In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes two experts in metacognition: Kayla Morehead, a researcher at Denver Public Schools, and Emily Murphy, the Senior Professional Development Lead at Nord Anglia Education. Together, they discuss the role of metacognition in education and how it can empower both students and educators to take control of their learning process.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Understanding Metacognition: Kayla explains metacognition as thinking about one’s thinking, reflecting on cognitive processes, and taking actionable steps based on that reflection. She emphasizes how this skill allows students to evaluate their learning accurately and adjust their strategies.
• Cultural Perspectives on Metacognition: Emily shares insights from her work with international schools, noting that students in different cultures, such as in the East versus the West, often exhibit varied levels of confidence in their learning abilities. She highlights how these cultural differences impact their use of metacognitive skills.
• Metacognition and Lifelong Learning: Both guests explore how metacognition supports students in becoming lifelong learners by fostering curiosity, creativity, and self-awareness. Emily explains Nord Anglia’s learner portfolio tool, which encourages students to document their reflective thinking and growth over time.

Call to Action:

Metacognition is a powerful, high-impact approach that equips students with the tools to assess their own learning and become independent, motivated learners. Explore how you can integrate metacognitive practices into your teaching, and visit the Nord Anglia and Learning Design Principles resources to dive deeper into the science behind learning.

Guest Bios:

• Kayla Morehead: A researcher specializing in metacognition and self-regulated learning, Kayla works for Denver Public Schools and contributes to learning science through publications and collaborations.
• Emily Murphy: As the Senior Professional Development Lead at Nord Anglia Education, Emily focuses on metacognitive projects to enhance 21st-century skills and learner autonomy across international schools.

Episode Links:

1. Nord Anglia Education: For more information about the work Emily Murphy and Nord Anglia are doing with metacognition and the learner portfolio tool.
   • https://www.nordangliaeducation.com
2. Learning Explorations Podcast: Emily Murphy's podcast discussing innovations in education and metacognition.
   • Available on major podcast platforms.
3. The Learning Design Principles: A free resource that includes chapters on metacognition and self-regulated learning, co-authored by Kayla Morehead.
   • https://www.pearson.com/content/dam/global-store/global/resources/efficacy/evidence-about-learning/Pearson-Learning-Design-Principles-Authentic-Learning-summary.pdf 
4. Harvard Project Zero's Thinking Routines Toolbox: https://pz.harvard.edu/thinking-routines

Host Bio:

Seth Fleischauer, founder of Banyan Global Learning, brings decades of experience in educational innovation to the Make It Mindful podcast. His work focuses on providing educational solutions for digital and cultural competencies through a global lens.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer sits down with author, actress, and producer Sheetal Sheth. They explore the impact of Sheth's children's books, including her Anjali series and Raashi's Rakhis, and discuss how her stories highlight cultural competence and representation for young readers.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Sheth’s journey from acting to writing children's literature.
• The importance of diverse representation in children's books.
• How storytelling can foster empathy and understanding in classrooms.
• Approaching sensitive topics in children's literature without shying away from tough conversations.
• Tips for teachers on incorporating diverse stories into classroom settings.

Call to Action:
Listen to this episode to learn how to use diverse stories to enrich classroom experiences and teach cultural competence.

Episode Links:

1. Sheetal Sheth's Website – www.sheetalsheth.com
2. Sheetal Sheth's Instagram – @beneaththesheetz
3. Reading is Fundamental (RIF) – www.rif.org
4. Be Podcast Network – www.BePodcast.network

Guest Bio:
Sheetal Sheth is an actress, producer, and the author of the Anjali series, the first children's book series featuring a South Asian hero. Her latest book, Raashi's Rakhis, continues her mission of creating engaging, inclusive stories for children.

Host Bio:
Seth Fleischauer: Learn more about Seth’s work at Banyan Global Learning, where he helps educators bring cultural and digital competence and transformative learning into classrooms worldwide.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer dives into the intersection of literacy, family engagement, and cultural responsiveness with Judy Paulick, Associate Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Virginia. As part of the 2024 National Literacy Month and in partnership with Reading Is Fundamental, Judy shares how to create transformative educational experiences by understanding and leveraging the cultural and literacy assets of students' families. She explores how home visits, family engagement, and asset-based approaches can reshape literacy instruction to meet the needs of all learners.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The importance of asset-based home visits and how they can deepen teacher-student-family connections.
• How family engagement enriches literacy practices by incorporating storytelling, cultural values, and everyday literacy activities from home.
• Strategies for teachers who may not have access to home visits but still want to leverage family assets in the classroom.
• Using culturally responsive teaching techniques to create a classroom environment where every student sees themselves in the curriculum.
• The challenges and opportunities AI presents in education, particularly around culturally relevant pedagogy and differentiation.

