Trending In Ed with Mike Palmer

Shalinee Sharma is the CoFounder and CEO of Zearn and the author of Math Mind: The Simple Path to Loving Math. She joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about what it takes to instill a genuine love of math in all kids. We begin by hearing Shalinee's origins in consulting at Bain before she jumped into the opportunity to cofound Zearn and lead its growth to where it is today. She demonstrates ways to make math resonate with Mike as a sample pupil. Of course, there is talk of AI and how a love of math fits into the future of work and human life. And through it all, Shalinee grounds the conversation in the practical tips and surprising insights she's gleaned from students using an online math program to solve over one billion problems. Don't miss this chance to dive deep into the future of math instruction with a renowned expert in the field who imparts unique wisdom about how math instruction needs to evolve for students, teachers, and parents. Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of learning. 00:00 Introduction to Trending in Education 01:10 Meet Shalinee Sharma: From Bain to Zearn 02:52 The Mission of Zearn: Loving Math 06:35 Understanding Math Through Axiomatic Proofs 11:29 The Importance of Numeracy 18:48 Zearn's Approach to Math Education 22:08 Building Competence and Confidence 23:04 Engagement Strategies in Education 26:50 The Role of AI in Education 32:33 Conceptual Understanding in Math 36:11 Practical Tips for Parents and Teachers 42:09 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Mike Palmer welcomes Doug Lemov, founder of Teach Like a Champion, to the podcast. Lemov discusses his journey from teacher to education innovator and the evolution of Teach Like a Champion. He highlights the importance of the new book, The Teach Like a Champion Guide to the Science of Reading, co-authored with Colleen Driggs and Erica Woolway. The conversation delves into the critical role of attention in reading, the impact of technology on cognition, and the power of shared reading experiences in the classroom. Lemov also explains the significance of close reading and knowledge-based comprehension, advocating for bringing complex texts, whole books, and writing back into the classroom. Key Takeaways: The Science of Reading: The importance of understanding the research behind reading acquisition and applying it to teaching practices beyond early elementary grades. Attention in the Digital Age: How screens and social media fragment attention, and the need to rebuild students' capacity for sustained concentration through practices like reading physical books and extended reading periods. The Social Nature of Reading: The value of shared reading experiences in fostering connection, meaning-making, and enjoyment, contrasting with individual, choice-based reading that can isolate students. Knowledge-Driven Comprehension: The understanding that reading comprehension is primarily driven by background knowledge, not just transferable skills, emphasizing the need to build students' knowledge base to improve their understanding of complex texts. The Power of Writing: The benefits of slow, durable, and difficult writing in the classroom for deep thinking, memory encoding, and improved discussion, especially in contrast to the shortcuts offered by AI. Why You Should Listen: Discover how to reignite joy and meaning in the classroom by understanding the science of reading and practical strategies for improving student comprehension and engagement. Doug shares insights on combating the challenges of modern attention spans and leveraging the power of shared experiences and knowledge-building to cultivate lifelong readers. Subscribe to Trending in Education so you never miss a conversation like this one! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:01 Doug Lemov's Professional Journey 02:05 Founding a Charter School 03:02 Teach Like A Champion: Origins and Impact 07:36 The Science of Reading: New Book Insights 09:46 Challenges in Reading Education 13:49 The Importance of Attention in Reading 19:22 Social Aspects of Reading and Meaning Making 20:31 The Social Power of Books in the Classroom 21:09 The Debate on Book Choice in Education 22:06 The Importance of Shared Reading Experiences 23:22 Understanding the Role of Complex Texts in Education 26:38 The Cognitive Science Behind Close Reading 31:13 The Impact of Writing on Learning and Memory 36:37 The Role of Background Knowledge in Reading Comprehension 42:38 Concluding Thoughts and the Importance of Whole Book

