Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

In this conversation, Jeff Utecht interviews Tyler Rablin about his new book, 'Hacking Student Motivation.' They discuss the importance of feedback and assessment in motivating students, the impact of grades and assessment on student motivation, and the need for change in education. Tyler shares his experiences working with students in rural agricultural communities and the challenges they face in finding motivation in school. He also explains the concept of learning progressions and how they can replace rubrics to support student learning. The conversation concludes with Tyler expressing his excitement about the release of his book and the positive feedback he has received.

Takeaways

Feedback is a powerful tool for motivating students and should be broadened to include anything that helps students gauge their progress towards a goal.

Motivation is closely tied to student belief in their ability to succeed. It is crucial to provide evidence of success and create a supportive learning environment.

Learning progressions can be a more effective alternative to rubrics, as they break down learning goals into manageable steps and allow students to see their progress.

Ready to explore the book?

https://www.tylerrablin.com/book

Connect with Tyler online:

https://twitter.com/mr_rablin?lang=en

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Dr. Elsa Friis, of Alongside, discusses how their clinician-powered AI tool supports young people in need of mental health support. The conversation highlights the need for mental health resources in schools and the shortage of mental health providers. The use of AI in mental health is not a new concept, and it can provide a warm and validating space for young people to seek support. The conversation also addresses misconceptions about AI and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based strategies in AI tools. Alongside offers partnership options for schools and provides a demo for interested users. Ready to learn more about Alongside? https://www.alongside.care/ Did you know Alongside works directly with students? Learn more about their paid summer internship position for High School Students: https://www.alongside.care/jobs/mental-wellness-content-development-high-school-intern

Learn more about our special guest:

Dr. Elsa Friis, head of mental health at Alongside, a clinician-powered AI tool can discuss the dire need for mental health services in the school setting, particularly as schools continue to be understaffed and our students need more support now than ever before. By offering tools like Alongside, which utilizes generative AI developed by clinicians and backed by research, schools around the country have been able to support their student population with personalized conversations to address anxiety, depression, relationship challenges and more, providing equitable support for every child.

As a licensed psychologist and global public health practitioner, I am passionate about improving the well-being of others through cognitive, behavioral, and relational strategies; and systemic interventions to address social determinants of health (e.g. structural racism, poverty, education and access to services). I have a background in utilizing community based participatory research approaches to develop and evaluate family-based interventions for child mental health in Kenya. My program of research focuses on developing novel technology and care models to support mental health intervention delivery by non-professionals (e.g. religious leaders) as well as trained mental health professions to expand access to evidence-based care.

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Dan White, CEO of Filament Games, discusses the future of learning games and the importance of game-based learning pedagogy. He emphasizes the shift towards focusing on skills and conceptual understandings rather than didactic knowledge transfer. White believes that game-based experiences should prepare students for the real world by imparting useful practices and higher-order thinking skills. He also highlights the impact of automation and AI on the workforce and the need to revisit what is worth teaching and learning. White shares insights on building collaborative partnerships and the power of play in improving people's lives.

Takeaways

The future of learning games lies in focusing on skills and conceptual understandings rather than didactic knowledge transfer.

Game-based experiences should prepare students for the real world by imparting useful practices and higher-order thinking skills.

The rise of automation and AI calls for a reevaluation of what is worth teaching and learning.

Ready to learn more about Dan and FIlament Games?

www.filamentgames.com

@filamentgames

IG: @filamentgames

Dan is the co-founder and CEO of Filament Games. Dan believes that good gameplay and good learning are complementary rather than oppositional forces. An alumnus of Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Dan earned an M.S. in Education Technology under seminal learning game scholars Drs. Kurt Squire and James Paul Gee. Prior to founding Filament, Dan worked as a teacher, an instructional designer, and a game developer. Dan's passions include learning games, sustainability, mindfulness, and modernizing institutional education.

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LUDIA AI is a free tool that helps educators cultivate a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) mindset by leveraging AI. The conversation explores the fear and misconceptions around AI in education and how LUDIA AI actually emphasizes relationships and centers humanity. LUDIA AI is designed to support teachers' time and thinking, providing ideas and options to adapt instruction efficiently. Educators can use LUDIA AI to plan and model UDL best practices, considering barriers and opportunities. Tips are provided for getting the most out of LUDIA AI, including being specific in prompts and engaging in a back-and-forth conversation. Anecdotes and feedback from educators highlight the varied uses and benefits of LUDIA AI. The conversation also discusses the importance of involving parents and caretakers in using AI tools like LUDIA AI to support homeschool partnerships and expand AI use beyond the classroom. The 4Ts model (Tell, Tinker, Tweak, Transfer) is introduced as a process for using LUDIA AI effectively. AI is seen as a tool for metacognition and decision-making, enhancing critical thinking and creativity. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with LUDIA AI and explore its potential in their educational contexts.