Call to Action:

For more practical, transformative solutions to teaching that emphasize mindfulness and cultural competence, be sure to listen to the full episode! Learn about the tools and strategies Judy Paulick shares that can help educators build stronger connections with their students and communities.

Guest Bio:

Judy Paulick is an Associate Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Virginia. She specializes in language arts instruction and family engagement, with a focus on equity and culturally responsive teaching. Judy's work emphasizes the importance of recognizing and leveraging family and community assets to enrich classroom learning.

Episode Links:

• Reading Is Fundamental (RIF): www.rif.org
• Parent Teacher Home Visits: pthvp.org
• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk on the Single Story: Watch here

Host Links:

• Seth Fleischauer: Learn more about Seth’s work at Banyan Global Learning, where he helps educators bring cultural and digital competence and transformative learning into classrooms worldwide.

Leigh Anne Scherer, Technology Director at North Clackamas School District, navigated the unprecedented challenges of transitioning to online learning during the pandemic, offering key insights into the role of technology in education.

In this episode, Leigh Anne and Seth discuss:

• The rapid shift to virtual learning in 2020 and the lessons learned from navigating this transformation.
• The importance of ensuring data privacy and security in the adoption of digital curriculum and AI tools.
• How accessibility features in digital tools can enhance learning for all students, with a focus on English learners.
• The experimental approach Leigh Anne's district is taking towards AI, allowing teachers to explore tools while maintaining a cautious stance on student-facing AI applications.
• The parallels between how large language models and humans learn language, and the implications for language learners in the classroom.
• The potential and pitfalls of using AI in education, particularly the risks of relying too heavily on translation tools for English learners.

Subscribe to Make It Mindful to explore more deep-dive conversations about transformative solutions in education, available wherever you get your podcasts.

About today’s guest
Leigh Anne Scherer is the Technology Director for North Clackamas School District in Oregon, where she brings her extensive experience as an English learner educator and school administrator to the role. With a focus on accessibility, data privacy, and innovative uses of technology, Leigh Anne plays a crucial role in guiding her district's approach to digital learning and AI integration.

About your host
Seth Fleischauer is the host of the Make It Mindful podcast and the founder of Banyan Global Learning. With a psychology degree from Princeton and a background in elementary education, Seth's work bridges technology, education, and human connection. His company, Banyan Global Learning, has delivered over 40,000 program hours across four continents, focusing on curricula that emphasize cultural competence.

Summary:

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer welcomes Lindy Hockenberry, a seasoned educator and technology integration specialist, to discuss the mindful adoption of technology in education. Lindy shares her journey from teaching in a rural Montana school to becoming a technology consultant, helping schools and educators effectively integrate technology into the classroom.

Key topics discussed include:

• Mindful Technology Integration: Lindy emphasizes the importance of using technology as a tool, not just for the sake of it, but to enhance learning outcomes. She compares technology to a "teacher toolbox," where each tool should be selected based on the specific learning objective and the needs of the students.
• Balancing Art and Science in Teaching: Lindy discusses how teaching is both an art and a science, requiring educators to make real-time decisions based on student needs and the evolving nature of technology.
• AI Literacy in Education: With AI becoming increasingly prevalent, Lindy stresses the importance of AI literacy as an extension of digital citizenship. She discusses the need for students to understand, use, and evaluate AI responsibly, starting from a young age.
• Process Over Product: Lindy argues that focusing on the process of learning, particularly in writing, is essential in an era where AI can easily produce text. She advocates for teaching students how to collaborate with AI effectively, rather than battling against it.

This episode provides valuable insights for educators on how to thoughtfully integrate technology into their teaching practices, ensuring it serves to enhance, not hinder, student learning.

For more insights and practical advice, tune into this episode and explore Lindy Hockenberry's work. You can find her on social media and through the links in the show notes.

