The Optimalist Podcast

In this episode of The Optimalist, we embarked on a reflective journey with High School English teacher, Marcus Luther. Marcus emphasizes the need to prioritize reflection not as an added task, but as a fundamental element of teaching, while shedding light on its challenges in the educational landscape.

Marcus illuminates how students react to reflective practices and the profound cognitive and emotional benefits it brings. By delving into students' learning journeys, reflection deepens understanding and fosters a supportive environment conducive to growth - and it’s measurable. We explored strategies to prioritize reflection, recognizing its pivotal role in unifying diverse learning experiences.

Then, we navigated the evolution of reflective practices over a school year, and the integration of oral reflections within the classroom. Despite the challenges inherent in reflection, such as defining success and navigating uncertainties, we underscored the importance of modeling these practices to foster a supportive environment for both students and teachers. We highlight the necessity of authenticity, support, and ongoing dialogue in cultivating reflective growth, affirming its significance in enhancing student and teacher development within the educational landscape.

Key reflection: 

What do next steps look like in your practice of reflection - whether it’s personal or professional or with your students - what’s next? Reflecting on those next steps is what I’ve found makes me more actionable and centered in my practice. 

Chapters

(0:02:35) Marcus Luther's Influences and Important Work

(0:07:20) Making Room for Reflection

(0:09:12) Shifting Thinking on Reflection

(0:12:33) Centering Reflection in the Classroom

(0:17:05) Growth and Change Over the School Year

(0:23:15) The Challenge

(0:25:07) Lack of Support for Teachers

(0:27:26) The Follow-Up Challenge

(0:36:00) Defining Success

(0:40:47) Reflection as an Ongoing Story

(0:49:03) Overcoming Barriers 

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Links Mentioned:

Marcus on Twitter: @MarcusLuther6 

The Broken Copier Podcast

The Broken Copier on Substack

Find us & join us:

• Follow Sara Candela on Twitter at @Scandela9

• Rate & Subscribe to The Optimalist Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, your favorite podcast player - or on Substack - to get each episode as soon as it’s released.

The Optimalist Podcast is brought to you by Swivl. At Swivl, we understand that the biggest challenge in education is the rate of change. To learn how Swivl can help you be more reflective, engaged, and adaptable - including Mirror, our newest tool for complete transformation - visit swivl.com. You can also follow us on Twitter. 

We are excited to introduce Mirror by Swivl - a new tool made to recognize the potential of reflection in classrooms. We built Mirror to thrive with AI, reflect easier, and partner with teachers. I think Mirror is where you and your students are going to meet your potential self.

Click here to sign up to try Mirror for FREE as part of our unique demo program - the second round is starting right now.

• Follow Swivl on Twitter at @Swivl

• Follow Swivl on Instagram at @goswivl 

Credits:

• Music: “Goodnight, Shapeshifter” by MusicForNothing, used under Creative Commons BY-ND 3.0.

Audio Editing: Chidi Chiemelu

In this week’s episode, Erik Francis joins us to explore the pivotal role of critical and creative thinking in modern education. Embracing technology, notably AI, is a key theme, urging educators to leverage tools like ChatGPT to foster inquiry-based learning. Despite systemic challenges within traditional schooling, Erik, a seasoned advocate for innovative education, emphasizes the importance of resilience and motivation in navigating career paths.

Our discussion highlighted the transformative potential of AI in generating thought-provoking questions, alongside the need for customized instruction tailored to diverse student needs. We underscored the synergy between technological advancement and human ingenuity, while lamenting the decline of deep, long-form engagement amidst social media's superficial allure.

Join us as we unravel the intricacies of education's future, rooted in the belief that nurturing critical and creative thinking is essential for empowering learners in an ever-evolving world.

Key reflection: 

How might you integrate technology, such as AI tools, to cultivate a culture of inquiry-based learning and foster critical and creative thinking in your school? 

