#EdChat Radio

BAM Radio Network -The Twitterati Channel•www.bamradionetwork.com

Once a week Highlights and amplifications from the Twitter discussion of the week on #EdChat. Hosted By Tom Whitby and Nancy Blair and members of the EdChat team of moderators including MaryBeth Hertz, Kyle Pace, Jerry Blumengarten, Jerry Swiatek, Steven Anderson, Shelly Terrell, and Bernadeth Wall in the UK.

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Episodes

Is the End of Standardized Testing Finally In Sight? Probably Not, But…

This conversation explores the evolution and implications of standardized testing in education, highlighting concerns about its effectiveness in measuring 21st century skills and the impact of government policies on educational standards. The speakers discuss the need for reform in assessment methods and the importance of preparing students for future challenges through collaborative learning and digital literacy @markwestonphd.bsky.social @lincoln1809.bsky.social Harvey Alvy served as a practic...

Apr 25, 2025•14 min

Student Absenteeism: How Can We Increase Attendance?

The conversation discusses the increase in student absenteeism during the pandemic and its impact on teachers and teaching. It explores the reasons behind the absenteeism, such as the optional nature of school, emotional issues, and anxiety. The conversation also highlights the inability of the education system to address big issues and the fractured relationships among stakeholders. Possible solutions mentioned include improving communication with parents, offering tutoring and SEL support, and...

Oct 12, 2024•11 min

The Cell Phone Dilemma in Schools: To Ban or Not to Ban

We discuss the implications of cell phone usage in schools, exploring the evolution of technology in education, the debate surrounding cell phone bans, and the importance of engagement and responsibility in learning. We emphasize the need for teacher professionalism and trust and the necessity of addressing real-world issues rather than resorting to bans. The conversation highlights the importance of preparing students for a future where they must navigate technology responsibly. Follow on Twitt...

Oct 01, 2024•11 min

Moving Toward Self-Directed Teacher Professional Development

This week, we search for a better professional development model in education. We begin by examining the outdated approaches and underscore the importance of respecting self-directed and active learning. The conversation emphasizes the need to capture the wisdom of teachers and provide them with choices in their professional development. It also highlights the challenges of implementing change and the role of coaches in supporting teachers. The use of technology, such as video recordings and asy...

Aug 30, 2024•12 min

The Value of Instructional Coaches in Supporting Teachers

Instructional coaches can play a crucial role in supporting teachers, particularly in implementing new strategies or technologies in the classroom. This episode highlights the importance of coaches being dedicated staff members who work solely with teachers, not students. The discussion acknowledged that while this model may require significant investment, it could lead to more effective professional development than traditional methods. It is emphasized that the success of instructional coaches...

Aug 20, 2024•10 min

Staying Ahead of Gen AI in the Classroom As the Technology Moves From Theory to Practice

The conversation explores how generative artificial intelligence is moving from theory to practical application in classrooms. It highlights the initial resistance to AI tools like ChatGPT in schools, including fears of academic dishonesty and challenges of policy adaptation. However, the discourse has evolved to recognize AI’s potential for enhancing personalized learning and providing opportunities for both teachers and students to learn collaboratively. The discussion also touches on the impo...

Aug 16, 2024•13 min

Making Schools Safe As Gun Violence and Mental Health Issues Rise

Today’s discussion centers on safety practices in the U.S. and New Zealand, touching on various methods like armed guards, metal detectors, and inclusive policies. We explored differences in safety perceptions, physical and psychological while highlighting the importance of feeling safe as a component of overall security. Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Lisa Harwood is an intermediate school teacher based in New Zealand. She teaches Year 8 (Grade 7) as a homeroom class, teaching all ...

Aug 16, 2024•8 min

How Can K12 Teachers Help Students Prepare for Careers That Bypass Traditional College?

College costs continue to rise, driving many families and students into decades of debt. Meanwhile, new career opportunities that pay well and don’t require a college degree are emerging. How can teachers help students explore future-ready careers beyond traditional college? Follow on Twitter: @TechKnowMath@danacoledares @tomwhitby @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Susan Carriker is a retired mathematics educator with 36 years of experience in secondary ...

Aug 16, 2024•14 min

Is Public Education Entering A Wild, Wild West Period?

Public education is in a state of flux that some see as a wild, wild west moment rich with possibilities and potential peril. This week, discuss the changes educators see on the horizon and how they are preparing to respond. Follow on Twitter: @TheThinkingProj @danacoledares @tomwhitby @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd. Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Rachel Pickett strives to work with teachers, colleagues, students and herself to build classrooms where diverse perspectives are valued...

Aug 16, 2024•13 min

Sustaining High Student Curiosity Beyond the Early Grade Levels: What Works?

Why does student curiosity decline as students progress through higher grade levels? How can we sustain students’ desire to learn as they grow older? We explore the range of potential reasons, from peer pressure to narrow interest and share strategies we’ve found most effective at keeping the desire to learn burning intensely. Follow on Twitter: @TechKnowMath@danacoledares @tomwhitby @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Susan Carriker is a retired mathemati...

Aug 16, 2024•14 min

Protecting Students While Ensuring Access to Diverse Books: How We Can Do Both

As the practice of book banning in schools gains momentum, we discuss how we can honor parents’ concerns while ensuring students can access diverse literature. One solution offered is relying more on certified school librarians who have specialized expertise in this area. Follow on Twitter: @PreK33@danacoledares @tomwhitby @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd. Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Kris Jenkins is an early childhood educator with over 40 years of experience teaching our youngest...

Aug 16, 2024•12 min

Using Teachable Moments to Connect Students With the World

This week we talk about “teachable moments” when teachers stop the usual lessons to talk about things happening in the world that matter to students. The conversation shows how important these moments are for making students feel like they’re part of their community and the bigger world. But it also looks at the tough parts, like figuring out what’s okay to talk about in class and how to deal with wrong information on social media. Follow on Twitter: @TheThinkingProj @HarveyAlvy1 @danacoledares ...

Aug 16, 2024•14 min

How Can We Make Teacher Observations More Meaningful and Useful?

Teacher observations can be beneficial and helpful, or intimidating and counterproductive. How can we make these experiences more meaningful and effective? Follow on Twitter: @tomwhitby @ShiftParadigm @HarveyAlvy1 @danacoledares @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Harvey Alvy served as a practicing principal for 14 years in both elementary and secondary schools. Harvey’s international school leadership experiences ranged from New Delhi, to Israel, and Sing...

Aug 16, 2024•13 min

Strategies for Getting the Most Out of Education Conferences

Education conference season has started. In this episode, we look at conferences and explore ways to get the most out of attending them. Follow on Twitter: @tomwhitby @HarveyAlvy1 @danacoledares @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Harvey Alvy served as a practicing principal for 14 years in both elementary and secondary schools. Harvey’s international school leadership experiences ranged from New Delhi, to Israel, and Singapore. He was selected as a NAESP ...

Feb 15, 2024•14 min

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