The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast

Blake Harvard, an AP psychology teacher and author of "Do I Have Your Attention?", dives into the challenges of cognitive overload in education. He outlines three common teaching practices that can confuse students without teachers even realizing it. Blake shares practical strategies to simplify instruction and enhance clarity by understanding cognitive processes. He also discusses the impact of information overload and offers tips for presenting material cohesively. This conversation is a must-listen for educators seeking to optimize learning!

Creating a calm classroom is all about language. By using neutral words, teachers can reduce anger and anxiety, allowing students to focus on learning. The discussion includes practical examples of turning emotionally charged comments into positive communication. This shift not only fosters inclusivity but also enhances the overall educational experience. Keeping the atmosphere cool paves the way for less stress and more engagement in academics.

Join neurodiversity activists Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris as they delve into the transformative strategies for neurodiversity-affirming classrooms. They highlight the importance of recognizing individual differences and adapting teaching methods. Key points include rethinking the necessity of eye contact, redefining traditional assessment practices, and embracing diverse communication styles. Their insights encourage educators to create inclusive environments that empower neurodivergent students, promoting understanding and acceptance in educational settings.

Discover how to inspire your colleagues by using 'I statements' to share your teaching ideas without sounding pushy. This approach fosters collaboration and encourages openness in educational environments. Additionally, learn about innovative strategies, like the 'pineapple chart,' that can enhance professional development among teachers. Embrace a more engaging way to promote your passion for teaching!

Jen Serravallo, a literacy expert and author of *Teaching Reading Across the Day*, shares insights on enhancing reading instruction in all subjects. She discusses the vital role of close reading lessons, revealing nine research-based lesson structures to improve comprehension. Listeners learn practical strategies to engage students, including text-dependent questions and multimodal texts. Serravallo emphasizes collaboration among educators to support literacy across the curriculum, ultimately empowering all teachers to become effective reading instructors.

When chaos reigns in the classroom, a simple notebook technique can help restore calm. This method not only aids teachers in managing their emotions but also encourages student curiosity. It's an innovative approach to transforming turbulent situations into conducive learning environments. Perfect for those moments when you feel like yelling!

In this episode, Marnie Diem, the lead technology specialist for the Cult of Pedagogy, shares her insights on the latest educational tech tools. They unveil three innovative AI applications, a platform for interactive lessons, and WeVideo's upgrade for dynamic video editing. Marnie highlights the importance of accessibility with Read&Write and introduces Padlet as a new storytelling tool for classrooms. The discussion emphasizes how these technologies enhance learning without replacing the crucial role of teachers.

In this enlightening discussion, Claire English, founder of The Unteachables, shares her insights on classroom management and teacher well-being. She outlines three key reasons why classroom order can decline and offers actionable strategies to reclaim it. Claire emphasizes the importance of teacher wellness, highlighting how mental health directly impacts classroom dynamics. With her international teaching experience, she introduces resources like her book 'It's Never Just About the Behavior' and the Behavior Club to empower educators in their journey.

Multitasking isn't great for our brains, it compromises our mental health, and ultimately it doesn't even work, but that doesn't stop many of us from trying to do it all the time. What we may not realize is that it also sneaks into our classrooms and interferes with learning, and it's happening in ways you may not even notice. In today's episode, I'm talking with cognitive scientist Megan Sumeracki about the pitfalls multitasking creates in schools, and what we can do to avoid them. -------------------------------------------- Thanks to The Gilder Lehrman Institute and Alpaca for sponsoring this episode. For a full transcript of this episode, visit cultofpedagogy.com/pod and choose episode 239.

Join Peter Johnston, author of 'Choice Words: How Our Language Affects Children's Learning,' as he unpacks how teacher language shapes classroom dynamics. He reveals practical phrases to navigate differences and foster democratic dialogues among students. Johnston discusses the importance of embracing uncertainty and respectful disagreement to promote critical thinking. Discover strategies to create an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and diverse perspectives, enriching the overall learning experience.