TOPICS WE EXPLOREAll profiles can be found hereWho is Amanda Clark?Who is Erin Starkey?Who is Sara Lev?How did the three of these awesome people come together?Erin Starkey Misconceptions on PBL and LiteracyPower words: Perception and PermissionSara Lev Misconceptions on PBL and IntegrationPressure of foundation skills and "catching students up"Three layers to considerAmanda Clark Misconceptions on PBL and Sustained InquiryInquiry, Investigation, ExperimentationField Trips vs. Field WorkThe power of being seen as an early childhood educator from the leadersPower of not dismissing the misconceptions, but embracing and working forward to create solutionsUniversal ideas from this work to all learnersYOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.What resonated with you?RESOURCES MENTIONED IN SHOWPBL WorksBook: Implementing Project Based Learning in Early Childhood: Overcoming Misconceptions and Reaching SuccessAmazonRoutledgeWebsite: www.earlychildhoodpbl.comTwitter: @ec_pblInstagram: @earlychildhoodpblFacebook: Early Childhood PBL (private group)Article: 30 PBL Ideas for Young ChildrenCourse: https://earlychildhoodpbl.teachable.com/Just a few of my favorite passages from the book!

160: Project-Based Learning in Early Childhood Education: Overcoming Misconceptions and Reaching Success with Sara Lev, Erin Starkey, and Amanda Clark

See more at https://coffeeforthebrain.com/TOPICS WE EXPLOREWho is Joey Cofone?Issues with education system and why there is a disconnect to needs of ourselves and others.Barriers of creativity built by invisible rulesWhat can Alexander the Great teacher us about creativity?Power word "disruption"Making things different vs. making things betterActivity to showcase our uniqueness mathematicallyWhy is weird accepted on a global scale, but not a local scale?How did Joey use the Laws of Creativity to build a notebook company?Language shapes how we think and how he coined the word "Thinkers"Tale of Two Gloves: Power of belonging to a communityCreativity is misunderstoodFinal thoughts from JoeyYOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.What resonated with you?RESOURCES MENTIONED IN SHOWhttps://www.joeycofone.com/https://baronfig.com/ The Laws of Creativity: Unlock Your Originality and Awaken Your Creative Genius https://amzn.to/3XWFDFw

159: Laws of Creativity by Joey Cofone

In this episode, I speak with Pernille Ripp.Pernille Ripp is an expert in literacy and technology integration and dedicates her research and practice to developing engaged and empowered students and communities.She is a teacher, speaker, author, blogger, and passionate advocate for education. She is the recipient of the 2015 WEMTA Making IT Happen Award; and the 2015 ISTE Award for Innovation in Global Collaboration.In 2010, Pernille founded The Global Read Aloud, a global literacy initiative that began with a simple goal in mind: one book to connect the world. From its humble beginnings, the GRA has grown to connect millions of students in around the world.She is the author of Passionate Readers -The Art of Reaching and Engaging Every Child and  Passionate Learners – How to Engage and Empower Your Students, now in its second edition, and Empowered Schools, Empowered Students, both focusing on creating learning spaces and communities where students thrive and all stakeholders are empowered and passionate about learning. She has also authored Reimagining Literacy Through Global Collaboration published in 2016 by Solution Tree.  Her work has also been featured in many print and online journals including Edutopia, The New York Times, School Library Journal, The Guardian, and MiddleWeb.You can follow Pernille’s work on Blogging Through The Fourth Dimension, her personal blog and a frequent Teach100 top-rated education blog.Pernille’s current research interest is in creating passionate literacy environments within the restriction of our current educational systems to helping students fall in love with literacy again. She uses her own classroom as a laboratory, as well as learns from the many educators she works with across the world.Pernille is now also part of The Author Village, a collective of forward-thinking children’s book authors and educators available for school and library visits, conferences, festivals, panels, and professional development opportunities.  To see her page there, please go here.Direct Link: Episode:  CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLOREWho is Pernille Ripp? And what does she have going on?What are some AHA moments in the transition to living back in Denmark after being the US for a long time?What are differences in education between US and Denmark?What are similarities in education between US and Denmark?Why are we going backwards since COVID?Power of moderation, not thinking in extremes told through lens of the recent reading warsThird edition of her book, Passionate Learners, is about how do we let go in a system that teaches us that control is the best way to manage?Dealing with our own control demonsPower of trustHow do you start off the year co-creating community with students?How is power at the core of classroom about power and positional control?And how you do you this in the daily class, not just a one activity lessonYOUR CHALLENGEShare i

