#EduCrush

Reconciliation is a personal journey that all Canadian educators have been called to embark upon. But where does that journey start? Where does it end? How might we walk the long and uncertain road together? Sarah Midanik is an inspiring Indigenous professional and leader who is honoring the legacy of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack by helping educators to take #reconciliACTION.

View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com! 

At nearly 90-years-old, Jim Gray has learned a thing or two about innovation as a legendary Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and engaged citizen. Turns out, what it takes to be an innovator is also what makes for living a quality life; curiosity, connections, and confidence.

View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com! 

Who we are as people largely influences how we embrace creativity and innovation in our lives and work. Though our reasons for embracing change might be different, the need for collaboration and a risk-tolerant culture is universal. Learn from a business innovation consultant about the many different paths that innovators might follow and the cultural conditions that amplify the journey.

View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com! 

Teachers are innovators when they embrace new and better ways of making learning happen in the classroom. However, leaders need to be innovators as well to inspire teachers to take a risk and try something different. Learn more about innovation in the educational space and the barriers that we must overcome to bring new ideas into schools.

View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com! 

In honor of the new year, I have a special treat for you... Stay ready for not one, not two, but THREE new episodes next week featuring three different guests, all talking about one topic: innovation. Listen to this bonus episode for a sneak preview!

Stories are integral to our humanity and a powerful tool in many industries. Learn how to facilitate a project that builds a safe community through storytelling, while also building students’ writing and digital literacy skills.

View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com

Media plays a critical role in how we make sense of ourselves, others, and the world around us. On the episode, I reconnect with one of my favorite professors to unpack the concept of social justice education before we look at ways we can disrupt privilege by incorporating media into the classroom.

View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com

When we are responsible for the learning and growth of others, we know that feedback is our greatest ally. However, the challenging thing about feedback is it needs to land with the learner to motivate them to take the next steps.

In this solo episode, I share what I’ve learned about how to deliver feedback in a way that elicits a productive response. Namely, by removing grades, providing supported opportunities to use the feedback, and pairing the right kind with the right learner we can ensure everyone continues to grow.

Show Notes:

•  How do we ensure a return on our investment? [00:10]
• Remove grades from feedback. [2:09]
• Provide a supported opportunity for students to use feedback. [7:22]
• Give the right kind of feedback, to the right learner, at the right time. [10:07]
• Two critical self-reflection questions. [15:40]

View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com

Assessment has the potential to either amplify or inhibit learning. On the episode, we dig into how to assess to cultivate deeper learning and develop the competencies students will need for the 21st century.

Show Notes:

• Why so passionate about assessment? (2:45)
• Assessment is the engine of learning. (8:20)
• Where to start to build your own assessment literacy. (9:40)
• Sound assessment is most critical in student-centered learning. (12:20)
• Assessing the critical competencies. (13:55)
• Switching the end and the means. (17:05)
• Collaboration as the key competency for educators. (20:10)
• Grading is assessment and must adhere to the same principles. (24:50)
• Bringing parents on board. (27:30)
• Getting our practices right internally before challenging standardized tests. (30:50)
• The problems with standardized testing. (35:40)
• The emotional experience of assessment. (37:55)
• Learning about “grit” is a privilege. (40:40)
• Resources for further learning. (44:10)

View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com

Conflict is inevitable in education, but luckily it is also an opportunity to build more meaningful connections with those work with. Learn practical strategies from a Human Resources specialist that allow you to seek to understand when things get tense.

Show Notes:

• Pat's background. [03:00]
• First, seek to understand. [04:45]
• Active listening. [07:00]
• Asking open-ended questions. [8:30]
• “I” statements. [10:30]
• Land mines. [13:15]

View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com.