In this episode, I chat with Sue Thotz, the Director of Outreach for Common Sense Education and co-founder of Equity in Action California. We discuss resources and strategies educators, parents, and families can lean on to help guide young people in navigating the complexities of living in an age of social media, artificial intelligence, and 24/7 connectivity in a healthy way that aligns with their values. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Dawn of the AI Era:Teens Parents, and the Adoptio...
Nov 12, 2024•51 min•Ep. 98
In this episode of Ask Catlin, I’m diving into your questions about AI in the classroom! From practical ways to use AI with students to strategies for fostering critical thinking and balancing AI use, I’ll cover it all. I also tackle the tricky issue of AI-generated student work and share how AI can support special needs students and English language learners. And as a bonus, I dish on my most—and least—favorite Thanksgiving foods!
Nov 05, 2024•22 min•Ep. 97
In this mini-episode, I explore strategies for designing effective block periods. Transitioning from a traditional 6- or 7-period day to longer blocks can feel overwhelming, but with intentional planning and the use of content blocks, you can create dynamic, engaging lessons. Learn how to balance direct instruction with student-led activities, mix individual and collaborative tasks, and keep students engaged throughout the entire block. To read more about this, you can check out my blog on this ...
Oct 29, 2024•20 min•Ep. 96
In this episode, I chat with Colton Monti, the principal at Selah High School, about his leadership journey. Colton shares how he has cultivated a school culture that encourages teachers to embrace lifelong learning and adapt to change. We discuss the strategies he uses to support educators in shifting their instructional practices, putting students to the center of the learning experience, and infusing joy into this work.
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 95
In this episode, I’m answering all your questions about choice boards! Wondering how many options to offer or how to differentiate effectively? I’ve got you covered. Plus, I share a ridiculous Halloween memory involving me, a golf cart, and a wild chase—while dressed as the Wicked Witch of the West.
Oct 15, 2024•18 min•Ep. 94
In this mini-episode, I share five tips teachers can use to design tasks and assignments that are AI-resistant. These tips seek to capitalize on some of the limitations of AI right now. Designing AI-resistant tasks isn’t about avoiding technology; rather, it’s about designing assignments that challenge students to think critically, collaborate meaningfully, and demonstrate their unique understanding in ways AI simply can’t replicate. If you want to read or share the blog on this topic, you can a...
Oct 08, 2024•16 min•Ep. 93
In this special episode, I share my audio diaries, reflecting on daily experiences and insights from working with schools in Cairo and Ghana.
Oct 02, 2024•27 min•Ep. 92
In this episode, I chat with Toni Rose Deanon about their journey as an educator and the transition from traditional, teacher-led lessons to a more student-driven, self-paced learning model with the Modern Classroom Project. We explore our shared work supporting teachers, the ways fear can stifle innovation, the limitations of conventional teaching methods, and how to design classrooms that foster deeper human connection.
Sep 24, 2024•55 min•Ep. 91
In this mini-episode, I explore the questions: Why don’t we trust our students? What is it that we really fear? As someone who regularly works with teachers on topics like blended learning, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and student-led learning, one recurring theme I encounter is control. Educators have a lot of fears about releasing control and allowing students to take more ownership and responsibility for their learning. To read my blog on this topic, click here ....
Sep 17, 2024•14 min•Ep. 90
In this episode, I chat with Jose Gonzolas, the Chief Technology Officer for the Los Angeles County Office of Education. He was recently named one of the top 100 influencers in education. We chat about data visualization, artificial intelligence, and supporting student and teacher success with technology. You can connect with Jose on X @JRGonzalezSELA
Sep 10, 2024•39 min•Ep. 89
In this episode, Noelle and I discuss five strategies designed to maximize co-teaching using the Station Rotation Model. As schools focus on creating inclusive classrooms and least restrictive learning environments, co-teaching offers an exciting pathway to meet all learners' needs in the classroom. To read more about these strategies and see examples of each, check out this blog post.
Sep 05, 2024•22 min•Ep. 88
In this mini-episode, I share my journey to the TEDx stage and provide a sneak peek into my talk. You can watch Education Reimagined: Student-led Learning on YouTube , download the free interactive workbook on my website , and dive into my self-paced course that extends on the ideas presented in my talk on Teachable !...
Aug 27, 2024•20 min•Ep. 87
In this mini-episode, I explain why I've never liked the term "classroom management" and prefer to focus on building a strong classroom culture and partnering with students to establish class agreements and a clear path of consequences.
Aug 21, 2024•18 min•Ep. 86
In this episode, I chat with Avery Pan, an education enthusiast, former writing tutor, and cofounder of Class Companion – an AI platform, designed in partnership with teachers. Class Companion provides instant coaching and feedback for students in a way that teachers can control.