Chapters:

 (0:01:41) Embracing AI in Education

(0:08:32) Finding a Different Path in Education

(0:10:36) Motivation and Management in the Face of Challenges

(0:14:07) Teaching and Testing with Depth of Knowledge (DOK) Levels

(0:16:12) Assessing student progress towards proficiency and overcoming obstacles

(0:17:57) Justifying and verifying with evidence to reach DOK-3

(0:23:50) The Power of Technology as an Instructional Tool

(0:26:05) Embracing Technology for Productive Learning

(0:30:44) The Power of Language in Pixar Cartoons

(0:33:05) Finding Purpose in Simon Sinek's Start With Why

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Links Mentioned:

Maverik Education

Erik on Twitter  

DOK Book 

Find us & join us:

• Follow Sara Candela on Twitter at @Scandela9

• Rate & Subscribe to The Optimalist Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, your favorite podcast player - or on Substack - to get each episode as soon as it’s released.

The Optimalist Podcast is brought to you by Swivl. At Swivl, we understand that the biggest challenge in education is the rate of change. Policy revisions, technological advancements (accelerated by AI), evolving job markets, and ongoing research constantly identifying new best practices are only some of the factors affecting the rate of change in education. To learn how Swivl can help you be more reflective, engaged, and adaptable - including Mirror, our newest tool for complete transformation - visit swivl.com. You can also follow us on Twitter. 

We are SO EXCITED to introduce Mirror by Swivl - a new tool made to recognize the potential of reflection in classrooms. We built Mirror to thrive with AI, reflect easier, and partner with teachers. I think Mirror is where you and your students are going to meet your potential self.

Click here to sign up to try Mirror for FREE as part of our unique demo program starting right now.

• Follow Swivl on Twitter at @Swivl

• Follow Swivl on Instagram at @goswivl 

Credits:

• Music: “Goodnight, Shapeshifter” by MusicForNothing, used under Creative Commons BY-ND 3.0.

Audio Editing & Production: Tim Belmont (@tbelmontedu)

In this episode of The Optimalist, Sara sits down with Steve Tetreault, a former teacher turned passionate school librarian. Steve shares his inspiring journey from teaching to pursuing a master's degree, only to discover that his true calling was in the library. He discusses advocating for library services and the pivotal moment he embraced his role as a school librarian.

Throughout the conversation, Steve emphasizes the vital role school libraries play in authentic learning and his belief in librarians as champions of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) in education. He highlights the socialization and community-building aspects of libraries and the importance of information literacy skills development.

Lastly, the episode delves into the power of fiction in fostering empathy and communication, the evolving role of school libraries in the digital age, and the potential of podcasts to create modern reading communities. Steve invites listeners to engage in the conversation and connect with the vibrant world of school library professionals. 

Key reflection: Where have you been and where are you now? How has your journey influenced where you’ve ended up? And how can you pay that forward to students - can you help them look at their own journeys as a step towards where they want to be? 

Chapters

(0:02:00) A Circuitous Route to Education

(0:03:54) Inspiring a Strong Sense of Community and Family

(0:06:16) Discovering a Love for the Library

(0:08:48) The Importance of School Libraries for Authentic Learning

(0:11:42) School Libraries as a Resource for Everyone

(0:19:30) Libraries as Centers of Everything

(0:22:36) Libraries as Support Services and Socialization Spaces

(0:25:29) Libraries as Makerspaces and Hands-on Learning

(0:32:49) The Library as a Resource Hub for Teachers

(0:35:36) Importance of School Libraries and Encouraging Reading

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Links Mentioned:

Steve on Twitter

School Librarian Learning Network

Find us & join us:

• Follow Sara Candela on Twitter at @Scandela9

• Rate & Subscribe to The Optimalist Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, your favorite podcast player - or on Substack - to get each episode as soon as it’s released.

The Optimalist Podcast is brought to you by Swivl. At Swivl, we understand that the biggest challenge in education is the rate of change. Policy revisions, technological advancements (accelerated by AI), evolving job markets, and ongoing research constantly identifying new best practices are only some of the factors affecting the rate of change in education. To learn how Swivl can help you be more reflective, engaged, and adaptable - including Mirror, our newest tool for complete transformation - visit swivl.com. You can also follow us on Twitter. 

