The Journalistic Learning Podcast

Our last episode with 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade ELA teacher, Kora Moore! We are so grateful to have gotten to chat with Kora and hear her experiences in the classroom. In this episode, she shares how the different grades she teaches have responded to journalistic learning and offers key pieces of advice for teachers considering leading journalistic projects in their classrooms.Kora Moore teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade ELA at Lighthouse Middle School in Coos Bay Oregon. This is her second year leading a journalistic learning project in her classroom across the three grades she teaches. Last year, three of her students won an award for their published journalism piece.

In this episode, Kora shares the stories behind mementos she keeps at her desk in her classroom and we talk about the power of stories and how storytelling elevates the classroom experience.Kora Moore teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade ELA at Lighthouse Middle School in Coos Bay Oregon. This is her second year leading a journalistic learning project in her classroom across the three grades she teaches. Last year, three of her students won an award for their published journalism piece.JournalisticLearning.org

Group work can be difficult no matter the grade. Kora shares what she's found useful when it comes to growing successful student groups in her class. This episode is particularly short, but we only have two more episodes with Kora!Kora Moore teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade ELA at Lighthouse Middle School in Coos Bay Oregon. This is her second year leading a journalistic learning project in her classroom across the three grades she teaches.Relevant Links:Journalisticlearning.org2024 edition of Black Student Magazine

Continuing our conversation with Kora! She talks about which phase of a journalistic learning project was the most demanding of her as an educator but was also the most rewarding and led to “one of those inspirational teacher moments.”Kora Moore teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade ELA at Lighthouse Middle School in Coos Bay Oregon. This is her second year leading a journalistic learning project in her classroom across the three grades she teaches.Links:Journalisticlearning.orgWebinar: Connect Students to Their Community Using Journalistic Learning and In-Class InterviewsWhite House's Improving Student Achievement Agenda 2024

In this episode, Kora shares how one of her reporter groups of students went from choosing rising gas prices as their investigative issue to the struggles of local restaurants. Helping students find a good local issue they care about can be a tricky part of a journalistic learning project, so tune in for some tips from Kora!Kora Moore teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade ELA at Lighthouse Middle School in Coos Bay Oregon. This is her second year leading a journalistic learning project in her classroom across the three grades she teaches. Last year, three of her students won an award for their published journalism piece.Relevant Links:JLI's websiteAssociation for the Study of African American Life and History's websiteAn Education Week article with more information on Black History Education in the US

Kora Moore teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade ELA at Lighthouse Middle School in Coos Bay, Oregon. This is her second year leading a journalistic learning project across the three grades she teaches. Last year, three of her students won an award for their published journalism piece.In this episode, Kore shares how she heard about journalistic learning and a fun little experience she had teaching her kids about Wikipedia!Note: As this is our first episode, we do take a little time to explain journalistic learning and the Journalistic Learning Initiative's (JLI) Effective Communicators Program.Link to JLI's website: journalisticlearning.orgLink to JLI's Effective Communicators Program: journalisticlearning.org/effective-communicators/

On today's episode: Dr. Victoria Waller stops by the podcast to discuss the difficulties children with learning disabilities face and the tools and solutions that can help them become confident in and out of the classroom.Topics:2:00 The story behind Yes! Your Child Can book06:41 Victoria's opinion on full inclusion learning08:27 Working with intercity children09:03 Teaching students through music12:08 The importance of finding a child's passion16:49 The importance of tapping into a child's motivation18:25 The fear of losing good teachers21:18 Statistics about children with learning disabilities24:00 Final ThoughtsTo learn more about Victoria's work or to view the resources she mentioned in the podcast or to purchase her latest book Yes! Your Child Can: Creating Success for Children with Learning Disabilities visit drvictoriawaller.com.

