school and why they matter. From the dynamics of teachers working in pairs or small groups to a complete revamp of how we perceive the school day, Nick offers fresh insights and ideas that have the potential to transform the way we approach teaching and learning.Join us as we navigate through compelling topics such as the significance of personal transformative learning experiences, the power of collaboration in projects, and unique methods to promote deep learning. We wrap up with a conversation on overcoming the isolation many educators feel and forming supportive cohorts, offering a pathway for meaningful change. Don't miss out on this exciting journey into the realm of educational innovation!To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Ways we can revolutionize education without spending any moneyGetting educators to recognize different ways of doing thingsGiving students the chance to iterate endlesslyShowing up and cultivating curiosityResources:Learn more at collaborativelearningnetwork.comConnect with Nick Salmon on LinkedInProduced by Nova Media

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Learning Unboxed" where we're talking about zoo schools as transformative educational institutions.We're joined by four distinguished guests from the world of zoo education and conservation: Chris Edelen, a career tech teacher at Cincinnati Public Schools' Hughes STEM School and a former zookeeper at the Cincinnati Zoo, brings in over two decades of experience in the zoo and education sectors; Trene't Schill, a proud 2018 Zoo Academy alumni and University of Cincinnati graduate, specialized in Horticultural Science; Rickey Kinley, a dedicated professional, who's led a career spanning 28 years at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden and is currently the head keeper of the aviculture department; finally, we have Nhy'Aire Dunn-North, an ambitious senior at the Zoo Academy, who aspires to make a difference in the zoo conservation space, particularly in the African and elephant exhibits.Tune in to learn how specialized programs like the Zoo Academy can contribute to the personal and professional development of students, even in areas where such programs don't exist. Our guests discuss how to encourage students toward these unique opportunities, the importance of developing soft skills, and the practical application of animal training techniques in human interactions.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What the Cincinnati Zoo Academy is all aboutHow Hughes STEM School began working with the Zoo AcademyThe cross-disciplinary skills students can learn at Zoo AcademyResources:Learn more at cincinnatizoo.org/education/the-zoo-academyHughes STEM High SchoolProduced by Nova Media

Welcome to another episode of Learning Unboxed, where we dive into the innovative and transformative world of education. Today, we're thrilled to have Catherine Gray, the founder of Na'atik School in Mexico. Na'atik is an intercultural school that has been disrupting traditional education models by blending local and foreign learning experiences for over 12 years.In this episode, Catherine discusses the evolution and mission of Na'atik, an institution that provides subsidized English classes to local and indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto Mexico while also offering language and cultural immersion experiences for foreign students. She shares her journey of growing Na'atik into an intercultural hub, granting scholarships to local students and inviting foreign students to learn Mexican Spanish and Yucatec Maya.We delve into the power and importance of authentic intercultural interactions, how they can revolutionize traditional education systems, and their role in providing immersive, free-form, and free-flowing learning experiences. Catherine takes us through the unique dynamics of immersive learning at Na'atik, where adults from around the world are often taught by children, thus fostering a bi-directional learning environment.Join us for this enlightening conversation to understand how learning experiences can be enriched through intercultural immersion and how such models can positively disrupt traditional views on education.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Catherine's journey as the founder of Na'atik School in MexicoThe unique intercultural model of Na'atik SchoolThe importance of authentic intercultural interactions in educationThe role of immersive, free-form, and free-flowing learning experiences at Na'atik SchoolThe unique dynamics of immersive learning where adults are often taught by childrenChallenges faced by Catherine in her journey, including economic difficulties and gaining community trustThe role of authenticity, trust, and respect for local culture in educationResources:Learn more at naatikmexico.orgConnect with Catherine on LinkedInProduced by Nova Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of student agency and autonomy in education. Our guest is Mike Nicholson, principal of Learning Inspired Ed, a forward-thinking education consultancy agency dedicated to supporting the development of student agency across school districts.Mike shares his passion for moving from a compliance-based education system to one where students have the freedom to make decisions about their learning. We dive into the "55 perspectives" he has developed for teachers to transform their classrooms, including the idea of shadowing a student for an entire day to gain a visceral understanding of their experience. Mike also offers a practical tip for teachers who want to introduce student autonomy in their classrooms but may not be able to do so on a larger scale.Join us for an insightful conversation on the power of student agency and how to implement it in your classroom. Reach out to Mike at Learning Inspired Ed for resources and support on this transformative journey.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Defining student agency and autonomyThe 55 perspectives of giving kids control and autonomy over their learningHow minimizing educational hierarchy can allow autonomy to flourishThe student autonomy breakdownResources:Learn more at learninspired.orgFollow Mike Nicholson on Twitter: @mnicholson_mikeProduced by Nova Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're exploring the innovative world of self-directed learning with April Huard, the Executive Director of Clonlara School, a K-12 institution that empowers students to take charge of their own education. Starting as a small homeschooling collective, Clonlara School has expanded to multiple campuses across the United States with a mission to transform education on a global scale.April shares insights on the self-directed learning model, which allows students to choose their projects and follow their interests while being supported by facilitators who guide them through the learning process. She also addresses the challenges they face, such as misconceptions about self-directed learning and scaling their model to include more students.One of the core values of Clonlara School is joy, and April talks about the immense joy she finds in her work, witnessing students discovering their passions and families expressing gratitude for the transformations they've seen in their children. The school requires senior students to complete a capstone project, showcasing their diverse interests and talents. Join us in this inspiring conversation to learn more about the importance of giving students the time, space, and freedom to follow their interests and pursue what is important to them.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How Clonlara offers multiple ways for participating in its education systemThe “full circle learning” approach to educationGiving kids ownership of their educationTraining educators to empower kidsResources:Learn more at clonlara.orgProduced by Nova Media