We are SO EXCITED to introduce Mirror by Swivl - a new tool made to recognize the potential of reflection in classrooms. We built Mirror to thrive with AI, reflect easier, and partner with teachers. I think Mirror is where you and your students are going to meet your potential self.

Click here to sign up to try Mirror for FREE as part of our unique demo program starting right now.

• Follow Swivl on Twitter at @Swivl

• Follow Swivl on Instagram at @goswivl 

Credits:

• Music: “Goodnight, Shapeshifter” by MusicForNothing, used under Creative Commons BY-ND 3.0.

Audio Editing & Production: Tim Belmont (@tbelmontedu)

In this episode of The Optimalist, Tim Cavey begins by reflecting on a transformative moment in his teaching journey, which occurred in 2017 when he entered a master's program in educational leadership. This pivotal experience reignited his passion for education and led him to explore concepts such as learning targets and the impact of mindset in education. It was this newfound knowledge and inspiration that motivated him to launch the Teachers on Fire podcast in 2018.

 As Tim reflects on the changes he’s witnessed in students' attitudes towards school, he highlights a significant shift in assessment. While in the past, students focused primarily on earning the highest grades, there has been a noticeable change towards standards-based grading, emphasizing a deeper understanding of content over simply chasing marks or grades. 

 We acknowledge the frustrations and uncertainties that educators face in today's rapidly changing educational landscape, and Tim offers three key words - personalize, localize, and vocalize - as a strategy for crafting learning tasks that yield authentic evidence of learning. The conversation then explores the time constraints educators often grapple with - how do we engage with AI tools despite limited resources? Reflective practice takes center stage as the episode progresses, with a focus on its benefits for both students and teachers. Various platforms like podcasts, live streams, and writing are discussed as effective means to reach and inspire educators - as is the importance of establishing reflective routines and leveraging online communication within educational settings.

Key reflection: Teachers - hit that create button! If you’re not feeling a little bit uncomfortable, you’re probably not growing as much as you could be. So that new venture or project you’re considering in 2024 - get started now. 

 Chapters

(0:02:01) Pivotal Moment: Reflecting on the Teaching Journey

(0:04:22) Paradigm Shift: Standards-Based Grading and Student Mindset

(0:08:15) Adapting to Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom

(0:11:35) Frustrations and challenges of a shifting educational landscape

(0:14:21) Balancing teacher involvement and conversational learning in the classroom

(0:16:17) Lack of bandwidth for educators to engage with AI tools

(0:19:38) Encouraging educators to engage in reflective practice discussions

(0:22:38) Twitter as a Sweet Spot for Micro Learning and Reflection

(0:28:37) Exploring the idea of online platforms for teacher communication

(0:29:34) Exploring Different Ways to Reach Educators and School Communities

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Links Mentioned:

Tim on Twitter

Teachers on Fire

Find us & join us:

• Follow Sara Candela on Twitter at @Scandela9

• Rate & Subscribe to The Optimalist Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, your favorite podcast player - or on Substack - to get each episode as soon as it’s released.

The Optimalist Podcast is brought to you by Swivl. At Swivl, we understand that the biggest challenge in education is the rate of change. Policy revisions, technological advancements (accelerated by AI), evolving job markets, and ongoing research constantly identifying new best practices are only some of the factors affecting the rate of change in education. To learn how Swivl can help you be more reflective, engaged, and adaptable - including Mirror, our newest tool for complete transformation - visit swivl.com. You can also follow us on Twitter. 

We are SO EXCITED to introduce Mirror by Swivl - a new tool made to recognize the potential of reflection in classrooms. We built Mirror to thrive with AI, reflect easier, and partner with teachers. I think Mirror is where you and your students are going to meet your potential self.

Click here to sign up to try Mirror for FREE as part of our unique demo program starting right now.