In today's episode, Mariaemma Willis stops by the podcast to share some tips for parents on finding their child's learning style and discusses the importance of doing so. Mariaemma is an author, speaker, consultant, and trainer.Topics:2:04 A breakdown of what a learning style is05:40 Mariaemma explains how she helps teacher personalize their work with students08:30 How parents can identify their child's learning style12:51 Mariaemma talks about her book Discover Your Child's Learning Style14:46 Growth Mindset16:05 How AI gives kids a personalized approach to instruction23:12 Final thoughts about the importance of helping kids learn their learning styleTo learn more about Mariaemma's work or to view the book mentioned in the podcast, visit powertraitsforlife.com or visit her other website schoolathomemadeeasier.com if you want to know more about homeschooling or homework help.

On today's episode: Cynthia Tobias is an experienced educator, motivational speaker, and best-selling author who specializes in helping people of all ages find their natural learning style. Today, we spoke with Cynthia about the importance of learning your unique learning style so that you can continue to learn and adapt throughout life's changes.Topics:01:45 What do I need to concentrate?05:30 Difference between Theory of Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles06:30 Different learning styles10:30 Teaching students how to learn13:00 Resources for parents16:00 Technology and learning styles20:15 Talking with strangers22:30 Advocating for learning styles in the classroom25:30 Challenges as opportunity for growth27:00 The importance of knowing how to keep learningTo learn more about Cynthia's work or to view the resources she mentioned in the podcast, like the survey to help you discover your learning style, visit cynthiatobias.com.

On today's episode: Erik Bean is an educational technology professional, author, researcher, and administrator who is widely recognized for leadership to improve pedagogy and andragogy in higher and secondary (K-12) educational markets. Today, we talk with Erik about his new book Bias is All Around You and how to help the rising generation decipher good information from bad information.Topics:02:40 What is bias?05:45 How to help students search for good information and sources of partiality12:30 Bias and passion16:30 Outliers and information18:30 The consequences of using bad information25:00 Civics in education27:00 Subjects to subjectivityFor more information about Erik Bean's work on bias, check out his new book, Bias is All Around You now available for purchase on Amazon.

On today's episode: Maria Vidas is a High Desert Middle School Spanish Language Arts Teacher and Dual Immersion Secondary Program Coordinator at Bend La Pine Schools in Bend, OR. Last year, she implemented our Effective Communicators Course in her classroom. Today, we talked with Maria about her experience as a dual immersion teacher and how programs like Effective Communicators benefit students of all backgrounds.Topics:02:00 Vida's journey to becoming an educator09:50 Bend's community and student population11:45 Effective Communicators in Maria's classrooms14:30 Issues of interest for Bend students24:35 Sniffing out sensationalism in the media with students

On today's episode: Author and instructional specialist Miriam Plotinsky joins us to talk about the ideas in her new book, Teach More, Hover Less. Some teachers can't resist the urge to hover, but even with the best of intentions, hovering can limit the transformative experiences students might otherwise encounter if they are treated as active participants in the learning process. Listen to Miriam, Ed, and Bo chat about teaching more by hovering less.Topics:04:30 Hovering, what it is and looks like07:20 Changing Teacher Education10:30 Challenging the blank slate theory13:10 Underlying philosophy of hovering less16:30 Experimentation in the classroom18:45 Warm demanders22:00 Book banning26:20 Giving kids choices and intrinsic motivationFor more information about Miriam Plotinsky and her work, visit miriamplotinsky.com. Her book, Teach More, Hover Less is available for purchase on Amazon and W.W. Norton.

On today's episode: Author of 12 Middle School Superpowers, Phyllis L Fagell, joins us to discuss the plight of tweens living in a post-pandemic world and how parents and teachers can help them find humor, derive meaning from painful experiences, and feel a sense of belonging. Phyllis is a nationally board-certified school counselor, author, and therapist who works with kids and families in private practice.Topics:02:15 The plight of tweens in a post-pandemic world05:05 Social Media's impact on tweens10:00 The 12 Middle School Superpowers12:00 The importance of humor15:50 Development from elementary to high school21:00 Building courage incrementally23:00 Deriving meaning from painful experiences25:45 Super Belonging28:00 Optimism for supporting kids moving forwardYou can purchase 12 Middle School Superpowers at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target. To learn more about Phyllis's work, visit phyllisfagell.com.