On this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer is joined by Elliot Felix, a returning guest, to discuss his new book, The Connected College: Leadership Strategies for Student Success. The book, releasing July 22nd, focuses on how higher education can become more agile, connected, and break down silos. Elliot Felix shares his mission of student success, drawing on his experience consulting with over 120 colleges and universities to improve student experiences through transformations in physical spaces, support services, and technology systems. He explains that his new book aims to provide an evidence-based playbook for higher education professionals to collaborate better for student success. Key Takeaways: Addressing Disconnections in Higher Ed: Felix identifies five key disconnections the book addresses, including a lack of belonging among students (only 65% feel they belong), the disconnect between courses and careers, and the prevalence of siloed structures within institutions. He illustrates this with an example of a university having both a "writing lab" and a "writing center" performing similar functions due to historical and structural reasons. The Connected College Vision: Felix envisions a future where colleges and universities are better connected, leading to students feeling a stronger connection to their institution, their coursework linking to careers, and increased collaboration both internally and with external partners like corporations and community groups. Defining Student Success: The conversation delves into the multifaceted definition of student success, acknowledging that it can be viewed through metrics like retention and graduation rates, student engagement and belonging, or the individual student's perspective of success. Felix suggests common ground for student success includes students finding their community, their academic and career path, their place, and a sense of purpose. Silo Busting Strategies: Felix highlights that silos are common in organizations, particularly in higher education, which is designed for durability. He attributes this to a lack of clear strategy beyond broad, anodyne statements, and legacy structures that simply have new functions "bolted on" rather than integrated. Tactics for breaking down silos include sharing data to create a common understanding of students. Forward-Thinking Universities: Examples of innovative approaches include university-industry partnerships driving economic and workforce development, such as Carnegie Mellon's robotics innovation center and Rowan University's expansion into health and wellness and advanced manufacturing. Other examples include Imperial College London's enterprise lab, the University of South Florida's focus on entrepreneurship, and Arizona State's "Work Plus Learn" program. Don't miss Elliot's new book, The Connected College: Leadership Strategies for Student Success, available July 22nd wherever you get your books. Subscribe to Trending in Ed so you never miss a conversation about leading the future of education in these transformative times. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:07 Elliot Felix's Background and Mission 02:26 The Connected College: Themes and Issues 06:28 Book Structure and Innovator Profiles 07:54 Defining Student Success 13:23 Silo Busting in Higher Education 17:14 AI and Future Trends in Higher Ed 20:36 The Importance of Combining Skills in Higher Education 21:06 Collaborative Spirit in Developing AI Policies 22:26 Navigating Political and Technological Disruptions 31:15 The Role of Higher Education in Economic Development 31:43 Innovative University-Industry Partnerships 33:08 Spotlighting Success Stories in Higher Education 35:49 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

Join us as Mike Palmer reveals Trending in Ed's Summer Reading List 2025! Mike shares the books that resonate most with the learning zeitgeist based on conversations with folks like Isabelle Hau, Horacio Sanchez, Kathleen DeLaski, and Eddie Watson. Plus get sneak peaks at upcoming book episodes with Elliot Felix, Doug Lemov, and Shalinee Sharma up next in the Trending in Ed feed. Don't miss this high-quality list of books that change your perspective and help move the needle in the world of education. Mike also shares book recommendations featuring Ethan Mollick, Chris Hayes, and Kevin Roose to round out the show. And keep your eyes out for the new dedicated Trending in Ed Books feed, coming to you shortly from your friends at Palmer Media. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

Join us on this episode of Trending in Education as Mike Palmer talks with Dr. Margaret Honey, President and CEO of the Scratch Foundation. We dive into the world of Scratch, the visual programming language that's empowering a new generation of creative thinkers and makers. Dr. Honey shares her unique career path, starting from her high school days reading about experimental schools to her impactful work at Children's Television Workshop (now Sesame Workshop) and the New York Hall of Science. We explore how Scratch, developed at the MIT Media Lab by Mitch Resnick, isn't just about teaching kids to code formally, but about providing an accessible, playful tool for creative expression. Discover how over 150 million young people have used the platform since 2007, creating more than a billion projects. We discuss the critical role of curiosity and imagination in a world increasingly shaped by AI, emphasizing how these distinctly human attributes help us remain in the driver's seat of technology. Learn about the maker's mindset embedded in Scratch, where users actively engage with the platform to bring their ideas to life through games, stories, and animated environments. We also differentiate between