Ready to learn more?

https://www.smore.com/vcpmk

https://bit.ly/LUDIA_Bookshelf

Ready to connect with Beth and Jeremie?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bstarklifelonglearner

https://www.jeremierostan.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to LUDIA AI and UDL Mindset 01:15 Addressing Fear and Misconceptions about AI in Education 02:25 LUDIA AI as a Tool to Support Teachers' Time and Thinking 03:39 Using LUDIA AI to Plan and Model UDL Best Practices 06:01 Tips for Getting the Most Out of LUDIA AI 08:50 Anecdotes and Feedback from Educators Using LUDIA AI 11:48 Involving Parents and Caretakers in Using LUDIA AI 14:18 Expanding the Use of AI Beyond the Classroom 16:53 Using LUDIA AI for Homeschool Partnerships 18:13 The 4Ts Model for Using LUDIA AI Effectively 20:55 AI as a Tool for Metacognition and Decision-Making 23:45 Experimenting with LUDIA AI: One Thing to Try 24:24 Closing Remarks and Future of LUDIA AI

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On this week...

Dwight Gunning, a data scientist with a background in finance, discusses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the finance industry. He emphasizes the importance of technology in finance and the need for financial institutions to stay up to date with AI to protect against fraud and build trust. Dwight shares his personal journey from economist to technology enthusiast and highlights the value of lifelong learning. He encourages individuals to develop a diverse set of skills and mindsets to adapt to the changing world.

Learn more about Dwight Gunning:

Based in Canada with Jamaican heritage, Dwight Gunning is deeply invested in integrating advanced AI technologies within the finance sector. Boasting over twenty years of expertise in FinTech, he currently works as an AI and Machine Learning Assurance Engineer at FINRA. Additionally, Dwight is the maintainer of the popular edgartools project and co-author of a book on Natural Language Processing.

www.linkedin.com/in/dwight-gunning

dgunning.com

Thank you to our amazing show sponsor for supporting our podcast:

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Role of AI in Finance 02:07 The Importance of Technology in Finance 04:19 Transition from Economist to Technology 06:14 The Joy of Lifelong Learning 09:58 Skills and Mindsets for Future Careers 11:34 Balancing Strengths and Developing Empathy 13:46 The Benefits of Competitions and Create-a-thons 17:58 Creating a Space for Open-Mindedness and Collaboration 19:28 The Impact of AI on Finance and Trust 21:28 The Storytelling Aspect of Finance and AI 23:22 The Intersection of Finance and Human Psychology 24:05 The Future of AI in Entertainment and Storytelling 28:51 The Importance of AI Literacy in Finance 29:51 The Exciting Future of AI and Natural Language Interaction 35:29 The Role of AI in Learning and Productivity 39:39 The Future of AI in Visual Storytelling 42:03 The Importance of Human-Centered Skills in the Age of AI

The co-authors of the book 'Lessons of the Pandemic' discuss their research process, motivations, and recommendations for education. They emphasize the importance of teacher voice and perspective, as well as the need for a blended research approach using surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The chapters cover topics such as teacher workload, continuous innovation, recognizing teacher efforts, and the impact of social emotional learning on student well-being. The authors also provide advice for educators interested in conducting research and highlight the benefits of collaboration. Takeaways

• Teacher voice and perspective are crucial in understanding the experiences and needs of educators.
• A blended research approach, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups, provides a comprehensive understanding of the education landscape.
• School leaders should consider the impact of teacher workload and prioritize protecting planning time and limiting unnecessary meetings.
• Continuous innovation is essential in education, and educators should be open to change while school leaders should ensure changes are effective and supported by teachers.
• Teachers' efforts during the pandemic should be recognized and celebrated, and the lessons learned should be acknowledged and applied in future crises.

David Marshall is an associate professor of educational research in the College of Education at Auburn University. Since 2020, much of his research on the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on K-12 education. Dr. Marshall has edited two books on the topic including "COVID-19 and the Classroom: How Schools Navigated the Great Disruption," one of the first books to share social science research documenting the first 15 months of the crisis. His research interests also include school choice and charter schools. Dr. Marshall's work has been published in leading journals of education research, policy, and practice. He taught middle and high school social studies in Philadelphia. Dr. Marshall worked for the Richmond Teacher Residency program in Richmond, Virginia in several capacities over a six-year span. He recently served two terms as chair of the Alabama Public Charter School Commission.