We're diving into the fascinating realm of global citizenship through the lens of a fantastic program called World Savvy. Our esteemed guests are Dana Mortenson, co-founder and CEO of World Savvy, a national education nonprofit working to educate and engage youth as responsible global citizens, and KK Neimann, World Savvy's Director of Professional Learning, with an impressive 20 years of teaching experience in social studies across fifth to 12th grades.We explore the changing landscape of education and the pivotal role of World Savvy in fostering global competence among K-12 students and teachers. We discuss the importance of integrating global competence into education, preparing students for an interconnected and rapidly changing world. World Savvy's approach champions project-based learning, empowering students to tackle real-world issues while honing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.Join us as we underscore the importance of global competence and adapting to change to better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Cultivating global competency in K-12 educationCreating a future-proof model of educationGetting everyone in the school community to work togetherResources:Learn more at worldsavvy.orgConnect with Dana on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dana-mortenson-a691893Connect with KK on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kk-neimann-2875144Produced by Nova Media

Welcome to today's episode of Learning Unboxed! In this episode, we're excited to have an incredible conversation with our guest, Michael Stone, from the Public Education Foundation, based in Tennessee. Michael has an impressive career journey, including being an Albert Einstein Educator Fellow with the National Science Foundation and spending 10 years as a high school mathematics and computer science teacher. In his current role, he's led the development of the largest school-based Fab Lab network in the world through the Volkswagen e-Lab.We dive deep into the impact of maker spaces and fabrication spaces on education, emphasizing the importance of teaching essential skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. We explore the opportunities for meaningful learning in schools through Fab Labs and discuss the importance of tracking essential skills and technical proficiencies in student learning.Michael shares his insights on an app called Fabfolio, designed to track these skills. He also recounts a story of how a history teacher incorporated a project involving a 3D printer, leading to an epiphany for two students who had never seen themselves in the lab before.Join us to learn more about the importance of tracking data to refine educational models and make more informed choices as we scale across the country and the world. Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation, and be sure to reach out to Michael if you're inspired by his work. Check out the Fab Labs website and Fabfolio app for further exploration.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The transformative role of Fab Labs in education and skill developmentAddressing the future workforce needs through essential skills and hands-on learning experiencesThe Fabfolio app: tracking student skills and refining educational modelsResources:Visit fablabs.io for more informationConnect with Michael Stone on LinkedInProduced by Nova Media

Dr. Trevor Soponis is the Founder and Chief Learning Officer of The Sustainable Learning Projects, a lifelong education professional with experience in leading transformative education projects. The purpose of The Sustainable Learning Projects is to provide students with meaningful work that is relevant to their lives and to provide teachers with the curriculum and support they need to make their lives easier. He is focused on having students, teachers, and schools tackle meaningful real-world problems. We talk about the projects that he has worked on, how programs like this can scale, and how a part of their program, Project Student Voice, allows students to customize their curriculum around their passions.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Why the Sustainable Learning Projects exist and what they doCreating models for programs that work and scaling themProject Student Voice and providing opportunities for students to share their voiceResources:Learn more at thesustainablelearningprojects.comConnect with Trevor on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/trevor-soponis-phdProduced by Nova Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're diving into the exciting world of STEM Games with Josip Torić, the Director of Sports at STEM Games. STEM Games is an international competition that allows students to showcase their knowledge, athletic abilities, and gaming skills across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.Josip Torić, who has been instrumental in the growth of STEM Games in Croatia, will be sharing his insights into the competition's success and the benefits it provides for students. We'll be discussing the different arenas of the competition, including the knowledge, sports, and esports components, and the innovative tasks that students tackle in each.Join us to learn more about how STEM Games encourages creative problem-solving and provides a powerful networking opportunity for STEM students.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Solving real world problems through STEM Games and focused hackathonsWhat students can learn from the eSports arenaThe qualities that make a student succeed at STEM problem-solvingCrafting the right challenges for optimal learningResources:Learn more at stemgames.hrConnect with Josip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/josiptoricProduced by Nova Media

Today's episode is a special takeover, hosted by Ibrahim Aly, a Metro High School junior participant in the PAST Foundation's Workforce Development Program. Ibrahim previously joined us on episode 165 to talk about using internships to encourage STEM careers, and we're thrilled to have him back to lead the conversation about fusion splicing.A panel of experts will join Ibrahim to discuss this exciting field. Pat Stichter, the hyper-scale trainer from Sumitomo, brings years of experience in the industry. Quin Jernigan, the economic workforce development manager from Amazon Web Services, will discuss the career opportunities available in this field and the skills needed to succeed. Wesley Olinger, the division manager from Team Fishel, will share his perspective on the importance of workforce development and training in this industry. Together, this panel will provide a comprehensive overview of fusion splicing and its potential as a career path. Join us as we learn more about this fascinating field and what it takes to succeed in it.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What fusion splicing is and what it has to do with Amazon's data centersWhat skills are essential to success in the fusion splicing industryThe things students can do today to get ready to enter this fieldResources:Learn more about Sumitomo: sumitomocorp.comConnect with Quin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/quin-jernigan-phdConnect with Wesley on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wesley-olinger-b9097210a165. Using Internships to Spur Interest in STEM Careers with Nikki StancampianoProduced by Nova Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, our guest is Bo Ryan, the principal of Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Elementary Magnet School in Bloomfield, Connecticut, and the author of “The Brilliance in the Building”. Bo is a passionate advocate for professional learning communities (PLCs) and believes in the power of collaborative teams in schools.In our conversation, Bo shares his insights into what PLCs are and why they are not yet widely implemented in schools. He discusses the benefits of building out collaborative teams within schools and how this approach can lead to more effective teaching and learning.Bo emphasizes the importance of learning by doing and shares his experiences with implementing PLCs at Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Elementary Magnet School. He also offers practical advice for educators who want to develop and sustain their own PLCs. Tune in to hear his expert insights and learn how you can build and sustain a professional learning community in your own school.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What professional learning communities are and why it isn't already being used in schoolsBuilding out collaborative teams within schoolsThe importance of learning by doingResources:Learn more: solutiontree.com/bo-ryanRead: The Brilliance in the BuildingConnect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bo-ryan-077a8299Produced by Nova Media