• Follow Swivl on Twitter at @Swivl

• Follow Swivl on Instagram at @goswivl 

Credits:

• Music: “Goodnight, Shapeshifter” by MusicForNothing, used under Creative Commons BY-ND 3.0.

Audio Editing & Production: Tim Belmont (@tbelmontedu)

In this episode of The Optimalist, Sara is joined by Evan Whitehead, a thought leader and advocate for alternative paths in education. Evan shares his journey, starting as a paraprofessional at a therapeutic day school, and eventually becoming the executive director of a new startup school. He emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and creating a safe space for both students and adults to take risks and make mistakes. We discuss the significance of physical safety in organizations and schools, as well as creating a sense of home for students and their families.

The conversation then delves into the topic of self-awareness and the skills needed to thrive in today's world, including radical self-reflection and mindfulness. Evan reflects on his own personal challenges and how they have shaped his mindset, allowing him to support others in their journey towards healthier lives. He emphasizes the need for balance in all aspects of life, including work-life balance and prioritizing what is important. 

There is a connection between mental health and overall health, acknowledging the brain-body connection. It is important to cultivate the desire to take care of ourselves throughout the day, recognizing our body and brain's needs. Sara and Evan explore how to live alongside artificial intelligence without losing ourselves and how leaders can adapt and remain conscious in the ever-changing digital landscape.

Key reflection: How can leaders adapt and remain conscious in an ever-changing digital landscape? 

Chapters

(0:01:32) From Paraprofessional to Executive Director in Education

(0:03:23) Creating a Safe and Learning Space for Students and Staff

(0:10:55) Developing Self-Awareness and Emotional Management

(0:12:42) Overthinking and Anxiety in a Constant State of Worry

(0:14:52) Incorporating Meditation for Grounding and Centering

(0:16:09) Recognizing the Brain-Body Connection for Holistic Health

(0:17:29) Addressing the Need for Biological Well-being

(0:19:23) Building Stamina and Finding Balance through Repetition

(0:23:06) Living Alongside AI: Finding the Middle Path

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Links Mentioned:

Evan on Twitter: Evan Whitehead, M.Ed. Servant Leader☮️🙏 (@EvanWhitehead00) / X 

Find us & join us:

• Follow Sara Candela on Twitter at @Scandela9

• Rate & Subscribe to The Optimalist Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, your favorite podcast player - or on Substack - to get each episode as soon as it’s released.

The Optimalist Podcast is brought to you by Swivl. At Swivl, we understand that the biggest challenge in education is the rate of change. Policy revisions, technological advancements (accelerated by AI), evolving job markets, and ongoing research constantly identifying new best practices are only some of the factors affecting the rate of change in education. To learn how Swivl can help you be more reflective, engaged, and adaptable - including Mirror, our newest tool for complete transformation - visit swivl.com. You can also follow us on Twitter. 

We are SO EXCITED to introduce Mirror by Swivl - a new tool made to recognize the potential of reflection in classrooms. We built Mirror to thrive with AI, reflect easier, and partner with teachers. I think Mirror is where you and your students are going to meet your potential self.

Click here to sign up to try Mirror for FREE as part of our unique demo program starting right now.

• Follow Swivl on Twitter at @Swivl

• Follow Swivl on Instagram at @goswivl 

Credits:

• Music: “Goodnight, Shapeshifter” by MusicForNothing, used under Creative Commons BY-ND 3.0.

Audio Editing & Production: Tim Belmont (@tbelmontedu)

Welcome to 2024!

In this episode of the Optimalist, we talk with Bryon Carpenter, host of the Fresh Air at Five podcast. Brian shares how he transitioned from working in a pharmaceutical company to becoming a teacher after volunteering. He now teaches at an online school, working with students in media and robotics. Bryon discusses the challenges and benefits of online learning, emphasizing the importance of encouraging students and teaching them problem-solving skills. 

The conversation explores the transition from using Google tools to Microsoft tools and the importance of embracing the messiness of the learning process. Bryon discusses the challenges of engaging students online and emphasizes the importance of building relationships and providing support. He also shares his experience with podcasting and the impact it has had on his teaching. 

