Learning Unboxed

In this landmark 200th episode of Learning Unboxed, we're taking a moment to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the incredible journey of one of our most treasured contributors, Fatima Bainazar. From her initial days as a reserved intern during her freshman year of high school to the accomplished graduate that stands before us today, Fatima's growth is a testament to the transformative power of education.

Fatima shares the genesis of her journey with the PAST Innovation Lab—how a mere interest in robotics, sparked by friends, led her down a path she could have never predicted. We delve deep into her initial perceptions of the PAST Foundation, her growing involvement, and her passionate contributions to Minecraft-based educational programs designed to make learning an immersive experience.

Listen in as Fatima sheds light on her transition from high school to college, crediting her early exposure to engineering at the PAST Lab for giving her an unparalleled edge. Join us on this heartfelt journey as we unpack a decade of memories, lessons, and milestones, anchored in the foundational belief of the PAST Foundation: Every child has the potential to solve the world's greatest challenges.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Fatima’s introduction and contributions to PAST Foundation
• The evolution of teaching methodologies at PAST and the emphasis on real-world learning experiences
• Challenges and rewards of authentic learning environments: from grappling with ambiguity to reveling in freedom
• Dynamics of teaching and mentorship: the balancing act of guiding students while also learning from them

Resources:

• Connect with Fatima on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we continue our deep dive with AJ Crabill in part 2 of our enlightening 2-part series focused on student-led restorative practices in schools.

The series sheds light on a 24-month pilot spearheaded by AJ from June 2022 to June 2024. A noteworthy aspect of this endeavor? The initial nine months were solely dedicated to adult training. AJ firmly believes in equipping adults first so they are not just passive participants but empowered allies in the initiative.

From the strategic selection of student leaders and the innovative concept of "student-led restorative rooms" to AJ's personal narrative and the profound impact of adult behavior on student outcomes, this episode dives deep into the intricacies of restorative practices in education. AJ emphasizes the need for intentional character development, highlighting the role of community, mediation, and restorative circles in shaping school culture and student success. Tune in, unbox, and learn!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The importance of adult training in implementing student-led restorative practices
• The interplay between adult behavior and student outcomes
• The three circles: Community, Mediation, and Restorative
• The need for intentional character development in schools

Resources:

• Learn more at ajc7.com
• Read: Great on Their Behalf

Produced by NOVA Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're delving into the realm of student-led restorative practices with AJ Crabill, the author of "Great on Their Behalf." With a firm belief that student outcomes won't shift until adult behaviors change, we explore the transformative education through a restorative lens.

AJ Crabill breaks down the contrasting approaches of retributive versus restorative, showcasing how the latter focuses on repairing harm instead of simply punishing wrongdoing. Together, we dive into the effects this has on absenteeism, revealing how conventional punishments may not lead to behavior change.

Join us as we navigate the calibration of focusing on more frequent behavioral issues, emphasizing early intervention and the importance of teaching life skills like conflict resolution. Crabill introduces us to three powerful tools: community circles, mediation circles, and restorative circles, each with distinct applications in conflict resolution and rule violations.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How conventional punishments might not lead to behavior change.
• Teaching essential skills for dealing with conflicts and undesirable situations.
• Three Tools for Restorative Practices: Introduction to community circles, mediation circles, and restorative circles.
• How teachers can benefit and the step-by-step approach to incorporating restorative practices.
• The crucial role of school boards and superintendents for long-term success.

Resources:

• Learn more at ajc7.com
• Read: Great on Their Behalf

Produced by NOVA Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we delve deep into the realm of project-based learning (PBL) with Bryan Harms, a teacher, software engineer, and co-founder of Imagine If, a transformative educational organization based in Denmark. With a mission to reimagine education and provide engaging, personalized, and meaningful learning experiences, Imagine If has been pioneering change in the educational landscape.