Tim Pressley is an associate professor of psychology at Christopher Newport University, where he is also a faculty member in the Master of Arts in Teaching program and the Center for Education Research and Policy. Before receiving his doctorate, Dr. Pressley was an elementary school teacher in Fort Worth, Texas. Currently his research focuses on teachers' lives, specifically on the impact COVID-19 has had on teachers, teacher effectiveness, and teacher burnout. His work has been published in leading education journals. Dr. Pressley is co-author of "Reading Instruction That Works (5th edition)". Giving teachers a voice on issues affecting their lives has been a driving force behind his research.

Connect with them on X: @marshalldavidt @tpress87

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Dr. Travis Wright is nationally-recognized expert on school-based support for children who have experienced trauma. He is the author of Emotionally Responsive Teaching: Expanding Trauma Informed Care for Young Children. Currently, Dr. Wright is an Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology and Early Childhood Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he is the founder/director of the BASES Project, a school-based intervention for young children experiencing homelessness, their families, and teachers. He also Faculty Director of the UW Morgridge Center for Public Service. Previously, he worked as a school-based mental health counselor, public school teacher, and early childhood educator in Washington, DC and Boston, MA. Dr. Wright is licensed as a professional counselor in the state of Wisconsin.

• Broaden the understanding of trauma and move away from behavior-focused interventions.
• Teach children from a place of safety and respect, focusing on building relationships.
• Understand the perspective of traumatized children and create a safe learning environment.
• Support young children experiencing homelessness in schools through programs like the BASES project.

Learn more

https://www.tcpress.com/emotionally-responsive-teaching-9780807768341

https://counselingpsych.education.wisc.edu/fac-staff/wright-travis/

Explore the Shifting Schools collection of free resources and opportunities to learn:

https://www.shiftingschools.com/

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Give us ten minutes and let us tell you about the ways to lean way into media literacy for the upcoming Superbowl game!

🏈 Explore our special free guide that kicks off with our BRASS framework and then takes you through ideas for activities:

https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/three-ways-to-leverage-the-big-game-for-big-learning/

🗓️ Our three week AI cohort kicks off next week!

We only have a few seats left. As a listener you can take 50% off and join us by entering coupon code "PLC3W50" at checkout.

Learn more: https://camp.shiftingschools.com/c/plc-ai-playground/

Reach out to us to tell us about ways your community is amplifying media literacy

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Dr. Lorea Martínez introduces the HEART model, which stands for Five Essential Social-Emotional Skills. The model aims to provide educators with a research-based framework for teaching and practicing these skills.

Martinez emphasizes the importance of seeing social-emotional learning (SEL) as a paradigm shift and life skills rather than just a checklist of tasks. She also highlights the significance of intentionality in practicing SEL and reflects on the validation of children's feelings. Martinez discusses the role of body language in comforting and the diverse ways of validation. She concludes by advocating for involving students in decision-making processes.

Takeaways Intentionality is crucial in practicing SEL and being aware of one's emotions, thought patterns, and behavior. 🤔

Validating children's feelings and creating a safe space for them to express their emotions is essential for their emotional well-being 😌.

Involving students in decision-making processes can empower them and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility in their school community 🏫.

Connect with this week's guest:

Website: https://loreamartinez.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loreamartinez/

Book link: https://amzn.to/31q9aiI

Tell us more about your thoughts on this episode:

[email protected]

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Our special guest today:

Dr. Tony Walker serves on the executive team of The Jed Foundation ("JED") – a national nonprofit that serves as a thought leader on school mental health and youth suicide prevention. JED works within Higher Education Institutions and PK-12 schools and districts to help leaders build systems that promote more positive mental health outcomes for youth. In his role, Dr. Walker leads JED's Academic Programs team, supporting the implementation of JED's programs and best practices of comprehensive school mental health and suicide prevention programming across our nation's education landscape.

Previously, Dr. Walker worked in multiple roles in public education, including as a teacher, school counselor and most recently serving as an executive district leader over Student Support Services at Uplift Education, a high performing network of schools dedicated to providing excellent educational opportunities to more than 23,000 students in North Texas. Founding this work at Uplift in 2011, he established and supervised five large departments servicing 44 schools, including Counseling Services, Social Emotional Learning, Student Discipline and Restorative Practices, Prevention Programs, and Strategic Community Partnerships. Under his decade of leadership, Uplift developed and implemented one of the largest school-based mental health systems in Texas, allowing students and families direct access to licensed mental health clinicians in every school, robust SEL experiences, in-district family therapy services, and a full array of other wraparound programs and supports.

Further this conversation with the following links:

https://jedfoundation.org/

X (formerly Twitter) - https://twitter.com/jedfoundation

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JedFoundation

Instagram - https://instagram.com/jedfoundation/

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