We're taking you on a virtual journey to Denmark, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront. Our special guests today, Allan Kristensen and Josefine Strandgaard, are both part of the Innovation Center Denmark Silicon Valley, an organization that facilitates collaboration between Denmark and the US since 2006 as part of the Danish government's initiative to tap into the world's leading innovation hubs.Today, the center has seven other locations worldwide, including Boston, Munich, Tel Aviv, India, South Korea, and Shanghai. The Silicon Valley office is the oldest and largest, with 14 people working to build bridges between science, education, and innovation for both scholars and Danish companies. Their mission is to internationalize Danish education, science, and innovation.We talk about introducing students to the startup mindset, incorporating education, business, and government, and how those lessons carry forward in other areas of life.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What the Innovation Center Denmark Silicon Valley is and how they work at the intersection of innovation and entrepreneurshipCreating innovative partnerships and programming in educationThe benefits of entrepreneurial thinking in various aspects of lifeResources:Learn more at siliconvalley.um.dkConnect with Josefine on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/josefinestrandgaardConnect with Allan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/allan-skarup-kristensenMentioned in this episode:Learning Unboxed Audience SurveyThank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights.Audience Survey

Are we doing enough to prepare our children for the future? As the world becomes increasingly complex, academic success alone is no longer enough to guarantee a bright future. Today on the podcast, we have David Adams, the CEO of the Urban Assembly, an organization leading the charge in bringing social and emotional learning (SEL) into classrooms across its network. With the Resilience Scholars Program (IRSP), David and his team are crafting unique approaches to integrate SEL into curriculum and classroom practices. Join us as David shares his insights on why SEL is missing in modern education and how Urban Assembly is working to bridge the gap.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Creating a private-public partnership that involves industry in educationHow exposing students to different avenues helps them understand their likes and dislikesThe role of the K-12 system to ensure that young people can contribute to their communityThe importance of social-emotional skill developmentResources:Learn more: urbanassembly.orgConnect with David on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-adams-10236721Produced by Nova MediaMentioned in this episode:Learning Unboxed Audience SurveyThank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights.Audience Survey

Today, we have Marcy Raymond joining us, an innovative educator in the STEM space. If the name sounds familiar, that's because Marcy was the first guest we had on this program. Marcy has started multiple schools and transformed existing ones into high-quality, fully-applied STEM schools. We will discuss the concept of mastery learning, which often arises in the transformative school space.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What “mastery learning” is and how it's being applied in schools todayThe necessary elements for fostering mastery learningThe challenges and barriers to practicing mastery learning in schoolHow teachers can use mastery learning in their classroomsResources:Connect with Marcy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marcy-raymond-1193aa205Twitter: @MarcyRaymondMentioned in this episode:Learning Unboxed Audience SurveyThank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights.Audience Survey

Dr. Mandy Smith is the Director of Research at PAST Foundation. She has a wealth of experience in the K-12 education system, including teacher preparation and the intersection of science and technology.In this episode, we will be discussing the concept of STEM identity. The lack of diversity and opportunity in STEM careers has been a topic of debate and conversation for over a decade. The "leaky pipeline" phenomenon, where individuals drop out of STEM pathways, is a well-known issue, particularly for women and underrepresented minorities. However, PAST Foundation has received funding from the Battelle Memorial Institute to delve deeper into the issue and explore STEM identity in the K-12 space. The goal is to understand and define STEM identity and determine ways to address the issue collectively.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What STEM identity is and why we should care about itHow to give students the opportunity to engage in STEM activitiesPartnering with school districts to bolster STEM identityUsing data to inform actionable changesTaking advantage of existing service learning opportunitiesResources:Connect with Mandy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mandy-smithMentioned in this episode:Learning Unboxed Audience SurveyThank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights.Audience Survey

Kelly Preheim has done incredible work as a teacher, but she knows it's important to push herself to step out of her comfort zone. In this episode, we talk to Kelly about her experience as part of the National Geographic Grosvenor Teaching Fellowship cohort and how she balances the everyday pieces of being a teacher with the need to try new things. Don't miss Kelly's insight into how she pushes herself to take risks and try new experiences!To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Having the courage as a teacher to push outside of your comfort zoneWhat Kelly learned in the Teaching FellowshipHow teachers can apply for and take advantage of opportunitiesResources:BirdTeach: birdteach.blogspot.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/BirdTeach-367011353690070030 | Teaching Through Your Passion to Create Passionate Students with Kelly PreheimSpotlight: Problem-Based Learning with Birds!Mentioned in this episode:Learning Unboxed Audience SurveyThank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights.Audience Survey