Join us in this inspiring conversation with Bryan as we examine the ways in which project-based learning can spark transformative change in education, cultivating authentic, personalized, and equitable learning experiences. Tune in to hear how educators can take the first steps toward this transformation.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How Imagine If uses project-based learning to achieve educational goals
• The five design principles of Imagine If
• Making the leap into project-based learning at scale

Resources:

• Learn more at imagineif.dk
• Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

Welcome to the July edition of Learning Unboxed. As many of you know, we tend to take the month of July off, but we have heard from our loyal listeners that you would love content during your summer vacation. So we have crafted a set of four episodes to run during the July holiday that are all about exploring student agency. For those working to make a meaningful shift in your classrooms, schools, and communities, the most crucial place to start is making the decision to shift from a teacher-led ecosystem to one that is student-led. But this shift can be daunting. So join us as we explore four examples of student-centered learning that demonstrate what's possible.

We know that the modern school wasn’t designed for education and that it’s woefully inadequate at meeting the needs of today’s students and the work environment of the future. So much so that small tweaks aren’t enough to fix it — it has to be redesigned completely.

Nathan Gorsch, Founding Principal of Village High School in Academy School District 20 in Colorado Springs. Like us at the PAST Foundation, Nathan recognized that our current model of education — the factory model — did not suit kids well, and so he sought out to reinvent high school with the idea of rebuilding it from the ground up. Joining him is Katie Flanagan, a teacher at Village High School, as well as Kate Bennett and Kenny Dufalt, two students attending the school.

We dive into what Village High School is, why it’s a unique hybrid model, and why those out there thinking of transformative education should consider some of the components of that hybrid model.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The student experience as an impetus for innovation 
• Why students are drawn to Village High School
• The concerns and pain points of a non-traditional education
• Scaling this model of education for the future

Resources:

• Learn more: village.asd20.org
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nathan-gorsch-759b287a

Produced by Nova Media

Welcome to the July edition of Learning Unboxed. As many of you know, we tend to take the month of July off, but we have heard from our loyal listeners that you would love content during your summer vacation. So we have crafted a set of four episodes to run during the July holiday that are all about exploring student agency. For those working to make a meaningful shift in your classrooms, schools, and communities, the most crucial place to start is making the decision to shift from a teacher-led ecosystem to one that is student-led. But this shift can be daunting. So join us as we explore four examples of student-centered learning that demonstrate what's possible.

When given trust and resources, students can do some incredible things. One Stone is a student-led and directed nonprofit that makes students better leaders and the world a better place. Through allowing students to pursue their passions and interests, they learn to become more confident, empowered, and self-sufficient. Jesse Ross is the director of senior partnerships at One Stone. He’s joined by two senior students, Saumya Sarin and Elani Waight, who share why they joined the program and what they get out of it.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• What One Stone is and why it’s necessary in education
• Why students are choosing One Stone for their high school experience
• Balancing educational requirements with new, creative ideas
• The youth innovation challenge
• Experiential learning opportunities

Resources:

• onestone.org

Produced by Nova Media

Welcome to the July edition of Learning Unboxed. As many of you know, we tend to take the month of July off, but we have heard from our loyal listeners that you would love content during your summer vacation. So we have crafted a set of four episodes to run during the July holiday that are all about exploring student agency. For those working to make a meaningful shift in your classrooms, schools, and communities, the most crucial place to start is making the decision to shift from a teacher-led ecosystem to one that is student-led. But this shift can be daunting. So join us as we explore four examples of student-centered learning that demonstrate what's possible.

Many people shy away from talking about middle school, but it’s an important topic. Middle school is often where we make or break a kid’s future – and there is so much opportunity and potential during middle school to shape them for the rest of their lives.

Andrew Ravin and Denise Daniels join us to discuss what Workshop Middle School does differently and how they’re rethinking the structure of the classroom, from starting later in the day to organizing smaller class sizes. Getting things right for kids at this transitional period in life is so important. 

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• What Workshop Middle School is and how it’s structured
• Making learning opportunities accessible for more kids
• Revolutionizing the conversation around middle school

Resources:

• Learn more at workshopmiddleschool.org
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrewravin
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/denise-daniels-5006a611b

Produced by Nova Media

Welcome to the July edition of Learning Unboxed. As many of you know, we tend to take the month of July off, but we have heard from our loyal listeners that you would love content during your summer vacation. So we have crafted a set of four episodes to run during the July holiday that are all about exploring student agency. For those working to make a meaningful shift in your classrooms, schools, and communities, the most crucial place to start is making the decision to shift from a teacher-led ecosystem to one that is student-led. But this shift can be daunting. So join us as we explore four examples of student-centered learning that demonstrate what's possible.