158: Finding Solace In Creating Change With Pernille Ripp

TOPICS WE EXPLOREWho is Jeremy Utley and how did he find his way to education from business work around the globe?Young people need permission to not knowNot asking a young person what they want to be when they growThe Einstellung effect where we cease to search when we think we have a plausible first answer AND how Ideaflow works to push through this issue of thinking.Connection of creativity and an arm splintWe are not practicing what we are saying we are saying in education? How do we do this type of work of Ideaflow and the space for it?What do we mean by creativity?Don't always evaluate. Simple challenge going, "Oh good! and fill in with a response" Start with a gift of good and the try a gift of bad.What if we couldn't do, then what would we do? Repeat this process for your first new idea to work to get past our first idea.Power of framing a prompt or challenge where it is more on the approach vs. the answer."Curiosity can pull you where discipline and willpower would otherwise have to push"YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.What resonated with you?RESOURCE MENTIONED IN SHOWIdeaflow: The Only Business Metric That Matters Blog: jeremyutley.designTwitter: @jeremyutleyStanford's Masters of CreativityLeading Disruptive InnovationLaunchPadAstro Teller who is the head of Google X

157: Ideaflow with Jeremy Utley

TOPICS WE EXPLOREWho is Laura McBain in case you don't already know!How might we best deliver content to young people? AND...How do we bring an asset framework and mindset to our young people and educators?How do we solve the sticky issues that we not yet addressed in our education system?How do we separate the topic of failure from the larger issue in the education system that is so focused in a deficit framed mindset?What happens when a teammate of yours loses their way and fails in front of you? What is our responsiblity when each of us fail?Missed opportunity when we don't have a process to unpack the moments when things don't work.Michael Pryor story of compliant engagement (do as I say, and THEN we can have a great time)Misconception that when we pivot to a new idea means that our previous work is "wrong"Page 63 – Part of the mystery behind failure is this opportunity to surprise yourself. (my favorite line in the book!)If everything is prescriptive, then the magical moments of learning and a strong sense of learning to learn won't happen.Curiosity is what sustains us through moments of failure. YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.What resonated with you?RESOURCE MENTIONED IN SHOWMy Favorite Failure: How Setbacks Can Lead to Learning and Growth d.school profileLaura on TwitterLaura on LinkedIn119: The landscape of questions and listening in education with Laura McBain from d.school https://coffeeforthebrain.com/119/A video Laura provided as we explore Authentic Learning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbvn0KjtNag&feature=emb_title 

156: My Favorite Failure with Laura McBain

In this episode, I speak with John Miller, Founder of Agile Classrooms.John inspires future-makers in creating a culture of vibrant empowerment in their organizations. As a foster kid, John was motivated to learn how some empowered themselves to become victors over their circumstances and others became victims of them. As the Chief Empowerment Officer of Agile Classrooms, he is pioneering Agile in schools to empower teachers and students to thrive in 21st-century learning, life, and work. As the founder of Rightshift Coaching, he helps organizations in their Agile transformations through coaching and training.His work and ideas are not only reinvigorating education but he is also revitalizing ways to engage in Agile transformations through his Agile Resonance Coaching method. He has helped a spectrum of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to at-risk schools, in pivoting their culture to achieve in a fast-changing, competitive world. He holds a Certified Enterprise Coach® certification and is a Certified Professional CoActive Coach, Associate Certified Coach, and a Project Management Professional.When not focused on work, John loves to surf (well, wiping out more than actually surfing), make silly faces with his seven-year-old daughter, volunteers as a life coach for students, co-leads a Nonviolent Communication Group, and makes insanely delicious drinking chocolates. Say hi to him on Twitter @agileschools.TOPICS WE EXPLOREWho is John Miller?What do we mean by "agile" and "SCRUM"?(resources below)Power of the word "permission"What are some ways to get this work to work when change is tough?See, feel, changeFail smallMisconceptions about this workCommunication is a skill that needs to be taughtHow let go of lower level needs to be needed for deeper levels of thinking.YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.What resonated with you?RESOURCE MENTIONED IN SHOWAgile ClassroomsIowa ALN Agile and SCRUM Support