Sara and Bryon with a reflection on finding balance between technology and offline activities and the importance of connecting with nature. 

Key reflection: Reflect on the concept of nonlinear career paths as inspired by Bryon’s journey. Have you experienced or witnessed unconventional career shifts? How might these diverse experiences contribute to one's teaching style or approach within an educational setting?

 Chapters

(0:01:27) Teaching at an online school with in-building component

(0:03:23) Teaching experience in a regular high school and online school

(0:06:00) Distinction between homeschooling and online public education

(0:08:17) Identifying as a scientist and critical thinker

(0:11:59) Navigating the Complexity of Upbringing

(0:12:06) The Joy of Teaching and Witnessing Students' Growth

(0:15:28) Ensuring Academic Integrity in Online Education

(0:27:47) The Challenge of Online Learning and Building Discipline

(0:37:14) The Origin of the Podcast Journey

(0:39:14) Podcasting as a Tool for Learning and Making a Difference

(0:41:58) The Significance of ChatGPT and Ethical Use of Technology

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Links Mentioned:

Bryon on Twitter: @BryonCar

Fresh Air at Five Podcast

Find us & join us:

• Follow Sara Candela on Twitter at @Scandela9

• Rate & Subscribe to The Optimalist Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, your favorite podcast player - or on Substack - to get each episode as soon as it’s released.

• Join our Community Discord server at https://discord.gg/SWhQ76mEZD

The Optimalist Podcast is brought to you by Swivl. At Swivl, we understand that the biggest challenge in education is the rate of change. Policy revisions, technological advancements (accelerated by AI), evolving job markets, and ongoing research constantly identifying new best practices are only some of the factors affecting the rate of change in education. To learn how Swivl can help you be more reflective, engaged, and adaptable - including Mirror, our newest tool for complete transformation - visit swivl.com. You can also follow us on Twitter. 

We are SO EXCITED to introduce Mirror by Swivl - a new tool made to recognize the potential of reflection in classrooms. We built Mirror to thrive with AI, reflect easier, and partner with teachers. I think Mirror is where you and your students are going to meet your potential self.

Click here to sign up to try Mirror for FREE as part of our unique demo program starting in January 2024.

• Follow Swivl on Twitter at @Swivl

• Follow Swivl on Instagram at @goswivl 

Credits:

• Music: “Goodnight, Shapeshifter” by MusicForNothing, used under Creative Commons BY-ND 3.0.

Audio Editing & Production: Tim Belmont (@tbelmontedu)

In today's mini-episode of The Optimalist podcast, Sara reflects on the approaching year-end and the power of reflective practice. The focus isn't on traditional year-end recaps but on the potential inherent in reflective thinking. With a shift towards embracing reflective practice, the discussion delves into how this mindset can foster individual growth, aid educators, and benefit society as a whole. The episode emphasizes moving away from seeing the year's end as a closure, instead viewing it as a springboard to new opportunities, growth, and potential.

Sara reads from a narrative that touches on the significance of structured reflection, highlighting its transformative capacity when integrated into daily routines or educational experiences. She acknowledges the challenges in implementing structured reflection due to time constraints and the perception of it being unenjoyable. However, it is proposed that making reflection more automated and enjoyable, perhaps through tools like the Mirror or Reflectivity, could revolutionize its integration into education and society.

Furthermore, the episode explores the multifaceted potential of enhancing reflective skills. This includes accelerating learning, redefining assessment methods to address the challenges of AI-driven education, rethinking grading systems to foster intrinsic motivation, addressing the mental health crisis through reflection's integration with social and emotional development, achieving goal alignment, and fostering adaptability in a rapidly changing society. The podcast concludes with a sneak peek into upcoming leadership panels designed to support educational leaders in navigating change effectively in the modern world.

Key reflection: How do you currently integrate reflection in your organization, classroom, or individual professional development? How can it be transformed into a practice, rather than be seen as an occasional activity? 