On today's episode: Journalistic Learning Initiative (JLI) Co-Founder and Executive Director Ed Madison shares with his new co-host Bo Brusco what inspires him and the impact the JLI is having on students. In addition to being a JLI co-founder, Ed is a seasoned media professional with more than 30 years of distinguished work in journalism and an Associate Professor of Journalism at the University of Oregon.Topics:00:45 Meet your new co-host, Bo Brusco02:40 How Ed began his career in journalism and production06:35 Ed's journey into education and founding the Journalist Learning Initiative11:30 What Journalistic Learning is and its impact14:10 Language Arts in Action blurb14:40 What issue Ed would have investigated when he was in high school16:05 The Journalistic Learning approach and intrinsic motivation20:45 Ed's focus on contributionFor more information about the Journalistic Learning Initiative and Ed's work, visit journalisticlearning.org. You can check out Ed's new book, Language Arts in Action, by visiting wwnorton.com.

How to Have Kids Love Learning is on summer break and will be back with new episodes in September. Stay tuned!

On today's episode: Nonprofit founder Lakayana DruryDrury is the founder and executive director of Word is Bond, a nonprofit based in Portland, Oregon, and inspired by the obstacles he overcame to discover his life path. He's an educator, social entrepreneur, community organizer, and storyteller who uses art, poetry and photography to uplift hidden stories to inspire others to collective action.Topics: 02:15 Drury's journey and finding mentorship 07:46 Unpacking the school-to-prison pipeline 11:15 Feeling “Black enough” and navigating racial identites 15:43 Word as Bond and empowering young Black men 22:50 Backlash and “Whitelash” and new Black leadersFor more information on Drury's nonprofit work, visit mywordisbond.org. If you want to reach out directly to Drury visit lakayanadrury.com.

On today's episode: Educators Leah and Rena DunbarLeah and Rena Dunbar are twin sisters and educators, committed to community building, listening, and engaging in Courageous Conversations about race, gender, and class. Leah is a language arts and social studies specialist at the Lane Education Service District and Rena is a project specialist at the University of Oregon and works with indigenous communities.Topics: 02:17 Creating a Courageous Conversations course 05:30 The “circle” of time and the backlash to discussions around race 09:30 Developing ethnic studies in Oregon 14:08 Community building around art and words 18:23 Disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline 25:51 Restructuring classrooms to encourage collaboration

On today's episode: Director of graduate admissions at Florida A&M Hugh DurhamDurham is the director of graduate admissions and enrollments at the distinguished, historically Black University Florida A&M. On this episode, we discuss college admissions, HBCU's, and his own personal story.Topics: 02:00 Ways students can manage rising college costs 03:47 “Apply for two scholarships a week” and the benefits of casting a wide net 08:43 The importance of GPA's. 11:05 How students are “uplifted” at HBCU's 19:37 African American history is American history

On today's episode: environmental journalist and lecturer Emilia AskariAskari is a prize-winning environmental journalist, researcher, and lecturer at the University of Michigan, where she teaches science, health, and public policy reporting. She also teaches a bilingual, virtual exchange course with colleagues in Bogata, Colombia, where students collaborate on journalistic projects.Topics: 02:00 The two golden ages of journalism 06:25 The challenges of covering climate change 11:10 The “fifth estate” and how students can make a difference 16:57 Middle schoolers and problem solving18:56 Students collaborating across borders

On today's episode: journalism educator Ellen AustinAustin is a nationally recognized and distinguished journalism educator. She was the director of the journalism program at the Harker School in San Jose, taught journalism and English at Palo Alto High School where she created The Viking – the first all-sports, regularly published high school publication – and she previously taught journalism and English in Minnesota.Topics: 02:48 Austin's journalism journey 07:14 Puting “English language arts” to work with journalism 13:00 The need to build agency and problem solving skills 17:28 Understanding students' (and teachers') free speech rights at school 22:56 The importance of creating representative newsrooms 30:21 Unpacking distrust around “the media” and the future of journalism