Dawn Heideman and Carla Hegyi are the founders of Be the One, a program aiding at-risk youth in schools in the central Ohio region, both by improving students' lives and the lives of those around them, through relationship-building and service programs.Most of the time, when a student experiences trauma, they are only aided for a few days or weeks before everyone returns back to their daily lives — leaving the student to cope with that trauma themselves. Dawn and Carla realized that more needed to be done and that those kids needed long-term support. That's why they started Be the One: To offer daily support to kids dealing with a variety of struggles in life. They talk about the value of making kids feel heard and seen, making an impact one student at a time, and scaling programs like this to affect more students.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Giving kids the time necessary to overcome emotional traumaHearing from people who recognize what you've been throughBuilding a long-term support system for studentsHow to scale support programs across districtsResources:Learn more at betheoneohio.comDawn Heideman: Be The One | TED TalkMentioned in this episode:Learning Unboxed Audience SurveyThank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights.Audience Survey

Financial empowerment is incredibly important for those who want to manage their wealth properly, and it's critical for students to get a headstart on that journey We're talking about Wemblr Ed, a gaming simulation app that engages students in financial scenarios and events to teach the value of critical thinking, personal finance, and strategic planning. Joining us today is Wemblr's founder and CEO, Tiffany Marr, as well as Derek Fitzer, Dawn Weaver, and Callan Kajdasz from Southwestern City Schools, a school district in the Central Ohio region. Tiffany will be talking about how the app works, how it impacts students, and the features that make it so cool. We'll also hear from her colleagues about their experience using the app in Southwestern City Schools.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How Wemblr got involved in public schoolsDrawing on the students' skillsets for app developmentGiving real-world problem-solving opportunities to studentsScaling industry education across school districtsResources:Learn more at wemblr.comConnect with Tiffany on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffany-marr-348540218Mentioned in this episode:Learning Unboxed Audience SurveyThank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights.Audience Survey

Carla Neely is currently a fifth and sixth grade science and computer science teacher at Warner Girls' Leadership Academy for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District in Cleveland, OH. Carla has been a teacher for twenty-three years in urban classrooms. She is certified and has experience teaching all subjects, with specialization in science and math. She has a passion for urban education. Carla has spent the past few months in Washington, DC as a member of the 2022-23 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows Cohort. She is passionate about making opportunities equitable for underrepresented and marginalized students. In this conversation, she talks about the struggles that marginalized students face when it comes to opportunities in STEM fields and how she's working — through legislation — to change things for the better.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The importance of advocacy and exercising your voiceAffecting change beyond the classroomHow legislation can bring about equityResources:Connect with Carla on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carla-neely-390168125EINSTEIN Carla Neely | U.S. DOE Office of Science(SC)Mentioned in this episode:Learning Unboxed Audience SurveyThank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights.Audience Survey

Rebecca Morningstar has been teaching animal science and zoo management courses at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Michigan since 2013.Potter Park Zoo is going above and beyond the minimum requirements to provide the highest possible welfare for its animals, employees, and guests. Its mission is to inspire conservation of animals and the natural world. And people can't make a difference in the world if they don't know the issues or what they can do to help.We dive into how Potter Park Zoo is getting kids engaged with learning about animals and conservation, as well as introducing other learning opportunities along the way. She shares what students are doing in these experiences, how she makes the hard decision on what topics to cover and what to leave out, and how you can partner with your local zoos in your own area.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The mission of Potter Park ZooOffering educational opportunities through hands-on animal experiencesGetting kids involved in the conversation around conservationBringing local zoo organization into your own innovative programResources:Learn more at potterparkzoo.orgConnect with Rebecca: linkedin.com/in/rebecca-morningstar-2788a664Mentioned in this episode:Learning Unboxed Audience SurveyThank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights.Audience Survey

Tony Wagner is a globally-recognized expert who is currently a senior research fellow at the Learning Policy Institute founded by Linda Darling-Hammond in 2015. Prior to that, he held a variety of positions at Harvard University for more than twenty years, including a few years as the expert in residence at the Harvard Innovation Lab and the founder and co-director for more than a decade at the Change Leadership Group at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.In his latest book Learning By Heart, Tony gives an autobiographical telling of his unconventional educational journey. His background was of hating school. He dropped out of high school, and after going back to get his degree dropped out of college twice. His experience with school, along with getting deeply involved in the 60s political movement, led to two realizations: That he wanted to make a difference in the world, and that education needed to be completely reinvented. We talk about what that reinvention looks like, and how a shift to mastery-based education can prepare students for the world after school.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Shifting the focus of education from time served to masteryWhat's at stake if we don't make radical changes to our education systemHow legislation can free up educators to innovate by removing testing requirementsBreaking down the content barriersHow to find room and space for innovation in your classroom todayResources:Learn more: tonywagner.comTwitter: @DrTonyWagnerRead: Learning By HeartMentioned in this episode:Learning Unboxed Audience SurveyThank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights.Audience Survey

