Episode 21: Creating An Engaging School Culture. A Conversation with Josh Dahn.
Oct 31, 2023
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Guest Josh Dahn, executive director of Astra Nova School and co-founder of Synthesis, discusses creating an engaging school culture. Topics include student involvement, fostering connections and mutual respect, and the role of knowledgeable adults in inspiring curiosity. The podcast dives into promoting collaboration, team thinking, and unique problem-solving in education.
Creating a culture of collaboration and teamwork is crucial in education, emphasizing the importance of working together and fostering communication and critical thinking skills.
Experts in education should not solely provide knowledge, but inspire curiosity and guide students to explore different subjects, fostering a love for learning and independent thinking.
Deep dives
The Importance of Collaboration in Education
Collaboration is highlighted as a crucial element in education and is emphasized throughout the podcast. The speaker discusses how traditional educational settings often lack a culture of collaboration, where students are passive learners and individual achievement is prioritized. In contrast, at schools like Ad Astra and Astronova, collaboration is central to the learning experience, cultivating teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills. The importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and working together is underscored.
The Role of Experts and Curiosity in Education
The podcast explores the role of experts and curiosity in education. While experts can provide valuable knowledge and expertise, the emphasis is on cultivating curiosity and igniting a passion for learning in students. The speaker discusses the balance between having knowledgeable adults and fostering independent curiosity in students. It is highlighted that experts should not be seen as the sole source of knowledge, but as individuals who can inspire and guide students to explore and think critically about different subjects. The podcast encourages educators to create a learning environment that values curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning.
Creating a Culture of Collaboration and Authentic Work
The podcast delves into the importance of creating a culture of collaboration and authentic work in education. It emphasizes the need to move away from the traditional model of individual work and grades and towards a more collaborative and meaningful learning experience. In schools like Astronova and Ad Astra, students are encouraged to work together on real-world projects and make decisions collaboratively. The value of giving students agency and allowing them to have a voice in decision-making processes is highlighted. The speaker discusses the significance of creating an environment where students feel empowered and engaged in their learning through meaningful and collaborative experiences.
The Power of Synthesis in Teamwork and Collaboration
The podcast explores the power of synthesis, a class and online program developed by Josh Duon, in promoting teamwork and collaboration. Synthesis enables students to engage in decision-making spaces and team thinking games that require collaborative problem-solving. The speaker explains that these games provide students with the opportunity to work on teams, make decisions, and experience the challenges and rewards of collaboration. The emphasis is on developing students' ability to contribute to high-functioning teams and become effective collaborators. Synthesis is presented as a valuable tool for fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills among students.
On Episode 21 of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane sit down with Josh Dahn, executive director of Astra Nova School and co-founder of Synthesis. Their conversation sheds light on how to create an engaging school culture and a unique educational experience that fosters curiosity and joy in young minds.
This insightful episode also covers: 🔥 student involvement and decision-making; 🔥 the often adversarial relationship between students and school; 🔥 how to create a culture of meaningful connections and mutual respect; 🔥 and so much more!
Whether you are a parent, educator, or caring adult, Episode 21 of The KindlED Podcast offers an inside look into how the expert's role in a classroom is much more than being a mere information source. They're catalysts for student curiosity. Josh articulates this beautifully as he stresses the importance of bringing in highly knowledgeable adults who can inspire students to explore new fields.
Tune in, learn, and gain perspective on how to promote collaboration in education, and advocate for a space that encourages team thinking and unique problem-solving.
This episode might even change how you view education today.
ABOUT THE GUEST: Josh Dahn directed Ad Astra School on the campus of SpaceX for six years. He is currently the executive director of Astra Nova School and co-founder of Synthesis, an edtech company that does pioneering work in both the hard skills (AI math tutoring) and soft skills (collaborative thinking games) that all children need. Josh also writes and produces the Conundrums video series, which has been viewed by millions of students in classrooms around the world.
About the podcast: The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.
Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being.
Got a burning question? We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together!
Interested in starting a microschool? Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool
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