A podcast about big ideas in education. Tune in to listen and think, then respond on Instagram @_dankearney_ and Bluesky @dankearney
In which Dan talks with six teachers from American School in Japan, where they've done lots of thinking and experimenting with online learning. Teachers from across the K-12 school discuss the adjustment to digital, social-emotional support for their students, and what advice they'd give American schools now thinking about the move to online. As always we welcome comments and questions on Twitter @BigIdeaEd
In which Dan talks with Jesse Stommel of University of Mary Washington in Virginia, and someone who has done a ton of thinking about the intersection of pedagogy, purpose, equity, and life online. They talk about the role of schools during the coronavirus crisis, the ‘pivot’ to online learning, ungrading, and the best line from the greatest Fleetwood Mac cover song. Contact us on Twitter @BigIdeaEd with comments and questions.
In which Dan investigates the impact of the coronavirus on learning and explores the possibilities of online learning. First he interviews a teacher from Seattle who's going through the uncertainty of a school closure (2:40) before talking about online learning around the country with a reporter from EdSurge (21:50). Finally, he speaks with two teachers who have some great advice for teachers and administrators about online learning (36:15). As always, we welcome comments and questions on Twitte...
In which Dan wants you to know all about the Human Restoration Project, a grass-roots progressive education organization. After a brief description of the organization, Dan talks with Nick Covington, one of its leaders, about learning, grades, the 'evidence-based movement', and fatherhood. As always, we welcome comments and questions on Twitter @BigIdeaEd
In which Dan discusses crucial issues facing math education with Stanford University professor Dr. Jo Boaler, author of 'Limitless Mind'. They talk growth mindset, math's obsession with testing, the overabundance of content in most school courses, and the role of colleges and universities in addressing these problems. As always, we welcome comments and questions on Twitter @BigIdeaEd
In which Dan interviews John Warner, author of Why They Can't Write: Killing the Five Paragraph Essay and Other Necessities. Dan and John talk about student choice, the purpose of writing in schools, the often surface-level assignments given in schools today, and the writer inside every student and teacher. As always comments and questions are welcome on Twitter @BigIdeaEd
In which Dan spends an afternoon at Design39Campus in San Diego to find how they're doing education differently. Dan explores the campus, talks to teachers and students, and discovers an impressive amount of flexibility, teacher and student autonomy, and community buy-in. As always, comments and questions are welcome on Twitter @BigIdeaEd.
In which Dan interviews Sara Gilliam, co-author of the new edition of 'Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls'. Dan and Sara discuss the differences between adolescent girls in the 90s and now (5:15), over scheduling (14:00), how girls view school (23:30), and the effects of school shootings on teen girls (30:00). As always, we welcome comments and questions on Twitter @BigIdeaEd. Music today from Valencia Bey via Tribe of Noise.
In which Dan discusses the social and emotional well-being of our students with two school psychologists. We start off with a discussion about student sleep (or lack thereof) before moving on to academic pressure on the modern student. We also talk the difficulties of parenting in this high-pressure world, vulnerable students, and tell a few stories about our own kids. As always, we welcome comments and questions on Twitter @BigIdeaEd
In which Dan examines the place of civics education in a democracy and the state of civics ed in America today. First he's joined by Emily Cardinali, who reported for NPR last year, to talk about what we mean by 'civics' and where civics in American classrooms stands today (3:50). Then he speaks with Joel Westheimer, researcher and professor at the University of Ottawa, to talk about why civics is so vital in a democratic society (20:00). Comments and questions are welcome on Twitter @BigIdeaEd...
In which Dan interviews Julie Stern, one of America's foremost experts and advocates of concept-based teaching and learning. They discuss how Julie got into this (2:15), education's obsession with topics (6:55), how a concept focus leads to deeper learning (9:30), the importance of being open and transparent with students (14:30), the pace of learning (18:30), and the nature of assessment (23:10). As always, we welcome comments and questions on Twitter @BigIdeaEd
In which Dan explores concept-based education and how it can drive deeper learning and critical thinking in the classroom and beyond. Relying on the work of Lynn Erickson and Julie Stern, Dan breaks down what we mean by 'concept-based' learning (2:10) and how it's different from the more common topical approach found in schools. Then Dan interviews Trevor Aleo, an English teacher making concept-based teaching and learning a reality in his high school English class (7:30). As always we welcome co...
In which Dan discusses gun violence--and the fear of it--in American schools today. After an overview of the stats and the recent increased spending to stop guns in schools (2:15), Dan weighs in on the idea to arm teachers in the classroom (6:50). Then he's joined by three high school students who have done some serious thinking and taken action on guns in schools (8:30). As always we welcome comments and questions on Twitter @BigIdeaEd
In which Dan explores the value and limitation of bringing more education research into the classroom. Can evidence-based practices elevate education, and if so, how much? Dan breaks down what we mean by evidence and discusses some arguments for and against more evidence-based teaching (0:55). Then he's joined by Zach Groshell, a teacher in Nanjing and Ph.D student to discuss this topic (8:05). As always, we welcome comments, insights, and questions on Twitter @BigIdeaEd
In which Dan discusses the potential of using digital portfolios as a meaningful, holistic measure of student success and a more accurate guide in college admissions. Dan talks about the recent Varsity Blues scandal (1:00), what we mean when we say 'digital portfolio' (3:55), and then speaks with educators from Animas High School in Colorado about their experience with portfolios (8:30). We welcome comments and questions on Twitter @BigIdeaEd
In which Dan discusses what it means to teach the Holocaust in 2019. Given the recent behavior by a group of high school students in Newport, California, now is a great time to reconsider how the Holocaust is taught and why we even do it in the first place. Dan talks about that incident in Newport (1:10), some bizarre Holocaust education stuff from the Middle East (2:50), and research about teaching the Holocaust (5:45). Then, he's joined by two teachers doing some innovative Holocaust education...
In which Dan spends 15 minutes discussing the wonders of interdisciplinary learning. Do you really understand the term? Have you tried it out and missed the mark? Dan talks about the why (6:30) and the how (10:30) of helping students connect subjects and see the world for the complex place that it is. Leave feedback on the show on Twitter: @BigIdeaEd Comments, personal experience, complaints, and questions are always welcome.