On today's episode: education scholar and author, Yong ZhaoZhao is an education professor at the University of Kansas and at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education in Australia. His work focuses on technology and globalization's impact on education. His latest book, co-authored with fellow KU professor Rick Ginsberg, is Duck and Cover which explores the outdated and ill-informed ideas that plague our school system and how we can rethink them.Topics: 02:30 How ‘chance' can become opportunity 08:38 The problem with education reforms in the U.S. 12:03 How the concept of the ‘achievement gap' hurts students 15:30 Entrepreneurial thinking in the classroom 19:45 Giving teachers agency in reform efforts 21:30 How Chat GPT can help students

On today's episode: founder and executive director of Press Pass NYC Lara BergenBergen is a former educator and the founder and executive director of Press Pass NYC, an organization that offers support, training, resources, and opportunities for New York City public schools to create journalism classrooms and student newspapers.Topics: 02:13 The power of children book writing 06:42 Starting a school newspaper with students 09:50 Bringing journalistic learning to under-resourced schools 14:58 How Press Pass NYC works with teachers and students

On today's episode: educator and public speaker Sarah FrayerFrayer is an award winning educator, consultant, curriculum developer and the CEO of the APTI Model, an education consulting firm that offers evidence-based, social-emotional learning strategies and tools. She's also co-founder of Reflective Pages, a nonprofit that aims to build muliticultural and comprehensive curriculums in schools.Topics: 01:56 Teaching as a calling 04:44 Advocating for your needs 09:48 The APTI Model and social-emotional learning 11:26 Helping teachers acknowledge bias 14:32 The power of community service 16:39 Reflective Pages 17:38 “You're your child's first teacher”For more information on Frayer's work, you can visit the APTI Model website at aptimodel.com.

On today's episode: special education professor and researcher Rhonda NeseNese is an assistant professor in the Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences at the University of Oregon College of Education. Her research focuses on reducing exclusionary school disciplinary practices. She also provides technical assistance to state, district and school level teams across the nation.Topics 02:08 Implicit bias explained 05:06 Unpacking the school-to-prison pipeline 08:08 Helping teachers understand the “why” behind behavior 11:45 Alternatives to suspension 14:56 Helping students re-adjust to the classroom post-Covid 17:00 How parents can advocateFor more information on Nese's work, you can visit her website neselab.org or follow her on Twitter at @nese_lab.

On today's episode: English professor at Arizona State University Jessica EarlyEarly is an English professor at Arizona State University. She's also the director of the Central Arizona writing Project at ASU, and a former high school English teacher. Her latest book, Next Generation Genres, offers educators an alternative framework for writing instruction, one that offers compelling writing genres like op-eds, profiles, and podcasts, all relevant to students.Topics 02:00 Why we should move beyond 5-paragraph essays 03:40 Genres vs modes 06:23 Bringing non-fiction writing into the classroom 11:20 The Turning Point essay 14:27 Allowing students to write for impact 16:56 Navigating censorship

On today's episode: Former special education teacher Betsy BallardBallard is a retired teacher who taught in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District in Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she worked as a family and consumer science teacher and also in special education. For years, she's worked to support parents trying to navigate bureaucratic systems to get appropriate services for their children.Topics 01:58 Challenges for special education students during Covid 04:56 Empowering parents with knowledge 09:00 How to effectively advocate for students 12:30 Assumptions students of color face 15:33 Resources for parentsFor more information or questions, you can reach Betsy Ballard at joyfulspirit2007@yahoo.com.

On today's episode: Former special education teacher Betsy BallardBallard is a retired teacher who taught in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District in Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she worked as a family and consumer science teacher and also in special education. For years, she's worked to support parents trying to navigate bureaucratic systems to get appropriate services for their children.Topics 02:13 Special education systems vary across states 06:23 How students “fall through the cracks” 09:22 The benefits of mainstreaming classes 12:30 IEP legalese and the problem with just checking boxesFor more information or questions, you can reach Betsy Ballard at joyfulspirit2007@yahoo.com.