155: Agile Classrooms with John Miller

TOPICS WE EXPLORE  What is a prototype?There a tension between a prototype as a question and a prototype as a statementThe struggle of the muckety muck phase of bringing ideas to life aka "the solution"It is really hard to sit in a room of silence and watch people think.Power of space and time to sit with ideas to marinatePrototyping with focus more on the learning journey vs. final productPerspective changing of seeing materials as valuable resourcesDisservice that when we need/want to be creative we also have to consider "garbage" as material to be able to create.When making a statement to convince someone of the idea vs. actually showing something to someone to ask a question.There is only value to be gained by engaging other people in the work.YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.What resonated with you?RESOURCE MENTIONED IN SHOW Read more about the book here - https://dschool.stanford.edu/book-collections/this-is-a-prototypeHBO's From Earth to the Moon (this is mentioned in the show)These two are from Apollo 13 which are likely stuck in your head too if you've seen that one:https://youtu.be/ry55--J4_VQ  (connection to "one material prompt")https://youtu.be/f6F6MzMT2g8LinkedInMediumMake Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration 

154: This Is A Prototype by Scott Witthoft

In this episode, I am sharing a session I was asked to present at the IASB conference. I have provided both the video and audio versions of this session. The beauty of this session is that we brought in a robust powerhouse of project based learning experts from around the country to help shape the narrative around why this work matters so much.The session description is as follows:Looking for ways to transform learning for your students? Join Pleasant Valley Schools and Mississippi Bend AEA to explore how they innovated to engage students and educators in authentic learning experiences and project-based learning. Attendees will examine real-world scenarios where teachers are weaving content standards, universal constructs and social-emotional competencies together—all while remaining collaborative and providing rigorous and authentic work. Give your students voice and choice, showcase their learning, and understand how this type of work can happen in YOUR classroom.Check out the perspectives and the challenges to enhance learning experiences for all students. The show is on Spotify!Video Versionhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcDoocL9AQITOPICS WE EXPLOREQuick overview of the session and goals06:00 Chris Welch, administration perspective on authentic learning and students owning the learningStudents owning the learning changes the narrative around engagementUniversal Constructs that is so important10:00 rest of introductions and persepctive from Sarah Vice a 6th grade teacherFailure is a giftThe importance of human experienceProcess over product14:24 Steven Smith, NASA perspective8 most dreaded words "When am I ever going to use this?"Our students are going to be part of the space economyFailure is vital lesson we don't learn well19:21 Chris Welch, Administrator on providing context of how instructional design ofHow does civilizations from ancient history survive?What does survival look like present day with All Thirteen book?How do we then work with experts to think about the future that will be "present day" for our students?22:30 Jeff Robin and how to really think about projects from a real perspectiveTeachers need to do the project firstStudents don't want dumpster projectsYou only remember when learning is fun and exciting25:50 Amanda Clark and importance of strong leadershipNeed to provide space for teachers to be creative and to give teachers space to try things out.We need to do more than just teach standardsTeachers need support and love from leaders, community, school boards, etc.27:41 Erin Starkey and her story how pbl brought joy back to her teachingPBL was a lightbulb for Erin because she was passionate and that is contagiousPBL was a gamechanger because she found joy and in students from age of 4 and above29:30 Beth Campbell, librarian perspective on how to build school community to do the workIsolated spaces in schools are gone. PBL brings opportunities to team because together we are betterLibrary should be alive and vibrant wi