 Chapters

(0:05:10) The Power of Reflective Practice

(0:06:14) Challenges in Implementing Structured Reflection

(0:07:10) The Potential Benefits of Enhancing Reflective Skills

(0:07:21) Maximizing Reflection's Potential in Education

(0:08:46) Reflection as the Future of Grading and Assessment

(0:09:39) Reflection and Mental Health Crisis

(0:11:31) The Importance of Adaptability and Optimism

(0:12:52) Building Adaptable Organizations and Future Work Skills

(0:14:37) Thriving in a Post-Job World: Reflection as a Mechanism

(0:18:07) Sneak Peek: Leadership Panels Coming in the New Year

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Links Mentioned:

Original Optimalist Post: What is the Potential of Reflection? 

Find us & join us:

• Follow Sara Candela on Twitter at @Scandela9

• Rate & Subscribe to The Optimalist Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, your favorite podcast player - or on Substack - to get each episode as soon as it’s released.

• Join our Community Discord server at https://discord.gg/SWhQ76mEZD

The Optimalist Podcast is brought to you by Swivl. At Swivl, we understand that the biggest challenge in education is the rate of change. Policy revisions, technological advancements (accelerated by AI), evolving job markets, and ongoing research constantly identifying new best practices are only some of the factors affecting the rate of change in education. To learn how Swivl can help you be more reflective, engaged, and adaptable - including Mirror, our newest tool for complete transformation - visit swivl.com. You can also follow us on Twitter. 

We are SO EXCITED to introduce Mirror by Swivl - a new tool made to recognize the potential of reflection in classrooms. We built Mirror to thrive with AI, reflect easier, and partner with teachers. I think Mirror is where you and your students are going to meet your potential self.

Click here to sign up to try Mirror for FREE as part of our unique demo program starting in January 2024.

• Follow Swivl on Twitter at @Swivl 

• Follow Swivl on Instagram at @goswivl 

Credits:

• Music: “Goodnight, Shapeshifter” by MusicForNothing, used under Creative Commons BY-ND 3.0.

Audio Editing & Production: Tim Belmont (@tbelmontedu)

In this episode of The Optimalist, Sara talks to Matt Miller in a captivating discussion at the crossroads of artificial intelligence and education.Thogether, they paint a vivid picture of how AI might revolutionize the landscape of learning in a world that's hurtling forward at breakneck speed. Amidst the excitement of technological advancements, the conversation stresses the crucial need to anchor education in the essence of humanity.

Sara and Matt don’t just scratch the surface; ethical dilemmas around AI take center stage. Questions about cheating and the broader implications of AI on society and future generations spark a profound exploration. The mission is crystal clear: unravel the mysteries of AI for educators and shed light on the essential adaptations required in this era of transformative change.

The heart of their discussion revolves around the significance of attention, mindfulness, and authentic human connections in the educational sphere dominated by AI. Collaboration across various domains becomes a rallying call, urging educators to break free from echo chambers and seek diverse perspectives beyond their comfort zones.

The vision they paint for the future of teaching is captivating. It's not about simply delivering content; rather, it's guiding the human side of learning while AI handles content. The episode crescendos with a powerful call to place genuine human connections at the forefront, envisioning schools as vibrant hubs of community, not just spaces for academic pursuits.

For educators seeking guidance on navigating the integration of AI in education, this episode serves as an invaluable compass. It emphasizes the need for adaptability and underscores the irreplaceable value of nurturing human connections to sculpt the future of learning.

Key reflection: Where do you think education will go in the age of AI, and how will the nature of us being human show up in the future of school?

