All Episodes - Curiosity for Better Learning
Welcome to the Curiosity for Better Learning podcast where we talk with educators, researchers, and thought leaders about top of mind topics in the K-12 education space! We hope you take away evidence backed insights from cutting-edge research, practical ideas you can try in the classroom today, and questions that inspire your own exploration to learn more; awakening your professional curiosity.
View Podcast Details10 Episodes
Collaborating for School Improvement feat. R12CC (Pt. 2)
We met with Rich Resendez and Katie Allen to talk about the work they do with The Region 12 Comprehensive Center to improve student and teacher outcomes across Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri.Key Takeaways:Tips and guidance for establishing effective school support partnershipsCreating sustainable pipelines for recruiting and retaining new teachersHow to develop an effective and comprehensive school improvement blueprint
Collaborating for School Improvement feat. R12CC (Pt. 1)
We met with Rich Resendez and Katie Allen to talk about the work they do with The Region 12 Comprehensive Center to improve student and teacher outcomes across Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri.Key Takeaways:Measuring success among the varied and diverse projects that the R12CC handlesTips and guidance for establishing effective school support partnershipsHow to develop an effective and comprehensive school improvement blueprint
Defining Literacy feat. Imua Literacy (Pt. 2)
This is the second half of our conversation with Erin D'Amelio & Dr. Esmeralda Carini where we discuss evidence-backed strategies for encouraging literacy and academic talk in the classroom.Key Takeaways:Defining the goal/objective of literacy outside the narrow definition of reading and writingHow educators can play a role in addressing some common barriers to literacyPractical guidance and evidence-based tools for educators who serve multilingual students and ELs
Defining Literacy feat. Imua Literacy (Pt.1)
We catch up with Erin D'Amelio & Dr. Esmeralda Carini to discuss their work and contributions to the Hawai’i State Literacy plan, a multilateral blueprint designed to give students across the region the skills to advocate for themselves and achieve life-long literacy.Key Takeaways:Defining the goal/objective of literacy outside the narrow definition of reading and writingHow educators can play a role in addressing some common barriers to literacyPractical guidance and evidence-based tools for educators who serve multilingual students and ELs
What's New with The New Classroom Instruction That Works?
Come with us on an exciting deep dive into the research, evidence, and dedication that's gone into creation of The New Classroom Instruction That Works with renown author/educators, Kris Rouleau and Tonia Gibson.Key Takeaways:Practical guidance for "planning for learning" and instructional leadershipAn in-depth look into the rigorous research base that powers McREL's CITW body of workA look ahead at future professional learning opportunities to learn and apply CITW strategies in your own school or district
Networked Improvement Communities: building towards better student outcomes
We speak with Ben Cronkright and Chelsea Keehne about establishing Networked Improvement Communities that provide iterative support for educators and better learning experiences for students.Key takeaways include:Defining the purpose of NICs as well as the science behind themIncorporating ʻāina-based or place-based educationUsing NICs to solve common problems of practice
What’s in It for Me? Engaging Students in Their Learning (Pt. 2)
We pick up our conversation with former teacher, current award winning author Cheryl Abla about engaging students in their learning and what effective PD looks like.Key takeaways include:Student engagement strategies for both new and veteran teachersAsking questions instead of giving answers as a way to encourage classroom curiosityUsing peer to peer small groups to help students learn through teaching others
What’s in It for Me? Engaging Students in Their Learning (Pt. 1)
We speak with former teacher, current award winning author Cheryl Abla about engaging students in their learning and what effective PD looks like.Key takeaways include:Student engagement strategies for both new and veteran teachersAsking questions instead of giving answers as a way to encourage classroom curiosityUsing peer to peer small groups to help students learn through teaching others
What’s So Curious About Curiosity?
We interview McREL CEO Bryan Goodwin about his former role as a high school teacher and how curiosity plays a key role in teaching and learning.Key Takeaways:Quick teaching strategies that encourages curiosity in the classroomInsights for school leaders who want to promote a culture of curiosity amongst their teachers and staff
Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum: Collaboration For Equitable Student Outcomes
We interview educational consultant, Kathleen Dempsey about how school leaders and leadership teams can self-assess the “guaranteed and viable” status of their curriculum.Key takeaways include:Defining a guaranteed and viable curriculumHow to Communicate and establish performance criteria to all of stakeholdersDeveloping structures that provide ongoing support for teachers and school leaders to implement curriculum with fidelity