153: Expert Panel Authentic Project Based Learning from IASB Conference

In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with Loni Bergqvist. Loni Bergqvist serves as the Founder//Partner at Imagine If. Loni was (and always will be) a teacher. Loni started her career in education teaching at a traditional school in San Diego, California. She became a project-based learning 'convert' when she started attending night school in Leadership at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education. She began to try (with little success) to do projects in her own class. Loni could see very clearly that her students needed real-world projects desperately but would probably never have access to this type of learning.  Loni left her school to teach at High Tech High, knowing one day her mission would be to bring project-based learning to students who needed it the most; the ones who were in traditional schools. Since 2014, Loni has been working with schools around the world to re-imagine education. Her project-based learning expertise has been used in several international initiatives, including REAL-Projects (Innovation Unit, United Kingdom) and LEAPS (Kata Foundation, Denmark).Direct Link: Episode:  CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLOREWho is Loni Bergqvist?How has her experiences in all her roles impacted her insights on education?How can give permission for educators to be at different stages of learning about project based learning just like we expect educators to differentiate for all learners in the classroom?Why is it so difficult to do the project first before teaching it?Prioritizing space and time for educators to be able to learn while on the job.Problem solvers vs. problem identifiersSelf imposed rules and barriersFinal thoughts on pbl not being the goal.YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.What resonated with you?RESOURCE MENTIONED IN SHOWImagine Ifhttps://xptrust.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/loniatimagineif/

152: Loni Bergqvist and the power of PBL

In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with Stephanie Yeldell. Stephanie Yeldell serves as the education integration lead for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. She manages a portfolio of projects and partnerships engaging students and the academic community in NASA’s space technology development and missions, with a focus on supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across the agency.She was awarded the NASA Headquarters Unsung Hero Award for her contributions to NASA STEM engagement in 2020 and previously received two NASA Headquarters group awards for innovation and teamwork. Prior to joining NASA in 2018, Stephanie worked in corporate partnerships at the National Park Foundation as well as development and public programming at the White House Historical Association. Throughout her career, Stephanie has focused on impactful storytelling and public private partnerships. She has a bachelor’s degree in art history from Furman University.CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLOREWho is Stephanie Yeldell?How did Stephanie end up at NASA? What is/was her learning journey?Power of Identity and Language...NASA is for everyoneFirst Woman Graphic Novel and interactive appPower of storyHow to listen and build connetions?How do Stephanie and her team work to identify problems worth solving?What makes her team so great to work with?YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.Share how you are creating a sense of belonging in your spaces.  RESOURCE MENTIONED IN SHOWFirst Woman Graphic NovelNASA Artemis MissionOur current survival NASA project with a session with Stephanie

151: Stephanie Yeldell, Education Integration Lead, Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters

TOPICS WE EXPLOREWho is Susie Wise?Define 'belonging' and 'design for belonging'Belonging is not an "it"Our experience of belonging comes from a series of small subtle cuesHow can we look at ourselves to become better aware of belonging?How can we create a sense of belonging if we don't feel like we belong ourselves?Emotional Journey Map - access with the toolkit on the book websiteParticipation methods beyond the extrovert signalsEverything is designed whether we fully acknowledge it or not. What is the experience that I am trying to create to support the range of thinkers and doers in my environment?Contribution - so powerful so listen, listen, listen to Susie!!!Power of repairDivergenet exitingYOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.Share how you are creating a sense of belonging in your spaces.Buy and read the book!Book WebsiteFollow and learn from SusieTwitterInstagramLinkedInResource mentioned in showGeoggrey Cohen Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides 