About today’s guest:
Lindy Hockenberry is a lifelong educator and technology consultant who helps schools and teachers navigate the complexities of educational technology. She has extensive experience in curriculum development, professional development, and the integration of AI in education. Find her work at https://www.intechgratedpd.org/meetlindy.

About the host:
Seth Fleischauer is the host of Make It Mindful, a podcast that explores mindfulness in education. Connect with Seth on LinkedIn and follow the podcast for the latest episodes and updates. Find his work at banyangloballearning.com.

Support the Podcast:
Follow, rate, and review Make It Mindful on your favorite podcast platform. Share the podcast with friends and colleagues to help spread the word. Thank you to our editor, Lucas Salazar, and advisor, Deirdre Marlowe, for their contributions to the show.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer delves into the intersection of education and technology with guest Rushton Hurley, an education futurist and founder of NextVista.org. Rushton shares his insights on the evolving role of technology in education, particularly focusing on the potential of AI and its impact on teaching and learning.

Key topics discussed include:

• The concept of being an education futurist and the importance of anticipating future trends in education.
• The potential of AI in education, including both the exciting opportunities it presents and the challenges it poses.
• Innovative teaching approaches, such as student-created video projects and service-based learning, that leverage technology to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
• The importance of mindful adoption of technology, ensuring that it addresses genuine educational needs and enhances the learning experience.
• Practical advice for teachers on incorporating innovative practices in resource-limited environments, emphasizing the value of creativity and problem-solving.

Rushton also shares inspiring stories from his work, such as a project where a student used VR to give elderly individuals new experiences, demonstrating the profound impact of innovative educational approaches. He stresses the importance of exposing students to real-world challenges and solutions to cultivate a mindset of possibility and leadership.

For more insights and to explore Rushton's work, visit NextVista.org and follow his weekly inspiring video series. This episode encourages educators to embrace the potential of technology mindfully and creatively, ultimately aiming to transform the educational landscape.

Subscribe to Make It Mindful for more thought-provoking conversations on keeping education relevant and impactful. Visit makeitmindful.com to learn more about the podcast and upcoming episodes.

About today’s guest: 
Rushton Hurley is an education futurist, founder of NextVista.org, and a director of innovation at Hunipero Serra School. With a background in teaching and a passion for leveraging technology to enhance education, Rushton is dedicated to inspiring educators and students alike.

About the host: 
Seth Fleischauer is an influential educational leader and founder of Banyan Global Learning. Based in the United States, his company offers a range of services, including AI consultation for education, distance learning in character education and English language development, teacher recruitment and training, and curriculum development. With a team of experienced educators, Seth's blends technology, pedagogy, and mindfulness to create impactful learning experiences.

Support the Podcast:
Follow, rate, and review Make It Mindful on your favorite podcast platform. Share the podcast with friends and colleagues to help spread the word. Thank you to our editor, Lucas Salazar, and advisor, Deirdre Marlowe, for their contributions to the show.

Nikole Sheaffer is an artist, mom, writer, educator, and facilitator. She is a key figure at the Environmental Charter School (ECS) in Pittsburgh and the founder of The Thinking Lab.

In this episode, Nikole and Seth talk about:

• Transitioning from corporate sustainability to education
• The concept of teachers as facilitators rather than traditional educators
• Importance of fostering intellectual discomfort and curiosity in students
• Integrating environmental education, systems thinking, and empathy into the curriculum
• Challenges and rewards of innovative educational practices
• Encouraging outdoor learning and community connections
• The future of the teaching profession and the impact of the next generation of educators

Learn more about The Thinking Lab at thethinkinglab.com.

Subscribe to Make It Mindful for more deep-dive interviews with education change-makers. It’s available wherever you get your podcasts.

About today’s guest
Nikole Sheaffer is an innovative educator and facilitator at the Environmental Charter School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With a background in environmental studies and corporate sustainability, Nikole brings a unique perspective to education. She has played a pivotal role in developing ECS's curriculum, focusing on outdoor learning, systems thinking, and empathy. Nikole is passionate about reimagining the teaching profession and creating more sustainable and meaningful learning experiences for students.

About your host
Seth Fleischauer is an educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for mindful education. As the co-founder and CEO of Banyan Global Learning, Seth brings over two decades of experience in teaching and educational leadership to the podcast. His mission is to explore innovative solutions for keeping schools relevant and impactful. Seth's unique approach combines mindfulness with practical strategies, aiming to foster meaningful change in the educational landscape. Through Make It Mindful, Seth engages with thought leaders and change-makers to uncover transformative practices that can shape the future of education.