We’ve come to believe that protecting kids from experiences is a good thing, but what ends up happening is we cripple their ability to make decisions, function as adults, and be intrinsically motivated in anything. Gever Tulley is the co-founder of Tinkering School which came about in 2005. We talk about how trusting kids lead to big things, how teachers and students can collaborate effectively, and why age-restricted learning is a tool of the past.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How Gever put kids in charge of his summer camps
• Why Tinkering School exists and how it helps kids understand their own potential
• Taking a collaborative approach to education with teachers and students
• The benefits of mixed-age education
• Creating educational “arcs” of learning

Resources:

• gevertulley.com
• tinkeringschool.com
• Instagram: @gevertulley

Produced by Nova Media

In this fascinating episode of Learning Unboxed, we delve deep into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its profound implications for our future.

Joining us is Sanjay Saigal, Executive Director for Affiliates and Research Engagement at Stanford Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME), brings us the rich history of AI, the democratization of this powerful tool, and its evolving user interface. He also sheds light on the critical role humanities play in steering the ethical questions and decision-making processes involved in AI use.

We’re also joined by Jasmine De Gaia, a Global Product Strategy and Technology Executive in Banking and Financial Services, shares her insights from the business world and the increasing integration of AI in her field. She underscores the necessity for strategists and technologists to deploy AI meaningfully and ethically while maximizing organizational value.

We talk about the pressing need for a Chief AI Officer to manage the ethical, strategic, and technological dimensions of AI implementation. We explore the democratization of AI and its growing accessibility, as well as its wide-ranging implications across various industries. We discuss AI's practical implications in education, the necessity for more critical questioning, and address fears around AI replacing human jobs. Our understanding of AI has a long way to go from this early impression, but it’s important to start asking – and answering – these important questions now.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The growing necessity for a Chief AI Officer to handle the strategic, ethical, and technological aspects of AI in organizations.
• The democratization of AI, transitioning from a tool used by a few large organizations to a more accessible technology.
• The implications of AI across various industries, and strategic thinking to capitalize on this technology.
• The importance of ethical standards in AI usage, aligned with an organization's values.
• The societal implications of AI and the growing public understanding and fascination with it.
• The significant shift in the user interface of AI technologies, impacting our everyday experiences.
• The need for critical thinking and transparency when interacting with AI.
• The opportunities AI brings into education, shifting emphasis to why we do things rather than how, and highlighting the role of humanities.

Resources:

• Connect with Sanjay on LinkedIn
• Connect with Jasmine on LinkedIn
• icme.stanford.edu/people/sanjay-saigal

Produced by Nova Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive deep into the world of Montessori education and its transformative potential. Our special guest is Tessa Wessels, founder of Casa Bilingual Montessori. Tessa opens up about her personal journey, from her upbringing in apartheid South Africa to creating an educational environment that nurtures critical and independent thinking in the Netherlands.

Join us as we explore the distinguishing features of Tessa's school, such as its all-day, all-year program, and its core focus on individual personal development. Tessa expounds on the Montessori principles, from fostering an environment that meets a child's developmental needs to guiding older children towards self-reflection and independent thinking.

Discover the unique challenges and rewards of adopting a Montessori education model. We discuss the diversity and continuous learning philosophy of the staff at Casa Bilingual Montessori, Tessa's frustration over the perceived lack of curiosity from traditional schools, and her efforts to demonstrate the effectiveness of alternative teaching methods.

Finally, we discuss the transition of students from Casa to conventional high schools, touching on the strengths and concerns that arise from their different learning experience. Tune in to explore how Montessori education is redefining what school is and why it matters.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How Tessa founded Casa Bilingual Montessori
• The Montessori approach to education and how it benefits children
• The future education path for students beyond Montessori school

Resources:

• Learn more at casaschool.nl
• Connect with Tessa Wessels on LinkedIn

Produced by Nova Media