150: Susie Wise and Design For Belonging

In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with Kallie Moore. Kallie Moore manages the paleontology collection at the University of Montana and co-host the YouTube channel PBS Eons. She has also consulted for Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park on renovations to the DINOSAUR ride, as well as hosted a livestream for the newly opened Deep Time Hall at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Kallie's debut nonfiction book, Tales of the Prehistoric World: Adventures from the Land of the Dinosaurs, released this fall from Neon Squid books.CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLOREPower of story and throughlines to makes sense of the worldHow did Kallie find her way to being a fossil librarian?How does inquiry and curiosity drive her work?How did her quality teams form and come to fruition?The importance of understanding your audienceProcess of writing the bookYOUR CHALLENGECheck out her website to learn not just more about the book, but her course and neuroscience for change.Buy and read the book!Watch PBS EonsListen with intention and capture your questions and wonderingsProvide space for the provocations that arise from the ideas and share with us for contiued conversationReach out via social media and share your answer to your listening of the episode! What resonated with you? Share with me @aaronmaureredu and KallieBook WebsiteTwitterInstagramLinkedIn   

149: Kallie Moore and Tales of the Prehistoric World

In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with Tammy Watchorn and her latest book and work real truth about understand and creating change. In particular her book, Change Ninja Handbook, places the reader in an interactive approach that will appeal particularly to non-linear thinkers and those who learn best through action and application. It’s pragmatic, focusing on tips for getting people on board and on identifying small, doable ‘ninja moves’ that gain traction and build momentum by stealth.Dr Tammy Watchorn trained as a scientist before moving into the complex landscape of healthcare to lead change.After some slow starts she began to realise that her hard-won accreditation in the process of change leadership was meaningless: the only way to achieve success was to focus on people. By understanding those involved in change as individuals, not ‘stakeholders’, she developed a pragmatic way of making progress by stealth using ‘ninja’ moves. Her own neuro-atypical approach allows her to see things differently, to look at the whole rather than the parts, and to help others to see things differently too. There’s no accreditation or one-size-fits-all process for Change Ninjas but there is now, at least, a handbook.Tammy shares her stories and her approach to leading change widely on social media and in national media and industry publications. She’s also a regular keynote at conferences.CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLOREWho is Tammy Watchorn?Based on neuroscience has change been harder than ever before despire the opportunity to pivot with COVIDDifference between define our why vs. identifying problem to solveCase study example: synced medical recordsHow to handle difficult conversations - separating emotions from thinkingInvisible rules or systems that stagnate changeDifference between communication and engagementYOUR CHALLENGECheck out her website to learn not just more about the book, but her course and neuroscience for change.Buy and read the book!Listen with intention and capture your questions and wonderingsProvide space for the provocations that arise from the ideas and share with us for contiued conversationReach out via social media and share your answer to your listening of the episode! What resonated with you? Share with me @aaronmaureredu and Tammy @tamwatchornwww.tammy.watchorn.comwww.change-ninja.comwww.qube.ccTammy Watchorn | LinkedIn 

148: The Change Ninja Handbook by Tammy Watchorn

TOPICS WE EXPLOREWho is Jessica Vance?How can we consider what is happening in our practice and connect with others?The issue of disconnect that happens between leaders and staff.How do we recalibrate our brain to support the work we know is best for kidsThe difficulty of letting go and truly listen to where to go next.The power of community and not going alone in the ambiguity of inquiry.Inquiry can be profound in moments of quiet, pause, and reflection.Set an intention to listen, notice, and observe. Be present.How do we begin with inquiry?How can we be intentional with listening? What is something I am working on or challenged by?What do your actions say about your values?I notice that some of you are sharing.....I notice that some of you have noticed......What are your learners telling you?Jessica on InstagramJessica on TwitterYOUR CHALLENGECheck out the Leading With Inquiry websiteBuy and read the book!Listen with intention when we ask questions of our learnersProvide space for the provocations that arise from the questionsReach out via social media and share your answer to your listening of the episode! What resonated with you? Share with me @aaronmaureredu and Jessica @jess_vanceEDU