Scratch Junior (for younger children) and Scratch, highlighting how the platform fosters durable skills like grit, resilience, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Dr. Honey explains Scratch's commitment to maintaining productive struggle and experimentation, ensuring AI serves as a tool to enhance, not replace, human creativity and problem-solving. We also discuss the broader implications for K-12 education, the shift towards using technology as a generative tool for problem-solving and knowledge representation, and the importance of fostering a sense of agency in learners. Dr. Honey touches on the PISA assessment's new "Learning in the Digital World" component and how it aligns with Scratch's constructivist principles. Finally, we hear about the "Curiosity Convening" in October 2025, bringing together global researchers and practitioners to explore the most effective ways to nurture curious, hands-on learning. Key Takeaways: Cultivating Curiosity & Imagination: In an AI-driven world, human attributes like curiosity and imagination are crucial for staying in control of technology and fostering creative competencies. The Maker's Mindset and Durable Skills: Scratch promotes an active "maker's mindset," encouraging children to build and create, thereby developing essential durable skills such as grit, resilience, logical thinking, and debugging. AI as an Enhancement, Not a Replacement: The Scratch Foundation aims for AI to be a tool that aids problem-solving and sparks curiosity, rather than performing tasks for users, preserving the valuable "productive struggle" in learning. Learning as Development: Emphasizing that learning is a foundational form of human development, fostering interaction, collaboration, and a sense of agency, rather than solely focusing on test outcomes. Global Shift in Education: We are seeing a global movement, exemplified by the OECD's new assessment, towards using technology as a generative tool for problem-solving and building representations of knowledge, shifting beyond simply learning to code. Don't miss this insightful conversation that illuminates the future of education, work, and how we can empower the next generation with the skills and mindset to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Video versions are up on Youtube and Spotify.

On this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer sits down with Dr. Keith Sawyer, a renowned creativity researcher and professor at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Dr. Sawyer, author of the book Learning to See: Inside the World's Leading Art and Design Schools, shares insights from his career journey and extensive research into creativity and learning. Key Takeaways: The Power of Constraints: Dr. Sawyer reveals that in leading art and design schools, creativity is often enhanced by constraints, not hindered by them. Professors use "highly constrained project assignments" or "parameters" to guide students, even in fields like painting where one might expect complete freedom. "Learning to See" Beyond the Obvious: The title of Dr. Sawyer's book, Learning to See, stems directly from his interviews with art and design professors who emphasize that their primary role is teaching students "how to see". This isn't about literal sight but a deeper, more abstract way of perceiving and engaging with the world. Creativity as an Iterative Process: The common myth that creativity is about a single brilliant idea followed by linear execution is debunked. Instead, art and design education fosters an "iterative, wandering, and non-linear" creative process, where good ideas emerge through engagement with the materials and ongoing refinement. The Role of Struggle and Ambiguity: Learning and creativity are inherently effortful. Effective creators learn to "welcome ambiguity" and "tolerate failure," recognizing these as opportunities for new directions and deeper understanding. Collaboration in the Studio Classroom: While students in art and design programs are assessed individually, the studio classroom fosters a collaborative environment where students receive feedback from peers and professors on their interim work, influencing their next steps. Lessons for the Future of Education: The project-based learning model prevalent in art and design aligns with cutting-edge research in learning sciences, particularly in STEM disciplines. This approach, which Dr. Sawyer calls "guided improvisation," offers valuable insights for cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills across all fields of study. Why You Should Listen: If you're interested in understanding the true nature of creativity, how expertise is cultivated, and what lessons traditional education can learn from art and design schools, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Sawyer challenges common misconceptions about creativity, highlighting the essential roles of structure, iteration, and even struggle in the creative process. He also offers a thought-provoking perspective on how generative AI differs from human creativity and what it means for the future of work and learning. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts!