You can't talk about rethinking education for long without hearing Montessori come up. In fact, several past guests on the show have mentioned it, either as an inspiration or having been brought up in that educational philosophy themselves. While we've scratched the surface before, we've never had the opportunity to dig into it until now.Joining us to help us get a clear picture of this popular education method is Hannah Baynham, Director of Learning and Professional Development at Montessori and Melanie Thiesse, Senior Director of Membership and School Accreditation. They share the philosophy behind Montessori, why it's so popular among those rethinking education, and how it is helping to shape the future of education.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What Montessori is and where it comes fromHow Montessori practitioners balance student agency and facilitationHow schools can get accredited as a Montessori schoolIntegrating Montessori education in an existing school environmentHow Montessori is pushing the future of educationResources:Learn more: amshq.orgConnect with Hannah on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannah-joy-baynham-16aa211a9Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mthiesseMentioned in this episode:Learning Unboxed Audience SurveyThank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights.Audience Survey

Buddy Berry is the superintendent of Eminence Independent Schools, a rural district with approximately 850 students located 400 miles east of Louisville, Kentucky. Buddy is a fourth-generation alumnus of Eminence which offers him a unique perspective, coming from the place that he now leads.Five years ago, Eminence was facing a decline in enrollment and a dropoff in funding. Thanks to Buddy and many of the programs he's facilitated in his tenure, that decline has turned around.We talk about some of those programs including the idea of “School on Fire,” a framework for reinventing and innovating education.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Creating a framework for innovation in educationMaking education an experienceOnboarding educators into a new, innovative systemIncorporating surprise and delight into the school systemResources:Follow Buddy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/buddy-berry-8963baa4Twiter: @buddyberry, @eminenceschoolsMentioned in this episode:Learning Unboxed Audience SurveyThank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights.Audience Survey

Our traditional school system has always grouped students by age, but we're coming to see the benefits of mixed-age learning. When you take kids of different ages and have them learn together, they both grow exponentially faster.Jason Blair is in his 20th year as an elementary school art teacher, currently teaching at Dublin City Schools. He was a previous guest on Learning Unboxed when we spoke with the Columbus Museum of Art about its work on Project Zero, and Jason is the teacher, leader, and resident with the museum.We explore how he's taking the innovative things he's learned over his 20 years of educating and the variety of projects and partnerships he's been a part of during that time and how he's translating that experience into his own classrooms.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How multi-age learning benefits students, and how to encourage different age groups to interactThe ripple effects of non-traditional education throughout the school systemCreating an environment full of joyfulnessIncorporating personal learnings into the education experienceResources:74 | Cultivating Creative & Civic Capacities | with Jennifer Lehe, Jason Blair, & Britanie RisnerMentioned in this episode:Learning Unboxed Audience SurveyThank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights.Audience Survey

We know that the modern school wasn't designed for education and that it's woefully inadequate at meeting the needs of today's students and the work environment of the future. So much so that small tweaks aren't enough to fix it — it has to be redesigned completely.Nathan Gorsch, Founding Principal of Village High School in Academy School District 20 in Colorado Springs. Like us at the PAST Foundation, Nathan recognized that our current model of education — the factory model — did not suit kids well, and so he sought out to reinvent high school with the idea of rebuilding it from the ground up. Joining him is Katie Flanagan, a teacher at VIllage High School, as well as Kate Bennett and Kenny Dufalt, two students attending the school.We dive into what Village High School is, why it's a unique hybrid model, and why those out there thinking of transformative education should consider some of the components of that hybrid model.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The student experience as an impetus for innovation Why students are drawn to Village High SchoolThe concerns and pain points of a non-traditional educationScaling this model of education for the futureResources:Learn more: village.asd20.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nathan-gorsch-759b287aMentioned in this episode:Learning Unboxed Audience SurveyThank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights.Audience Survey

One of the best ways to empower students with the life skills they'll need as adults is to entrust them with solving challenging, real-world problems. Now imagine being able to pay them for those problems. That's the reality of the Smart Skills Program here at PAST—all about creative, innovative ways to think about workforce development.Smart Skills is a six-week program over the summer, a career exploration and work-based learning experience with youth ages 15-18 that explores several different STEM career paths, develops design thinking skills through solving real-world problems, and gets support from local industry professionals. It gives interns the opportunity to hone in on a focus area, develop career skills, and even earn industry credentials—all while developing leadership, communication, and other soft skills.We're speaking with the Project Director of the Smart Skills Program, Nikki Stancampiano of the PAST Foundation, along with four student participants, about their experience within the program, why they joined, what they got out of it, and what anyone can do to apply these lessons to their own school program.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What Smart Skills is and how to design a program that helps students develop career skillsThe different smart skills kids can develop and learnThe challenges kids face during the programWhat teachers interested in implementing this program need to knowResources:PAST Workforce DevelopmentMentioned in this episode:Learning Unboxed Audience SurveyThank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights.Audience Survey

We believe kids learn best through experience. But what happens when we start holding our young ones back in a misguided attempt at keeping them safe? Gever Tulley is the co-founder of Tinkering School which came about in 2005. It gives kids the opportunity to prove how capable they are by supplying them with the tools to solve real-world problems and watching them make mistakes, learn, and build great things. We've come to believe that protecting kids from experiences is a good thing, but what ends up happening is we cripple their ability to make decisions, function as adults, and be intrinsically motivated in anything. We talk about how trusting kids lead to big things, how teachers and students can collaborate effectively, and why age-restricted learning is a tool of the past. To learn more, visit: http://pastfoundation.org (pastfoundation.org) We unbox: How Gever put kids in charge of his summer camps Why Tinkering School exists and how it helps kids understand their own potential Taking a collaborative approach to education with teachers and students The benefits of mixed-age education Creating educational “arcs” of learning Resources: https://www.gevertulley.com/ (gevertulley.com) https://www.tinkeringschool.com/ (tinkeringschool.com) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gevertulley/ (@gevertulley) Mentioned in this episode: Learning Unboxed Audience Survey Thank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights. https://learningunboxed.captivate.fm/luaudiencesurvey (Audience Survey)