Aug 13, 2024•36 min•Ep. 85
In this mini-episode, I delve into the reciprocal teaching strategy, highlighting its power to foster critical thinking and deep engagement with media among students. I walk you through the strategy step-by-step and offer practical tips on how to onboard your students effectively. Episode Resource Blog - Reciprocal Teaching with Multimedia Resource - Reciprocal Teaching Strategy Template with Roles Explained...
Aug 06, 2024•19 min•Ep. 84
In this episode, I chat with Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh about their new book Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners . We clarify what personalized learning is and talk about how data, using technology strategically, and focusing on human connection and relationships are key. Eric and Nicki share their experiences and advice about how to build a culture that supports this shift. You can connect with Eric on X @E_Sheninger and Nicki @nickiatquest ....
Jul 23, 2024•53 min•Ep. 83
In this mini-episode, Dr. Katie Novak tells us all about her new podcast, The Education Table . She shares her inspiration, describes the microformat, and discusses a few of the topics she has already covered!
Jul 16, 2024•20 min•Ep. 82
In this mini-episode, I dispell some of the misconceptions about what blended learning is and is not. I highlight the benefits of this combination for positioning students to become active agents in the learning experience while freeing teachers to more effectively meet the diverse needs of students in their classes.
Jul 09, 2024•14 min•Ep. 81
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Randy Laist, Dr. Cynthia Murphy, and Dr. Nicole Brewer about their book Rethinking Writing Instruction in the Age of AI . Discover how the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) form the bedrock of their innovative strategies, aimed at empowering students to discover and amplify their individual voices as writers. Want to connect with Dr. Randy Laist? rlaist@bridgeport.edu...
Jul 02, 2024•52 min•Ep. 80
In this Ask Catlin episode, Catlin and Noelle answer your questions about differentiation and what it looks like to differentiate content, process, and products. Plus, you'll find out what song Catlin says is currently reflecting her frame of mind.
Jun 25, 2024•27 min•Ep. 79
Choice boards are a fantastic tool for honoring learner variability and providing students with meaningful choices. Not every student enjoys the same task, so giving them options is critical to maximizing their motivation and focus in a lesson. Choice boards allow us to honor our students’ preferences, needs, and interests, making their learning experience more engaging and effective. Additional Resources Blog Post: Designing a Standards-aligned Choice Board (with AI) Google Doc: BlendEDU: Activ...
Jun 18, 2024•11 min•Ep. 78
In this episode, I chat with Alexis Wiggins, 20-year teacher and author of, The Best Class You Never Taught: How Spider Web Discussion Can Turn Students into Learning Leaders . Alexis explains the purpose, process, and incredible outcomes of using the spider web discussion to engage students in collaborative inquiry and meaning-making. You can connect with Alexis on X at https://twitter.com/alexiswiggins...
Jun 11, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 77
In this Ask Catlin episode, Catlin and Noelle answer your questions about grading practices and how to make grading more manageable.
Jun 04, 2024•24 min•Ep. 76
In this episode, I share three reasons teachers should consider using the playlist model to provide students with more control over the pace and path of their learning. https://catlintucker.com/2024/03/3-reasons-playlist-model/
May 28, 2024•16 min•Ep. 75
In this episode, I talk with Angela Watson about her most recent work integrating AI into her 40-Hour Work Week Course for teachers interested in leveraging AI to create more work-life balance. Angela also shares a new project called Finding Flow Solutions that is designed to help students be more effective and self-aware learners. You can check out more of Angela's work on her website and podcast https://truthforteachers.com . Additional Episode Resources Finding Flow - High School Unit Finding...
May 21, 2024•41 min•Ep. 74
In this Ask Catlin episode, Catlin answers your questions about assessment.
May 14, 2024•28 min•Ep. 73
In this mini-episode, I explore the role of pre-assessment data in designing with a high-level of intention. Incorporating pre-assessment strategies isn't just about collecting data; it’s about creating a responsive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
May 08, 2024•12 min•Ep. 72
In this episode, I chat with Ben and Jenn about their new book, Eduprotocol Field Guide: Elementary Edition . We explore how these lesson frames empower young learners to build confidence and skills, while also providing educators with strategies to achieve balance in their professional lives....
Apr 30, 2024•52 min•Ep. 71
In this Ask Catlin episode, I answer your questions about the playlist model. So, if you have ever wondered how a playlist is different from a choice board, how long students should work on a playlist, or how to track student progress through a playlist if they are self-pacing, this episode is for you! And find out what Taylor Swift album Catlin would choose to listen to as we transition from spring to summer! Want to read more about this blended learning model? Here is my collection of blogs ab...
Apr 24, 2024•13 min•Ep. 70
In this mini-episode, I share some exciting professional and personal updates and describe a simple yet effective strategy for keeping students on-task during a station rotation lesson. Instead of assigning a "deliverable" at every station that teachers feel they need to grade, let's explore a checklist that asks students to reflect on their work at each station. Not only does it help students stay focused, but it provides valuable formative assessment data!
Apr 16, 2024•12 min•Ep. 69
