Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works

By Gene TavernettiEducation How To

Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works episodes

November 27, 2024Adopting the Science of Learning Principles as a Central Focus with Lynn Gaffney
In this episode, host Gene Tavernetti interviews Lynn Gaffney, the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction at Watertown City School District. They discuss strategies for improving test scores, the science of learning, and the importance of instructional practices. Lynn Gaffney discusses the adoption of Science of Learning principles as a central focus for an entire district, aiming to enhance educational outcomes across the board.
Books mentioned in episode:
Jade Pearce: What Every Teacher Needs to Know: How to Embed Evidence Informed Teaching and Learning in Your School
Patrice Bain: Powerful Teaching
Karin Chenoweth: Schools That Succeed
Gene Tavernetti: Teach FAST: Focused Adapatable Structured Teaching
Gene TavernettI: Maximizing the Impact of Coaching Cycles

Programs mentioned:
Spring Math - Amanda VanDerheyden
University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) Foundations - Holly Lane
Effective Teaching - APL Associates Jean Anastacio and David Perry
The Reading League (Syracuse, NY Chapter)
(00:00) - Lynn Gaffney
(34:39) - Lynn has a question for Gene

This podcast sponsored by:
The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.
39 min
November 20, 2024The Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Our Children with Dr. Frank Rodriguez
In this episode, host Gene Tavernetti sits down with Dr. Frank Rodriguez to discuss his extensive experience in the education sector and his focus on parent education. They delve into the nuances of post-pandemic education, the challenges faced by students and educators, and the importance of integrating technology intelligently in classrooms and at home. The conversation also highlights the development of parent education modules aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of screen time on children's development. Contact Dr. Rodriguez here.
00:00 Introduction
00:38 Guest Introduction
03:14 Pandemic Response
03:22 Parent Education
12:21 Implementing Parent Modules
28:44 Educator's Role in Technology Use
35:22 Frank Has a Question for Gene
40:18 Conclusion and Call to Action

Books referenced in this podcast:
Jonathan Haidt: The Anxious Generation
Johann Hari: Stolen Focus
(00:00) - Frank Rodriguez
(35:24) - Frank Has a Question for Gene

This podcast sponsored by:
The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.
41 min
November 13, 2024 Rod Naquin on the Role of Dialogue in Education
In this episode, host Gene Tavernetti converses with Rod Naquin, a seasoned educator and instructional coach. They discuss the impact of dialogue on teaching, teacher collaboration, student collaboration, and the whole world. Their conversation also goes into psychological and philosophical underpinnings, the significance of understanding teachers' individual contexts, and effective coaching methods.
02:49 The Role of Experiences in Educational Leadership
04:14 Teacher Collaborative Discourse
04:37 Barriers to Effective Collaboration
14:11 Psychology of Teacher Collaboration
31:50 Communication Dynamics in Educational Settings
30:51 Reflecting on Collaborative Practices

This podcast sponsored by:
The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.
52 min
November 06, 2024 Dr. Jana Lee explains how she helps teachers use micro data to inform everything from IEPs, instruction, interventions, and PLCs.
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti talks with Dr. Jana Lee, an expert in data-driven educational practices and inclusive teaching. The discussion delves into effective data utilization, the importance of microdata, and best practices for both general and special education. Learn how to enhance professional learning communities (PLCs) and the significance of responsive teaching.
02:05 Data-Driven Decisions
04:43 Understanding Microdata
05:31 Effective Teaching Strategies
06:22 Challenges in Data Collection
30:32 Special Education Insights
47:35 Coaching and Professional Growth

This podcast sponsored by:
The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.
55 min
October 23, 2024 Lindsey Cormack discusses her new book How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It’s Up to You to Do It) and the importance of parents educating children about our system of government.
In this episode, host Gene Tavernetti speaks with Dr. Lindsey Cormack, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Stevens Institute of Technology and author of 'How to Raise a Citizen: Why It's Up to You to Do It.' They discuss the importance of teaching civics and politics to children, the challenges teachers face in the current political climate, and actionable strategies for parents to engage their children in understanding politics and government. The conversation also touches on historical context, educational strategies, and the role of media in shaping our political understanding.
01:47 Civics Education: Then and Now
04:26 Defining Civics and its Broader Implications
04:29 The Current State of Civics Knowledge
06:07 Lindsey’s Research and Findings
19:37 Teaching Civics at Home vs. School
34:04 Key Takeaways