On this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer is joined by Margaret Wang-Aghania, co-founder and executive director of Subject to Climate, to discuss the integration of climate education into K-12 schooling. We explore how Subject to Climate empowers educators to teach about climate change, action, and justice across all grade levels and subjects. Key Takeaways: Margaret shares her origin story as a high school social studies teacher and how her experiences led to the founding of Subject to Climate. We learn about Subject to Climate's mission to make climate education "easy and effective" for K-12 teachers by providing vetted, standards-aligned resources and training. The conversation highlights the interdisciplinary nature of climate change, emphasizing that it's not just a science issue, but also involves social studies, English language arts, and more. We dive into the "gorillas in the room" – AI and the culture wars – discussing how climate literacy can be embedded within AI literacy initiatives in schools. Margaret provides a fantastic example of an English language arts lesson plan where students analyze poetry about climate change and even draft their school's generative AI policy. We explore the role of policy in system-wide change, citing examples like Maine's legislation for professional development funds for climate education. The discussion touches on foundational components of climate education, including systems thinking and problem-based learning, drawing on Christina Kwauk's work on skills for green jobs, green life skills, and transformative capacities. We address the challenge of "doom scrolling" and climate anxiety, emphasizing the importance of climate action and collective effort to foster hope and agency in students. Margaret shares how Subject to Climate's partners page and their news articles from The Juice (with a "Climate Solutions" filter) can help individuals connect with the broader climate education movement and find hopeful stories. Looking ahead, Margaret discusses how Subject to Climate is adapting to the increasing use of AI tools by teachers to ensure environmental concepts are still embedded in the learning process. Why You Should Listen: This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of education and our planet. Margaret Wang-Aghania provides inspiring insights into how we can empower the next generation to understand and address climate change. We discuss practical strategies for integrating climate education into existing curricula, leveraging emerging technologies like AI responsibly, and fostering hope and agency in students. If you believe in the transformative power of education to solve complex global challenges, this conversation will resonate deeply. Don't miss this engaging discussion! Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer hosts Charles Beyrouthy, Managing Partner at Forma Prime, a venture capital firm, to explore the exciting intersection of deep technology and the future of education. We dive into the profound shifts happening in our world, from the cutting-edge advancements in quantum computing, new sensor technologies, and cybersecurity, as well as the impact of generative AI on all of this. Key Takeaways: Charles Beyrouthy's Journey: Charles shares his fascinating career path, from studying chemical engineering and biochemistry at UMass Amherst to accidentally falling into chemical engineering, working in microfluidics research, and eventually transitioning into oil and natural gas consulting before founding a lab software startup called LabCloud. The Boston Biotech Ecosystem: We discuss Boston's rise as a biotech hub, examining how VC firms like Flagship and Polaris provided not just funding but also operational support, placing executives and consultants to bridge the gap between IP-centric research and commercialization. This transformation was fueled by institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Boston University, and supported by a robust supplier base. Deep Tech Investment Landscape: Charles explains Forma Prime's focus on deep tech, particularly semiconductors, and why this sector sits uniquely between SaaS (low IP moat, high market following) and biotech (high IP moat, long regulatory cycles). Semiconductors offer a high IP moat, a low regulatory environment, and massive implementation potential. Quantum Technology & Its Applications: We delve into quantum computing, moving beyond the theoretical to discuss real-world applications like quantum GPS that don't rely on satellites and the system on the International Space Station which uses room-temperature neutral atom technology developed by Infleqtion. We also touch upon other use cases like quantum radio frequency technology and quantum GPS timekeeping for synchronization. Q Day and Cybersecurity: We also explore the concept of "Q Day" – the hypothetical point where quantum computers could break conventional encryption. While Charles believes conventional encryption standards like RSA 256 are still robust, he acknowledges the need for continued research and government support for quantum encryption. Gradient Technologies, a Forma Prime portfolio company, is pioneering hardware-authenticated access to enhance cybersecurity. Challenges in Academia and Industry Alignment: A critical theme is the disconnect between academia and entrepreneurial activity in the private sector. Charles advocates for better alignment in curricula, teaching styles, and practicums to ensure graduates emerge work-ready. He also emphasizes the need for professors to upskill in emerging technologies and for academia to prioritize practical application and societal value over purely academic pursuits. The Semiconductor Workforce Crisis: Charles issues a powerful call to action regarding the urgent need for skilled technicians and engineers in the US semiconductor industry. He highlights that we need at least 35,000 technicians for new fabs and urges educators to step forward to develop practical training programs to address this. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the bleeding edge of technology and its implications for our future. We unpack complex topics like quantum computing and its real-world applications, offering a clear and accessible overview. We also engage in a timely discussion about the critical role of education in preparing the next generation for a rapidly evolving technological landscape, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry. Don't miss it! Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Video versions are available on YouTube and Spotify.