147: Leading With A Lens Of Inquiry Conversation With Jessica Vance

In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with two of the most wonderful people I know, Robyn Hrivnatz from Microsoft and Scott Bricker, a Director of Educational Technology & Innovation for district in California. This conversation was part of the Microsoft  EDU Live. Join @RobynHrivnatz and @ScottBrickerEDU as our friend Aaron Maurer joins #USMicrosoftEDULive to talk about how building community can transform your approach to learning. An author and host of the successful blog & podcast, "Coffee for the Brain," Aaron will also share about his current project with NASA and how you and your school can get involved. Join at https://aka.ms/usmicrosoftedulive #MicrosoftEDU #MIEExpertPermission was granted to share the conversation via my podcast. The original conversation was hosted September 13th at 5 PM PacificCHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLOREIt's time to step up and rethink how things should be in educationHow do we keep the nimbleness and innovation of COVID and continue to drive forward?Importance of community and not doing work alonePower of sharing our giftsOur communities of learning or communities we live in need to have various voices and embrace all peopleWhy do people think it is easier to do things outside the box when we associate this type of learning with STEM?VIDEO VERSIONhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpFmS7_HAG8

146: How can building community transform your approach to learning?

In this episode, Aaron Maurer (Coffee For The Brain, Smart Robotics with LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor), Beth Campbell (teacher-librarian, Forest Grove Elementary), and Sarah Vice (6th grade educator, Forest Grove Elementary) discussion how education is hard. Rebalancing our mindset and learning space can be even harder when so much is swirling in the realms of chaos. Let's take a breath and explore how a year of pushing our growth edges in authentic learning and project based learning transformed learning for students and educators. Come discover what happens when we give ourselves permission to draw on our courage to navigate ambiguity!  Beth CampbellBeth Campbell is currently the teacher librarian at Forest Grove Elementary School in Bettendorf, IA and an adjunct professor at the University of Iowa in the Library and Information Science Department.  During her lengthy career in education, she has advocated for the school experience to be relevant, authentic and meaningful,  while also elevating opportunities for student voice.Her  innovative work with students’ podcasting can be found on iTunes, Voiced.Ca and other hosting platforms. She co-designed the instructional frame of Design.Drive.Do with Sarah Vice.  She has co-authored an article on Student Voice with Allison Zmuda, which was published in School Library Connection.  Creating a #CultureOfReaders has been at the foundation of her work in and out of the library.  Sarah ViceSarah Vice has taught a plethora of grade levels and is currently a sixth grade teacher at Forest Grove Elementary School in Bettendorf, IA.  She has a Masters’ Degree in Educational Administration. She has helped open two elementary buildings within the Pleasant Valley School District.  As a National Geography certified educator, she shares her leadership and vision with others as the district’s grade level lead teacher.  Sarah also co-designed the instructional framework of Design.Drive.Do with Beth Campbell to help equip teachers and students. She believes in being courageous, taking risks and being an advocate for her students to empower them  to see the possibilities all around them.Permission was granted to share the conversation via my podcast. The original conversation was hosted July 6th, 2022 by What Schools Could BeCHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLOREWeaving all the learning togetherGrappling with thick questionsHow do we layer this learning and type of learning space of student ownership within the classroom?Learning how to have an organic conversations with adults vs. reading from a script is one of the most valuable life skills.How do you deal with students who are rather shy and quiet?Power of expertsFocus on undoing the school part of the thinking students have that limit their boundaries of new thoughtJust be a normal human being. You can't script everything.Most Likely To SucceedYOUR CHALLENGEExplore the classroom project from this pas

145: Crafting Authentic Learning Experiences Through PBL

In this episode, Aaron Maurer (Coffee For The Brain, Smart Robotics with LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor), Beth Campbell (teacher-librarian, Forest Grove Elementary), and Sarah Vice (6th grade educator, Forest Grove Elementary) share many ideas to enhance authentic learning for students. This is not a list of apps or tools, but examples of teachers who have crafted quality projects, authentic learning opportunities, and the space to learn deeply to take learning to the next level by empowering students to take the driver seat in learning.This conversation was first published by Comic Con  in January of 2022, but was recorded prior while in the middle of what would soon become this  powerful classroom project that you can find here Permission was granted to share the conversation via my podcastCHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLOREWhat does it actually mean for authentic learning experiences where students own their learning journey?Prioritize the need to create the culture before layering anything else into the learningHow does a teacher weave all the content into a cohesive story/throughlineCo-learners and co-teachers need to be co-responsible for learning and teaching in the culture of the classroomIs your space a playground or playpen(Marina Bers)?Celebrate the good, the mistakes, the moments in the process, permission to resetYOUR CHALLENGEExplore the classroom project from this past school yearIf interested in learning how to do this work or possibly join this project this year, then head hereLeave a comment and let’s engage in conversation around the ideas shared, what further questions you have, or what you want to know more about for your own learning journey.VIDEO VERSIONhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2ZmY2gRMiU 