Anyone will tell you: Teaching is hard. But when we have teachers who are good at their jobs but are feeling that struggle, how can they overcome that hurdle and go on to have long, joyous teaching careers? Bill Manchester is an old friend of Learning Unboxed. We met with him and his students back in episode 34, Engineering Creativity Through Music. If you happened to miss that one, we'll catch you up: Bill is an 18-year (and counting) veteran teacher who runs his classroom in a way that most teachers dream about. Most recently, he's published a book titled https://www.amazon.com/When-Feel-Like-Quitting-Teaching-ebook-dp-B09YFKD3PF/dp/B09YFKD3PF ("When You Feel Like Quitting Teaching, Read This Book"). We talk about the nudge needed to keep teachers on track and feeling good, the small consistent steps for a solid teaching foundation, and how to find your footing in a tumultuous landscape. To learn more, visit: http://pastfoundation.org (pastfoundation.org) We unbox: Why Bill felt the need to write his book What stands in the way of our teachers loving their jobs long term The learning triangle that becomes the foundation of your passion pivots: Engagement, content, and structure Creating full engagement in the classroom Balancing the need for testing without relying on it as a mechanism to learn Resources: Twitter: https://twitter.com/manchester_edu (https://twitter.com/manchester_edu) TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/umA0K6aE15U (https://youtu.be/umA0K6aE15U) https://www.pastfoundation.org/034-engineering-creativity-through-music-with-bill-manchester (Engineering Creativity Through Music with Bill Manchester) Mentioned in this episode: Learning Unboxed Audience Survey Thank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights. https://learningunboxed.captivate.fm/luaudiencesurvey (Audience Survey)

When we can use entertaining games as amazing educational tools, everyone wins. It's clear that the game of chess can lead to some stellar learning opportunities, but what's not always obvious is how to get kids interested in it at all. Elliott Neff is the founder and CEO of Chess4Life, a platform that teaches kids critical thinking skills, problem-solving, EQ, and other important life skills through the game of chess. He's also the author of A Pawn's Journey: Transforming Lives One Move at a Time. We talk about how Chess4Life uses the game of chess to teach kids how to fail fast, learn, and improve, focus on individual strengths, and celebrate differences. To learn more, visit: http://pastfoundation.org (pastfoundation.org) We unbox: Why chess makes such a valuable learning tool Scaling the impact of coaching Taking failure as an opportunity for growth and iteration The Chess4Life curriculum and how to get involved Resources: https://chess4life.com/ (chess4life.com) https://www.elliottneff.com/ (elliottneff.com) Read: https://www.elliottneff.com/apawnsjourney (A Pawn's Journey) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliott-neff-9b53473/ (linkedin.com/in/elliott-neff-9b53473) Mentioned in this episode: Learning Unboxed Audience Survey Thank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights. https://learningunboxed.captivate.fm/luaudiencesurvey (Audience Survey)

When we spoke to members of The Willowell Foundation, Jen Olson & Tasha Ball, about the Wren's Nest, we realized there's so much more to this story that needs to be explored. How we contextualize our relationship with nature is so important, and getting kids interested in it at the ground level may have far-reaching implications. Matt Schlein is the founder and director of The Walden Project and The WIllowell Foundation. As you may know, Willowell offers nature-based education programs and activities to help connect communities to the natural world. While Wren's Nest is their preschool program, The Walden Project offers alternative public education for grades 10-12. We talk about the origins of the foundation, why connecting with nature is so important, and how we can get this level of education across the world. To learn more, visit: http://pastfoundation.org (pastfoundation.org) We unbox: The origins of The Walden Pond Project and The Willowell Foundation Creating a K-12 experience where students are immersed in nature How Willowell is allowing kids to recontextualize nature Finding the universal in the particular Resources: https://www.waldenprojectny.com/ (waldenprojectny.com) https://www.willowell.org/ (willowell.org) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-schlein-33a47b19/ (linkedin.com/in/matthew-schlein-33a47b19) https://www.pastfoundation.org/156-connecting-kids-to-their-community-environment-with-jen-olson-tasha-ball (156. Connecting Kids to Their Community & Environment with Jen Olson & Tasha Ball) Mentioned in this episode: Learning Unboxed Audience Survey Thank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights. https://learningunboxed.captivate.fm/luaudiencesurvey (Audience Survey)

There's a lot to learn by taking the time to understand things that kids are invested in, even if it doesn't seem to relate to education. Take esports, for instance: Could this thing that so many adults pass off as a waste of time actually teach our kids valuable life skills? North American Scholastic Esports Foundation (NASEF) is the world's first academic approach to esports, providing opportunities for students to learn STEAM skills and prepare themselves for the work of the future. In 2018, Gerald Solomon created and launched NASEF when he recognized the possibility of reaching disenfranchised learners through a pass time that kids love. Kevin Brown was a lifelong gamer himself and wears many hats at the foundation under the title of Chief Academic Officer. We talk about the unlikely bond between gaming and education, how to open up skeptics to these opportunities, and how to scale programs like this across the globe. To learn more, visit: http://pastfoundation.org (pastfoundation.org) We unbox: Taking STEAM skills already present in esports and making them visible to kids How they scaled the NASEF program across states Pushing back against the negative connotations of video games Talking to “digital native” kids in a language they understand Resources: Learn more at https://www.nasef.org/ (nasef.org) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldsolomon/ (linkedin.com/in/geraldsolomon) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinthierrybrown/ (linkedin.com/in/kevinthierrybrown) Mentioned in this episode: Learning Unboxed Audience Survey Thank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights. https://learningunboxed.captivate.fm/luaudiencesurvey (Audience Survey)