Dr. Terri Givens is a regular "Friend of the Show" on Trending in Ed and a professor of political science at the University of British Columbia and author of Radical Empathy. She joins host Mike Palmer to discuss the current challenges facing higher education and academic associations, the importance of collaboration, and how individuals can take action in a chaotic world. Key Takeaways: Higher education faces significant disruptions, including declining enrollment, reduced research funding, and a shift towards an adjunct-focused model. Academic associations are crucial for faculty development and networking but struggle with declining membership and funding. There's a growing demand for academic associations to take political stances, which is challenging for their 501(c)(3) status. Collaboration and strategic planning are essential for academic associations and universities to navigate current challenges. The current political landscape highlights systemic issues like racism and discrimination, underscoring the need for mutual aid and community involvement. Empathy and taking action are vital in addressing societal and educational challenges, as discussed in Dr. Givens' upcoming book, Reckoning. It's crucial for higher education to better articulate its value, especially that of a liberal education, beyond just job prospects. The politicization of higher education is a concern, but it also presents an opportunity for institutions to unite and promote their positive impact. A historical and global perspective helps us understand and navigate current challenges, recognizing that societies have overcome major hurdles before. Why You Should Listen: Gain insights into the significant challenges and disruptions impacting higher education and academic associations today. Learn about the critical role of academic associations and why their struggles have a "domino effect" on the broader academic landscape. Understand the call for greater collaboration and strategic foresight within higher education to address current and future crises. Hear Dr. Givens' perspective on how individuals can find agency and make an impact in a chaotic world, emphasizing local action and mutual aid. Explore the intersection of politics and education, and why staying politically involved is essential for everyone. Discover why higher education needs to re-articulate its value and address issues like declining male enrollment. Tune in to hear Dr. Terri Givens share her extensive experience and sharp analysis on the state of higher education, the role of academic associations, and the power of empathy and action in these turbulent times. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts and join the conversation!

In the 700th episode of Trending in Ed, host Mike Palmer welcomes back Nancy, our virtual co-host, to delve into the latest and most significant developments in the world of Artificial Intelligence, viewed through the crucial lens of education. This milestone episode marks the launch of a new sub-feed, Trending in Ed - AI, which will focus specifically on the intersection of education and artificial intelligence. The discussion covers a range of thought-provoking topics, including: Canny Centaurs and the Uncanny Valley: The hosts revisit concepts like "centaurs" from Advanced Chess and the Uncanny Valley from robotics, discussing how to blend AI with human intuition and empathy to avoid the pitfalls of technology that feels "creepy" while maximizing human augmentation in teaching and learning. AI in Practice and Pop Culture: The conversation explores AI's immediate applications in education, such as personalized tutoring systems akin to Baymax from Big Hero 6, and accelerated skill development through simulations, drawing parallels to Neo downloading skills in The Matrix. The ethical considerations raised in Black Mirror regarding data privacy and algorithmic bias are also discussed. Yeah, we hit some pop culture to keep things zeitgeisty! Sycophantic Drift: We introduce the fascinating (and humorous?) concept of "sycophantic drift," examining how AI assistants might unintentionally become overly agreeable and flattering, posing a challenge for designing educational AI that provides accurate feedback. Nancy marvels at how great we are at this! New AI Hardware and Surveillance: Then we touch on the intriguing collaboration between Jony Ive and Sam Altman to develop new AI hardware, specifically the "AI surveillance medallion," and the implications for privacy and continuous data capture. Contrasting AI Philosophies: Mike and Nancy highlight the differing perspectives of AI leaders, contrasting Luis von Ahn of Duolingo's "AI-first" strategy, which views AI as a superior teacher, with Dario Amodei of Anthropic's focus on AI safety, ethical alignment, and the potential for job displacement. Mary Meeker's Latest AI Report: The discussion concludes with an analysis of Mary Meeker's recent report on AI adoption, emphasizing its unprecedented speed, plummeting inference costs, and the "great reshuffling" of job roles, signaling AI as mandatory infrastructure rather than an optional one. Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your pods to stay informed across the learning universe. Tune in to Trending in Ed - AI to gain deeper insights into the critical discussions shaping the future of AI and its use in education and technology.