On today's episode: Education professor and consultant William KistKist is an education professor emeritus at Kent State University, an education consultant, and a former high school English teacher. For over 20 years, he's worked with schools and districts on a national level, with a focus on integrating technology in the classroom. His book, Curating a Literacy Life, gives teachers and parents resources to help students make sense of their media landscape.Topics 02:00 Bringing New Media into the English classroom 04:00 Embracing the smartphone 10:03 The Curation Model explained 13:23 Teaching students boundaries 16:36 Online learning's potential 20:48 AI in the classroom 23:00 Listen to your child's musicFollow William Kist on Twitter @williamkist.

On today's podcast: Former New York Times Learning Network editor Katherine SchultenSchulten was editor-in-chief of the New York Times Learning Network, which publishes free teaching resources for middle and high school teachers and students. She's also the author of the recent book Coming of Age in 2020, a compilation of writing and artwork submitted by students that reflects how youth across the country coped during a tumultuous year.Topics 02:08 Explaining journalism basics in the digital age 07:00 JLI and journalistic learning 08:56 Approaching hot-button topics in the classroom 13:56 The future of journalism and AI chatbots 18:00 What's next for Katherine and the power of journaling

On today's podcast: Former New York Times Learning Network editor Katherine SchultenSchulten was editor-in-chief of the New York Times Learning Network, which publishes free teaching resources for middle and high school teachers and students. She's also the author of the recent book Coming of Age in 2020, a compilation of writing and artwork submitted by students that reflects how youth across the country coped during a tumultuous year.Topics: 03:00 Origins of Coming of Age in 2020 and elevating student voice 08:09 Understanding the engaged generation 11:00 “Pulling out the phone” and the challenges of talking face-to-face 16:12 How the Times reaches students everywhere

On today's podcast: Entrepreneur and educational researcher Ayize SabaterDr. Sabater is an entrepreneur, researcher, author, and educator who's confounded several organizations, including a Montessori Public Charter School in Washington D.C., and his latest venture, the Black Montessori Education Fund. His research interests include family engagement and culturally relevant pedagogy.Topics 02:06 What is Montessori education? 05:00 Economic and cultural barriers to Montessori 10:18 The Montessori classroom: organized chaos 14:06 Measuring student performance 18:20 Resources for families, and fostering independence at home 23:14 Bringing Montessori to the massesFor more information about Montessori education, you can visit amiusa.org.

On today's podcast: educator and professional development specialist Augusta MannMann is the originator of Touching the Spirit, a culture-centered set of teaching practices for accelerated student achievement. Her approach specifically benefits students of color in the areas of phonics, vocabulary, reading and writing comprehension. She's a professional development specialist, literacy professional, and former classroom teacher, who's led workshops across the U.S.Topics 01:56 Culture-centered teaching explained 05:16 Touching the Spirit in action (example: Dancing Definitions) 12:24 Developing self-efficacy 14:10 Power of performance and community 16:12 Challenges facing African American students, and accelerating teachingFor more information about Touching the Spirit, you can visit Augusta Mann's website at successfulteachers.com.

On today's podcast: Professor Nichole KellyKelly is an associate professor at the University of Oregon's College of Education, researching eating behaviors, body image beliefs, and their impact on mental health. In this episode, we discuss the recent lawsuit against tech giants launched by Seattle Public Schools and social media's role in student life.Topics 02:00 Social media and eating disorders, and “documenting your life” online 06:44 Being “perfect” in public, and parenting in the digital age 11:32 Keeping the lines of communication open with your child 14:08 How we can better define “healthy” 19:33 Reclaiming identitiesAlso, for educators, JLI offers a free lesson plan, videos, and related materials at: http://socialmediamindfulness.org

On today's podcast: journalist Eder CampuzanoCampuzano is K-12 reporter for the Star Tribune, the largest daily newspaper in Minnesota. Before that, he was the education reporter for the Oregonian, focusing his coverage on marginalized students. He's an alum of the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication, where he worked at the Daily Emerald, the college's award-winning student publication.In this episode, we discuss his journalism career and the ways journalism can help students unpack complex issues in the classroom.Topics 02:07 Covering education news in two different cities 04:37 Learning loss, both academic and socio-emotional 07:13 The pandemic's toll on teachers 09:20 How parents feel race and history are unpacked in the classroom, in Oregon and Minnesota 12:22 Eder's early school experience and how its informed his reporting 15:05 Feeding students' “metiche” with journalistic learning 17:41 The importance of local knowledge and community reporting