In previous parts of Hacking School, we've taken a look at our education system, the role it's played, and what could happen if we allow ourselves to imagine other possibilities. Change is difficult—especially getting started—and once you've decided to make a change, picking a direction to go in can be even harder. We're joined by August Majtenyi, a member of PAST's research team, to have a conversation about the single biggest question I get when we start talking about ways to hack school: How do we know problem-based learning even works? To learn more, visit: http://pastfoundation.org (pastfoundation.org) We unbox: Acknowledging the work ahead of us The evidence behind problem-based learning How we can improve the research supporting PBL and combat hesitancy Resources: https://startsole.org/ (startSOLE.org) https://www.edutopia.org (edutopia.org) Mentioned in this episode: Learning Unboxed Audience Survey Thank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights. https://learningunboxed.captivate.fm/luaudiencesurvey (Audience Survey)

If the role of school is to prepare students for their adult lives, then academics are only a part of what they need to learn. We're going to look at an innovative program that is working hard to bring SEL (social emotional learning) to the forefront of our thinking as we look at transforming our school structure. Bridget Durkan Laird is the chief executive officer at Wings for Kids, an organization that recognizes how emotional intelligence was a missing component in schools and sought out to give kids these skills by the time they're teenagers. We discuss why Wings for Kids was founded, their approach toward teaching SEL, and the impact they are hoping to have. To learn more, visit: http://pastfoundation.org (pastfoundation.org) We unbox: The goal of Wings for Kids and the importance of social emotional learning How Wings for Kids works to bring SEL into the classroom in engaging ways Partnering with teachers who are passionate about SEL The importance of adult buy-in when teaching kids Finding the kids that need the most help Resources: Learn more at https://www.wingsforkids.org/ (wingsforkids.org) https://www.soarwithwings.com/ (soarwithwings.com) Mentioned in this episode: Learning Unboxed Audience Survey Thank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights. https://learningunboxed.captivate.fm/luaudiencesurvey (Audience Survey)

We're speaking to a number of people from one of Ohio's leading STEM schools, the National Inventors Hall of Fame School, including Sam Crews, a founding teacher at the school with over 20 years of experience in schools. Joining him are two former students, Mar Lin and Camryn Woodley. They share their learning experiences at the National Inventors Hall of Fame School and how what they learned there has carried with them throughout their young adult lives. To learn more, visit: http://pastfoundation.org (pastfoundation.org) We unbox: The story behind the National Inventors Hall of Fame School How the school's strong founding ethos carries on throughout the years Creating meaningful experiences for students Rolling out STEM education to the broader school community Making the decisions that are best for kids Resources: https://www.invent.org/ (invent.org) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-crews-bb795512a/ (linkedin.com/in/sam-crews-bb795512a) Mentioned in this episode: Learning Unboxed Audience Survey Thank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights. https://learningunboxed.captivate.fm/luaudiencesurvey (Audience Survey)

Many schools are excited by the idea of collaborative maker spaces, putting large amounts of funding into getting them built. But once those spaces have been built they start to struggle. What do we do with these spaces to make them a success? Nikil Ragav is the founder and CEO of inventXYZ, a program devoted to bringing high-tech, hands-on education to students everywhere by setting up maker workspaces at partner schools across the country. We talk about how he's working with schools to make the process of building and using maker spaces more streamlined, and how schools everywhere can get involved. To learn more, visit: http://pastfoundation.org (pastfoundation.org) We unbox: The problems districts face when building maker spaces How inventXYZ is making it easier to put maker spaces in schools Accelerating the rate of teaching standard education Becoming involved with inventXYZ Resources: https://inventxyz.com/ (inventxyz.com) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikil-ragav/ (linkedin.com/in/nikil-ragav) Mentioned in this episode: Learning Unboxed Audience Survey Thank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights. https://learningunboxed.captivate.fm/luaudiencesurvey (Audience Survey)

With a wicked problem in mind, choosing relevant issues tied to a school, a community partnership, technical apprenticeship, or continuing education reveals many paths that lead down numerous avenues of inquiry—all relating back to the issues at hand. Sustainability, world health, and local environments are larger issues with multiple facets, with the potential to generate years' worth of projects for students. We can use this approach to create a new model for learning that increases the motivation of students, supports teachers' professional development, and engages community industry partners. It would be a system that prepares students for the future and serves us all far better. To learn more, visit: http://pastfoundation.org (pastfoundation.org) We unbox: The benefits of addressing local or current problems in education The extraordinary results that come from partnering industry experts with educators Creating a new, problem-based model of education and learning Recalibrating our education system to be relevant to the future Mentioned in this episode: Learning Unboxed Audience Survey Thank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights. https://learningunboxed.captivate.fm/luaudiencesurvey (Audience Survey)