In this thought-provoking episode of "Make It Mindful," Seth Fleischauer converses with Chris Giles, an instructional technology coach with a rich background in educational technology. Moving through various roles from a district Canvas administrator to his current position, Chris's journey reflects a deep commitment to enhancing educational experiences through technology. This episode dives into the nuanced application of technology in classrooms, particularly focusing on the mindful integration of digital tools to support and not overshadow traditional teaching methods.

Chris provides an insightful look into his approach of not pushing technology for its own sake but aligning it with the teachers' goals to enrich learning experiences. He emphasizes the importance of understanding what teachers aim to accomplish in their classrooms and how technology can facilitate these goals without becoming a crutch. The discussion explores various technological tools that have proven effective in enhancing educational practices without diluting the essence of personal teaching.

A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to exploring the potential and challenges of integrating AI in educational settings. Chris shares practical examples of how AI can serve as an aid to not only streamline administrative tasks like creating rubrics and lesson planning but also in fostering a deeper engagement in learning among students. The dialogue critically examines the reluctance and the slow adoption rate of AI technologies among educators, attributing it to a blend of unfamiliarity with the technology and inherent fears associated with its misuse.

Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the delicate balance required to integrate technology into education effectively. Chris's experiences and insights offer valuable lessons on leveraging technological tools to enhance but not replace the human elements that form the core of educational experiences. This episode is a must-listen for educators, technology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of education and technology.

Guest Links:
Chris Giles Twitter: @ohcanadatweet

Tools Mentioned in the Episode:

1. Canvas - The Learning Management System (LMS) used by the district.
2. Canva - A design tool that includes AI features.
3. Adobe Express - A tool for creating visual content.
4. Adobe Firefly - An AI tool by Adobe.
5. WeVideo - A video creation tool.
6. Book Creator - A tool for creating digital books.
7. ChatGPT - An AI tool by OpenAI.
8. Magic School - An AI tool for creating educational content.
9. Google Gemini - A tool for generating questions from YouTube videos.
10. Turnitin - A tool for checking plagiarism and improving student writing.

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

In this episode of "Make It Mindful," Seth Fleischauer explores transformative education practices with Tierra Crothers, Director at the School of Education, Sacramento County Office of Education. With 25 years of educational experience deeply rooted in family tradition, Tierra shares her journey from classroom teaching to district-level administration. She discusses the impact of her work across various educational roles and highlights the innovative teacher residency program she leads. This program integrates intense, year-long mentorship, allowing new teachers to experience the full cycle of a school year, thereby enhancing their readiness and effectiveness from day one. Tierra's insights into building a sustainable, impactful educational environment through mentorship, community involvement, and strategic teacher preparation provide a roadmap for addressing teacher shortages and improving educational outcomes.

Guest Links:
Statewide Residency Technical Assistance Center and CTC website: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/educator-prep/grant-funded-programs/statewide-technical-assistance-center-grant-program

Sacramento County Office of Education website: https://www.scoe.net/

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

In this episode of "Make It Mindful," Seth Fleischauer delves into the transformative power of AI in supporting students' mental health. With Lauren Pinto on break, Seth welcomes Brenda Peña and Scott Freschet to discuss the groundbreaking Alongside app. Scott, a co-founder of Alongside and a seasoned EdTech professional, outlines the app's role as a 24/7 mental health tool that offers an AI chatbot named Kiwi. This bot engages students with interactive features such as mood trackers, mindfulness exercises, and instant support for severe mental health issues.

Brenda, as Director of Social Work at Chelsea Public Schools in Massachusetts, shares how Alongside has made mental health resources accessible to students who might shy away from traditional counseling due to stigma or discomfort. This episode explores how Alongside not only supplements existing mental health services by filling gaps but also empowers students by providing immediate, judgment-free support in a format they are comfortable with.

The conversation also touches on the broader implications of AI in education, discussing the potential risks and rewards of relying on technology for emotional support. Scott emphasizes the app's design, which encourages real-world application of coping strategies, ensuring that AI is a gateway to human interaction rather than a replacement. This episode offers a critical look at how technology is reshaping the approach to student wellness and educational support.

Guest Links:
Alongside.care

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/