On today's podcast: Dr. Ron Beghetto.Beghetto is an internationally recognized expert on creative thought and action in education settings. He's a professor at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University, and serves as the editor for the Journal of Creative Behavior.In this episode, we discuss his work exploring creative learning in and beyond the classroom and the development of students' creative confidence.Topics 01:53 The “Tyranny of the Lesson Plan” explained 09:36 How to move away from expectations and getting it “perfect” on the first try 15:36 Legacy projects and letting students students find problems 20:26 How journalistic learning helps students leave a mark 24:11 Ron's work and website (ronaldbeghetto.com)

On today's podcast: Dr. Ulcca Joshi HansenHansen is the chief program officer for Grantmakers for Education, the largest forum in education philanthropy, and has worked in the education field for two decades. She's also the author of the new book The Future of Smart which explores how we can build an education system that nurtures the unique, human capabilities of each child, and lay the groundwork for a more equitable and humane future.In this episode we discuss her book, her career in education, and how we can redefine the word “smart.”Topics 02:00 What's the factory model of education? 05:13 “Right brain” and “left brain” differences explained 07:20 How scarcity influenced dividing lines around education 09:50 What the standards and accountability movement misses 11:55 What's the “holistic indigenous worldview”? 14:50 How can you spread individualized teaching to everyone? 20:24 Changing education through a difficult political environment

On today's podcast: education researcher and strategist Ross AndersonAnderson is the co-founder of the Creative Engagement Lab which promotes creativity among educators and students. He's led large research projects, including numerous collaborations with the Journalistic Learning Initiative, and has published articles on creative development, educational change, and arts integrated teaching and learning in numerous peer-reviewed journals.In this episode, we discuss creativity in the classroom and why creative development matters.Topics 02:02 How did creativity get left behind in discussions about improving education? 07:30 Incorporating creativity across different subjects 12:58 What does promoting creativity in the classroom look like? 18:54 Risk taking in journalistic learning 22:30 How can parents support their child's freedom and creativity

On today's podcast: educators and curriculum designers Melissa Wantz and Rachel Guldin.Wantz is a former middle and high school English teacher with twenty years of classroom experience. She's also a former print reporter, newspaper columnist and communications consultant – experience that proved invaluable when she helped create and design JLI's Effective Communicators program.Guldin is a assistant professor at Denison University in Ohio, and a former public school teacher, who's taught English at the elementary and middle school level, among other subjects. Her classroom experience along with her research focus on media literacy helped her co-design the instructional materials for the Effective Communicators program.In this episode, we discuss the power of journalism, media literacy, and how to unpack difficult subjects in the classroom.Topics 02:43 Challenges of classroom learning in a Post-Covid world 07:57 The Effective Communicators program explained 15:43 How does journalism drive student interest? 20:53 How teachers can apply the Effective Communicators program in their classroom 25:15 The power of journalistic learning

On today's podcast: education thought leader and former journalism teacher Esther Wojcicki.Wojcicki led a renowned journalism program at Palo Alto High School in California for 27 years and is a highly sought speaker on education reform. She is also the board chair of Creative Commons, a nonprofit focused on education and learning, and is a co-founder of the Journalistic Learning Initiative.In this episode, we discuss her teaching career at Palo Alto and the power of project-based storytelling.Topics 03:36 Wojcicki's Palo Alto program 07:47 The TRICK method 10:03 Publishing student work 13:09 Taking the grandkids to Target 17:48 Giving teachers more control in the classroom

How to Have Kids Love Learning explores ideas and strategies for parents and educators help students to thrive. Host Ed Madison is a professor and researcher at the University of Oregon and serve as Executive Director of the Journalistic Learning Initiative, a non-profit organization that empowers middle and high schools students discover their voice, improve academic outcomes, and become self-directed learners through project-based storytelling. Teaching students to become effective communicators is at the heart of JLI's work.