Education starts from the moment we take our first breath, but we often only give it our full attention as kids get closer to their careers. Today we're going to be talking about our littlest learners and how to prepare them for further education and their futures. Willowell Foundation's “Wren's Nest” program, a holistic, interdisciplinary, and sensory-based approach to learning, and a companion program to Willowell's nationally-recognized outdoor high school program The Walden Project. The goal of Wren's Nest is to foster students' independence and an initial understanding of their interconnectedness with the whole world. Joining us are Tasha Ball, the administrative director of the Willowell Foundation, and Jen Olson, an early childhood educator and teacher at the Wren's Nest. We talk about embracing kids' natural curiosity and desire to explore, getting them immersed in nature, and how we can scale outdoor education. To learn more, visit: http://pastfoundation.org (pastfoundation.org) We unbox: What Wren's Nest does and how it works The value of learning outside the classroom Trusting kids to rise to their capabilities How Willowell incorporates state-required learning Scaling outdoor classroom programs Resources: https://www.willowell.org/ (willowell.org) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-olson-b7842384/ (linkedin.com/in/jennifer-olson-b7842384)

Original summarization of the episode. Greet the reader and/or introduce the guest. Preview the person's area of expertise, qualifications, accomplishments, or hook for being on the show. One sentence to connect relevant subject matter to the audience. Consider finishing with a list rounding out other included topics. Quick sign-off CTA. Educational, open-minded tone. Part of our core philosophy at Learning Unboxed and the PAST Foundation is how the current educational system fails to prepare students for the future of work. We spend a lot of time focused on the educational aspect of that, but we rarely get a chance to dive into the workplace. Marie Gervais is the CEO of SHIFT Management, which specializes in helping supervisors learn to lead with confidence by developing their people skills and supporting their teams in meeting business objectives effectively. We discuss the ways in which we consider how the workplace and education relate to each other and their futures. To learn more, visit: http://pastfoundation.org (pastfoundation.org) We unbox: What it means to participate in the workforce The diversity of the workplace and how to work collaboratively Giving workers a sense of purpose The importance of emotional regulation Bringing students into your passions Resources: https://shiftworkplace.com/ (shiftworkplace.com) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leaderstraining (linkedin.com/in/leaderstraining) Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShiftWorkPlace (@ShiftWorkPlace) Mentioned in this episode: Learning Unboxed Audience Survey Thank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights. https://learningunboxed.captivate.fm/luaudiencesurvey (Audience Survey)

There's a severe disconnect between the preparation of students coming out of K-12 education and career success. Though the founders of the PAST Foundation each came from diverse areas of science, they each found they were seeing the same problem in students and young employees who worked in their labs: As intelligent as they were, when it came down to rolling up their sleeves and working there were some key skills and understandings that were missing. That is largely because the K-12 education system was rooted in a 19th-century factory-based model—one that is now obsolete. We need a complete overhaul of the system—so what's that going to look like? Let's discuss it together. To learn more, visit: http://pastfoundation.org (pastfoundation.org) We unbox: Why our education system is failing us How the PAST Foundation is bringing education closer to reflecting real life The opportunity presented in wicked problems Mentioned in this episode: Learning Unboxed Audience Survey Thank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights. https://learningunboxed.captivate.fm/luaudiencesurvey (Audience Survey)

Shawn Young is the co-founder and CEO of Classcraft, an innovative platform that helps educators make learning meaningful and motivate students through gamification. SInce its launch, Classcraft has had an incredible impact, with over 10 million students making use of the platform. He has a background in teaching himself, and in fact built Classcraft to meet the needs of his own classroom before it became a tool that is deployed in classrooms around the world. We talk about why gamification is such a great tool for encouraging student participation, and how Classcraft presents these features in a way that puts real-world learning upfront and wraps it in an appealing package. To learn more, visit: http://pastfoundation.org (pastfoundation.org) We unbox: How Classcraft came about The gaps that Classcraft fills in the classroom Why gamification increases intrinsic motivation Addressing the concerns about adopting Classcraft Bringing Classcraft into your classroom Resources: Learn more: https://www.classcraft.com/ (classcraft.com) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classcraftgame/ (@classcraftgame) Mentioned in this episode: Learning Unboxed Audience Survey Thank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights. https://learningunboxed.captivate.fm/luaudiencesurvey (Audience Survey)

One of the main goals of education is to prepare our kids for the future, and that often means preparing them for a career. A great way to do that is through internships, capstones, and mentoring programs. Erika Reeves is the Bodies Early College Experience Coordinator at Metro Early College High School, who we've spoken with on the podcast before. She's joined by a student, Shirish Parasa, who has been participating in the Bodies program this past year and gave an incredible capstone presentation. Together, they talk about the benefits of early work education programs and how they can give more opportunities to kids. To learn more, visit: http://pastfoundation.org (pastfoundation.org) We unbox: What the Bodies Learning Center is Embedding children in the research process How students connect with what they learn and experience Thinking about the role of the mentor Meeting the needs of each individual student Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-reeves/ (linkedin.com/in/erika-reeves) P3 Applied: https://www.pastfoundation.org/p3-applied-mentorship-series (pastfoundation.org/p3-applied-mentorship-series) Mentioned in this episode: Learning Unboxed Audience Survey Thank you for listening to Learning Unboxed! As we work on the next 150 episodes we want to hear how we can best tailor this podcast to your needs. Please go to https://www.pastfoundation.org/survey to share your insights. https://learningunboxed.captivate.fm/luaudiencesurvey (Audience Survey)