Podcast Archives - Page 10 of 25

Nov 15 2021

Dwayne Reed on the importance of STEM in education

Dwayne Reed on the Power of STEM Education

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast 2 Comments

Last week, I had the honor of interviewing Dwayne Reed (aka Mr. Reed) about the importance of STEM education. In this interview, he shared big ideas about the purpose of STEM – including 3M Science at Home – but also specific practical strategies and first…

Oct 21 2021

Ask the Teachers

By John Spencer Podcast, Teacher Life No Comments

Roy Kent gets it. There's a scene in the last episode of this season's Ted Lasso where the team's game plan doesn't seem to be working. The coaches huddle together in Ted's office and debate whether they should stick with the plan or try something…

Oct 11 2021

9 Teacher-Tested Ways to Build Student Ownership into Informational Reading

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast One Comment

When we think of choice-based reading, we often imagine silent reading with novels. However, we can take a student-centered, choice-based approach to non-fiction as well. In this article, we explore nine different areas of student empowerment within informational text reading. Listen to the Podcast If…

Oct 04 2021

Empower symbol with fist and lightning bolts

You Don’t Have to Be a Martyr to Do Student-Centered Learning

By John Spencer Creativity, Empowering Students, Podcast, Teacher Life 4 Comments

It's been quite a year so far in American education. Between school board battles over Critical Race Theory to protests over mask mandates, we are seeing significant social strife playing out in the context of our schools. We're also seeing school staff shortages, leading to…

Sep 27 2021

Dr. Sarah McAnulty smiles while holding a beaker with a squid inside

Dr. Sarah McAnulty on How Classrooms Can Connect with Scientists

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast No Comments

It's important that students get a chance to chase their curiosity and connect with experts in the field. This can help inspire possibilities for all students. In my latest podcast episode, I interviewed Dr. Sarah McAnulty about what she's doing to help connect classrooms to…

Sep 20 2021

Direct Instruction Is Still Necessary in a PBL Classroom

By John Spencer Podcast, Project-Based Learning 3 Comments

Early on in my project-based learning journey, I made a vow to go 100% project-based. My students would learn everything through exploration and discovery. I would remain the guide on the side observing the process and helping out only when necessary. After leading students through…

Sep 14 2021

Dr. Kristen Mattson on Redefining Digital Ethics and Digital Citizenship

By John Spencer Distance Learning, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy No Comments

In this podcast interview Dr. Kristen Mattson shares a bold vision for how we define digital citizenship and digital ethics. She also provides practical strategies that teachers can use in the classroom and integrate into their curriculum. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this…

Sep 07 2021

Boy thinking with a thought bubble and a question mark

How to Use Strategic Confusion for Deeper Learning

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast 11 Comments

For the last three weeks, I have been planning out this semester's courses. I am teaching eight courses ranging from fully in-person to fully virtual but synchronous (using Zoom) to fully asynchronous and online with a combined hybrid approach mixed in. My goal is to…

Aug 22 2021

10 Creative Risks to Take With Your Students This Year

By John Spencer Innovation, Mindsets, Podcast 2 Comments

We aren't sure what this year will look like. With the spike in Covid cases, it might involve more hybrid or virtual learning. Or it might be more of a "return to normal." But regardless of the situation, we do know that teachers will continue…

Aug 18 2021

What Ted Lasso (And These Three Other TV Shows) Taught Me About Being an Educator

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Teacher Life 2 Comments

I never cry while watching a drama. I can feel all the feels of a serious motion picture but it will never move me to tears. This isn't a hyper-macho "dudes don't cry thing." I'm a pretty sensitive guy. It's just a reality of my…