This podcast sponsored by:
The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.
36 min
October 16, 2024 Blake Harvard On What Teachers and Students Need to Know About How We Learn
In this episode, Gene interviews Blake Harvard, Blake discussed his new book: Do I Have Your Attention: Understanding Memory Constraints and Maximizing Learning and what he teaches his students about learning.
01:36 Festival of Education and Presentation Highlights
06:25 Understanding Memory Constraints
07:45 Strategies for Effective Teaching
09:46 Application of Cognitive Psychology in the Classroom
13:57 High Expectations and Student Motivation
17:57 Practical Techniques: Brain Book Buddy Model
27:49 Pre-Service Teacher Advice

This podcast sponsored by:
The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.
32 min
October 09, 2024 Thinking Out Loud with Zach Groshell
In the premiere episode of a new segment titled 'Thinking Out Loud,' Zach Groshell and Gene Tavernetti engage in a candid discussion about a recent episode of Progressively Incorrect on Direct Instruction.

Thinking Out Loud' will be featured on 'Better Teaching: Only Stuff that Works' and 'Progressively Incorrect' platforms.
The conversation covers Dr. Groshell's latest podcast episodes, feedback from listeners, and the differences and similarities between Engelmann's DI and explicit instruction. They also delve into the importance of fast-paced, precise teaching and effective coaching methods.
02:33 Explaining Direct Instruction
04:41 Comparing DI and Regular Episodes
06:18 Teaching Lesson Demonstration
09:04 Precision of Language in DI
10:58 Seeking Out Coaching
28:04 Developing DI Workshops

This podcast sponsored by:
The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.
39 min
October 03, 2024 “Don’t call me a instructional coach! I’m an instructional specialist.” Amy Pento describes the difference, and why it was important to her.
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti interviews Amy Pento, an instructional consultant and former Spanish teacher. Amy shares her experiences and strategies as an instructional specialist and discusses the importance of evidence-based teaching methods, professional relationships, and the challenges and successes in implementing instructional changes in schools.
02:23 Becoming an Instructional Specialist
04:54 Challenges and Strategies in Instructional Leadership
28:44 The Impact of Instructional Changes
32:48 Amy's Proud Moments
Get in touch with Amy:
X: @amypento

This podcast sponsored by:
The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.
43 min
September 25, 2024 Paul Dietrich Reflects on His First Two Years as an Academic Coach
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti welcomes Paul Dietrich to the podcast. They discuss Paul's journey from being a teacher to becoming an academic coach at Fairview Middle School, his commitment to educational technology, and the importance of building trust and relationships in coaching. Paul shares insights on working with both new and veteran teachers, navigating the complexities of coaching, and the significance of being a supportive partner rather than an evaluator.
00:55 Paul’s Background

02:20 First Impressions

03:50 Views on Instruction

13:52 Coaching Experience

08:14 Challenges in Coaching

09:17 Veteran vs. Novice Teachers

Social Media Links for Paul:
Facebook: Paul Dietrich
Twitter: @‌Dietrichucation
LinkedIn: dietrichucation

This podcast sponsored by:
The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.
36 min
September 18, 2024 Education Through the Eyes of a Journalist with Holly Korbey
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti interviews education journalist and author Holly Korbey. They discuss Holly's journey from theater to journalism, her passion for the science of learning and math, and her insights on education across various regions. The conversation covers the consistency of challenges in teaching, the impact of social media on schools, and the importance of simplifying education to focus on core skills like reading and math. Holly also shares her thoughts on PR in education and the role of instructional coaches.
01:27 Holly's Journey to Education Journalism
03:41 Challenges and Consistencies in Education
08:47 PR and Social Media in Schools
31:51 The Role of Instructional Coaches
40:21 Parallels Between Academics and After School Activities
Episode Links:
Twitter: @‌HKorbey
The Bell Ringer Substack

This podcast sponsored by:
The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.
44 min

About Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works

From the publisher's feed

Descriptions of effective teaching often depict an idealized form of "perfect" instruction. Yet, pursuing perfection in teaching, which depends on children's behavior, is ultimately futile. To be…