144: THE JOY OF OWNING ONE’S OWN LEARNING JOURNEY THROUGH AUTHENTIC LEARNING EXPERIENCES

In this episode, I speak with Steven C. Smith is the Education Specialist for NASA’s Educator Professional Development Collaborative at the Johnson Space Center. Steven helps to develop, package, and deliver professional development and STEM Engagement opportunities that translate the work and discoveries of NASA for use in the classroom. His work allows students to participate directly in NASA’s missions, and helps teachers make content more accessible for all their students. Steven has the great privilege of working with educators all over the country, helping them create culturally responsive lessons that will engage students that have previously felt left out of the amazing work NASA is doing.He holds degrees from the University of Washington, Brigham Young University, Georgia College and State University, and Middle Georgia State University. Prior to his work with NASA, Steven spent 20 years in K-12 education coaching educators and teaching special education, regular education, honors, and AP students in Georgia, Washington State, and New Jersey.This was recorded back in February of 2022 after completing a powerful classroom project that you can find hereCHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Exponential growth of technology and the change that comes with it are happening in space also2. Technology and innovative discoveries for space can have huge benefits for us on Earth3. Learning the importance of failure and ideas not working4. What is NASA looking for when hiring or working for them to design solutions?5. Failure is where growth livesYOUR CHALLENGEExplore the classroom project from this past school yearFollow the Artemis Project on NASANASA Artemis Project NASA SpinoffNASA First Woman Graphic NovelLeave a comment and let’s engage in conversationVIDEO VERSIONNo video provided for this session

143: Power of understanding growth and change with Steven Smith

In this episode, I speak with Jeff Robin, a former art teacher at High Tech High and one of the original founders of the campus. Jeff has a long career of doing what is needed most for education and not being afraid to disrupt the system that does not work. It is a complete honor to have a chance to talk with him for an hour to learn more about the keys to learning and education. This is my second time having him on the show. This was recorded back in April of 2022 after we connected in person at the Deeper Learning Conference at High Tech High.Direct Link: Episode:CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Do the project first as the educaor2. Document everything in the process3. Everything is about communication4. Screw test scores…. They just show how successful teachers were to get everyone to think alike.5. IF you don’t see work up in the school and hallways, then we know real work is not being done. If things are not hanging up, then it means there are not things being done worth hanging up.6. Do the project firstAnd so much more that you will have to listen to.YOUR CHALLENGEListen to previous conversation from 202 - 081: Jeff Robin & Why You Need To Do The Work https://coffeeforthebrain.com/081/Website: http://www.jeffrobin.com/ AND read the books listed on his site!Changing the Subject book websiteLeave a comment and let's engage in conversationVIDEO VERSIONIf you would rather watch the video version, then you can access that version here 

142: Changing The Subject: Twenty Years of Projects at High Tech High with Jeff Robin

Topics We Explore1:20 - Who is Jacqueline Russell2:00 - Exploring MakeCode4:30 - micro:bit update to hardware coming November5:00 - Using micro:bit in remote environments8:30 - What is difference between micro:bit and Raspberry Pi and Arduino?11:47 - Going through the updates of new micro:bit18:45 - How to access block coding, Javascript, and Python19:30 - More features of the micro:bit28:30 - Using the micro:bit simulator for remote and hybrid teaching31:30 - Connecting micro:bit with arcade shield to use as game cartridgeYour challengeComplete the Learning Pathway – https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/stem-cs-makerspace/the-new-microbit

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