Chapters

0:04:45 The Future of AI: From Rudimentary to Revolutionary

0:06:36 Embracing Change and Building a Stronger Community

0:10:02 The Importance of Collaboration and Sharing 

0:11:47 Social Media Echo Chamber and Education Circles

0:14:08 The Importance of Community in the Age of AI

0:20:15 The Difficulty of Incorporating Social Emotional Learning Programs

(0:21:56) The Changing Nature of Work and the Focus on People Skills

(0:23:46) Shifting Purpose in Education: Preparing for the Workforce vs. Human Connections

(0:25:47) The Potential Fatigue with AI and the Return to Human-Created Products

(0:28:23) The Power of Human Connection

(0:30:38) Teachers as the Bridge to a Better Future

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Links Mentioned:

Matt Miller on the web: Ditch That Textbook

Matt on Twitter: Matt Miller 🗑️ (@jmattmiller) / X 

Email Matt: [email protected]

Ditch Summit: Ditch Summit  

Find us & join us:

• Follow Sara Candela on Twitter at @Scandela9

• Rate & Subscribe to The Optimalist Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, your favorite podcast player - or on Substack - to get each episode as soon as it’s released.

• Join our Community Discord server at https://discord.gg/SWhQ76mEZD

The Optimalist Podcast is brought to you by Swivl. At Swivl, we understand that the biggest challenge in education is the rate of change. Policy revisions, technological advancements (accelerated by AI), evolving job markets, and ongoing research constantly identifying new best practices are only some of the factors affecting the rate of change in education. To learn how Swivl can help you be more reflective, engaged, and adaptable - including Mirror, our newest tool for complete transformation - visit swivl.com. You can also follow us on Twitter. 

Special Announcement: Introducing Mirror by Swivl - a new tool made to recognize the potential of reflection in classrooms. We built Mirror to thrive with AI, reflect easier, and partner with teachers. I think Mirror is where you and your students are going to meet your potential self.

Click here to find everything you need to start exploring - and trying - Mirror today.

• Follow Swivl on Twitter at @Swivl 

• Follow Swivl on Instagram at @goswivl 

Credits:

• Music: “Goodnight, Shapeshifter” by MusicForNothing, used under Creative Commons BY-ND 3.0.

Audio Editing & Production: Tim Belmont (@tbelmontedu)

In this episode of The Optimalist podcast, host Sara Candela speaks with Dr. Rebecca Jackson, an expert in brain health and optimization, about the importance of brain health and the challenges faced by parents and educators. They discuss the need for preventative measures and early interventions to address children's challenges and the concept of "free range thinking time" for unstructured moments of processing emotions and experiences. They also discuss the interconnectedness of mental health, mindfulness, and intentional use of time, particularly in a world dominated by devices and distractions. 

 Dr. Jackson shares strategies for developing self-awareness in children and empowering them to make choices that support their own well-being. How do you improve focus and engagement in the classroom? What has been the impact of the pandemic on sensory experiences and brain development? Dr. Jackson's book, Back on Track, aims to provide parents with a better understanding of brain development and strategies for support.

Key reflection: Let's reflect on the importance of realizing when you are dysregulated and how young people have difficulty doing it themselves. Are there ways that you notice when kids are dysregulated in your classroom or in your own home? What are the signs, and how do you get them to practice self-awareness so they are consistently getting better?

Chapters

 (0:02:21) Importance of Preventative Health and Wellness

(0:04:12) The Concept of Free Range Thinking Time

(0:10:56) The Importance of Being Mindful and Intentional

(0:15:03) Giving Kids Space and Choice to Learn from Experience

(0:18:57) Nurturing self-awareness in children through physical observations

(0:23:32) Addressing the impact of the pandemic on children's well-being

(0:26:15) Pandemic's Impact on Sensory Stimulation and Brain Development

(0:29:31) Importance of Sensory Experiences and Mindfulness in Daily Life

(0:33:35) The Impact of Technology on Attention and Brain Fatigue

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Links Mentioned:

Dr. Jackson on the web: Brain Balance

Dr. Jackson’s book:  Back on Track: A Practical Guide to Help Kids of All Ages Thrive

Find us & join us:

• Follow Sara Candela on Twitter at @Scandela9

• Rate & Subscribe to The Optimalist Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, your favorite podcast player - or on Substack - to get each episode as soon as it’s released.

