Top of the Class

Today’s episode is one we have been waiting for! It is our big cross-over event! When we began this crazy podcasting journey, we were not 100% sure as to where we needed to start. Meredith and I did endless research…and Google searching. However, our biggest help was to actually talk things out with fellow podcasters. That is when we were able to connect with today’s guests.  Today’s guests come to us as experts in teaching and learning, and happen to host another fabulous GCU podcast. This podcast is for our incredible GCU faculty around the world focused on teaching tips, and it just so happens to be called Teaching Tips!

We LOVE your feedback, so tweet us any thoughts or ideas on Twitter @GCU_TOTC. GO LOPES!

https://gcutopoftheclass.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/17-pod-crossover-when-podcasts-collide.mp3

Today’s episode is a FUN one. Not only because Meredith and I like to have a good time on this show, and in life in general, but also because our topic today is all about fun. There’s something really special when a teacher knows the content but has also figured out how to deliver the content in a way that makes students want to be there and eager to learn. Meredith and I both know there is so much power in having laughter in our classrooms. So, today, our guests our going to help us learn all about making the classroom FUN!

We LOVE your feedback, so tweet us any thoughts or ideas on Twitter @GCU_TOTC. GO LOPES!

Also, below are some mentioned texts and sites in our session:

Explore Like a Pirate by Michael Matera: https://www.mrmatera.com/

Ditch that Textbook by Matt Miller: http://ditchthattextbook.com/tag/gamification/

Digital Badges: https://info.credly.com/ 

https://gcutopoftheclass.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/18-fun-and-games-in-the-classroom.mp3

In this episode, we are going to chat about gifted learners. Gifted learners are a special population in our schools representing about 10% of our brightest students. Giftedness can show up for children in a few different ways. It can be like intellectual, creative, artistic, leadership oriented, or in a specific academic areas like the language arts, mathematics, or science. So, we just really want to know more. To help us with this, we’ve invited one of the most esteemed educators in the entire Valley. Dr. Lupita Hightower comes to us with more experience and wisdom than we know what to do with! Let’s take a listen!

Also, we always LOVE your feedback, so please tweet us any thoughts or ideas on Twitter using our handle @GCU_TOTC. GO LOPES!

https://gcutopoftheclass.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/16-gifting-the-gifted-learning.mp3

We were chatting a few weeks ago, here at Top of the Class, and the conversation came up about how classroom teaching is not the only destination for educators. There are so many ways teachers can expand their reach and grow in this field. So, we wanted to know more about this to gain a better idea of what alternative jobs and career paths are out there for those driven to be in the field of education. So, we bring you our guest, Lindy Gaudiano. She brings a wealth of knowledge to listeners on this topic and the field of education. We know you are going to love her as much as we do! So, without further ado…Let’s get listening. 

Also, we always LOVE your feedback, so please tweet us any thoughts or ideas on Twitter using our handle @GCU_TOTC. GO LOPES!

https://gcutopoftheclass.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/13-teaching-is-the-tip-of-the-iceberg.mp3

In this episode, we are going to chat about growth mindsets and what that looks like in the classroom from the teacher perspective. Meredith and I are really into this topic because it’s something we try to do everyday in our work lives and in our personal lives. This is such an inspirational topic, so we had to bring in an equally as inspiring guest, Heather Bowman! Who knows, maybe our chat may even inspire you all to consider your own growth mindset!

P.S. We LOVE your feedback, so please feel free to tweet us any thoughts or ideas on Twitter using our handle @GCU_TOTC. GO LOPES!

https://gcutopoftheclass.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/15-fostering-a-growth-mindset.mp3