• Join our Community Discord server at https://discord.gg/SWhQ76mEZD

The Optimalist Podcast is brought to you by Swivl. At Swivl, we understand that the biggest challenge in education is the rate of change. Policy revisions, technological advancements (accelerated by AI), evolving job markets, and ongoing research constantly identifying new best practices are only some of the factors affecting the rate of change in education. To learn how Swivl can help you be more reflective, engaged, and adaptable - including Mirror, our newest tool for complete transformation - visit swivl.com. You can also follow us on Twitter. 

Special Announcement: Introducing Mirror by Swivl - a new tool made to recognize the potential of reflection in classrooms. We built Mirror to thrive with AI, reflect easier, and partner with teachers. I think Mirror is where you and your students are going to meet your potential self.

Click here to find everything you need to start exploring - and trying - Mirror today.

• Follow Swivl on Twitter at @Swivl 

• Follow Swivl on Instagram at @goswivl 

Credits:

• Music: “Goodnight, Shapeshifter” by MusicForNothing, used under Creative Commons BY-ND 3.0.

Audio Editing & Production: Tim Belmont (@tbelmontedu):

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Ament, the Chief Academic Officer of ProSolve, joins Sara for a discussion on the importance of designing learning experiences that meet the needs of students. They explore the challenges that teachers face in adopting this approach and the importance of empathy and risk-taking. Additionally, they discuss the shift from knowledge-focused education to human-centered skills in preparation for the future workforce. They delve into the concept of college and career readiness and the need to embed the four Cs (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity) into all aspects of learning. 

Michelle and Sara emphasize the importance of reflection and metacognition in deep learning and share their experiences with perfectionism. They discuss the need to shift from perfectionism to "reflectionism" and the benefits of continuous learning and trying new approaches. Lastly, they stress the need for teachers to lean on each other and create a culture of reflection in schools. Reflection can be applied in various contexts - self-awareness, giving feedback, and understanding group dynamics is necessary in fostering effective collaboration. 

Key reflection: How should the day-to-day experience in schools change with the rise of AI - including incorporating human intelligence (soft skills) and using reflection as an authentic learning experience? 

Chapters

(0:02:36) Designing Learning Experiences that Meet Student Needs

(0:06:20) Reimagining Learning and Teaching for Human Intelligence

(0:13:31) Reflection and metacognition in learning

(0:16:28) Embracing risk, failure, and continuous improvement in education

(0:21:00) Transitioning from perfectionism to reflectionism

(0:22:04) Flawed Thinking in Evaluating Student Success

(0:25:43) Reflection and Quick Adaptation

(0:29:23) Four F's of Reflection

(0:31:57) Applying the Reflection Model to Learning and Instruction

(0:38:28) Meta-Level Awareness and Cognition

(0:48:21) Adaptability in the Age of AI

(0:49:34) Exploring Adaptability and Reflection in Education

(0:53:47) Staying in tune with the education market

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Links Mentioned:

Michelle on Twitter: @mlament

Michelle on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleament

Find us & join us:

• Follow Sara Candela on Twitter at @Scandela9

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The Optimalist Podcast is brought to you by Swivl. At Swivl, we understand that the biggest challenge in education is the rate of change. Policy revisions, technological advancements (accelerated by AI), evolving job markets, and ongoing research constantly identifying new best practices are only some of the factors affecting the rate of change in education. To learn how Swivl can help you be more reflective, engaged, and adaptable - including Mirror, our newest tool for complete transformation - visit swivl.com. You can also follow us on Twitter. 

Special Announcement: Introducing Mirror by Swivl - a new tool made to recognize the potential of reflection in classrooms. We built Mirror to thrive with AI, reflect easier, and partner with teachers. I think Mirror is where you and your students are going to meet your potential self.

Click here to find everything you need to start exploring - and trying - Mirror today.

• Follow Swivl on Twitter at @Swivl 

• Follow Swivl on Instagram at @goswivl 

Credits:

• Music: “Goodnight, Shapeshifter” by MusicForNothing, used under Creative Commons BY-ND 3.0.

Audio Editing & Production: Tim Belmont (@tbelmontedu)