Learning Unboxed

Welcome to the July edition of Learning Unboxed. As many of you know, we tend to take the month of July off, but we have heard from our loyal listeners that you would love content during your summer vacation. So we have crafted a set of four episodes to run during the July holiday that are all about exploring student agency. For those working to make a meaningful shift in your classrooms, schools, and communities, the most crucial place to start is making the decision to shift from a teacher-led ecosystem to one that is student-led. But this shift can be daunting. So join us as we explore four examples of student-centered learning that demonstrate what's possible.We’ve come to believe that protecting kids from experiences is a good thing, but what ends up happening is we cripple their ability to make decisions, function as adults, and be intrinsically motivated in anything. Gever Tulley is the co-founder of Tinkering School which came about in 2005. We talk about how trusting kids lead to big things, how teachers and students can collaborate effectively, and why age-restricted learning is a tool of the past.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How Gever put kids in charge of his summer campsWhy Tinkering School exists and how it helps kids understand their own potentialTaking a collaborative approach to education with teachers and studentsThe benefits of mixed-age educationCreating educational “arcs” of learningResources:gevertulley.comtinkeringschool.comInstagram: @gevertulleyProduced by Nova Media

In this fascinating episode of Learning Unboxed, we delve deep into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its profound implications for our future.Joining us is Sanjay Saigal, Executive Director for Affiliates and Research Engagement at Stanford Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME), brings us the rich history of AI, the democratization of this powerful tool, and its evolving user interface. He also sheds light on the critical role humanities play in steering the ethical questions and decision-making processes involved in AI use.We’re also joined by Jasmine De Gaia, a Global Product Strategy and Technology Executive in Banking and Financial Services, shares her insights from the business world and the increasing integration of AI in her field. She underscores the necessity for strategists and technologists to deploy AI meaningfully and ethically while maximizing organizational value.We talk about the pressing need for a Chief AI Officer to manage the ethical, strategic, and technological dimensions of AI implementation. We explore the democratization of AI and its growing accessibility, as well as its wide-ranging implications across various industries. We discuss AI's practical implications in education, the necessity for more critical questioning, and address fears around AI replacing human jobs. Our understanding of AI has a long way to go from this early impression, but it’s important to start asking – and answering – these important questions now.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The growing necessity for a Chief AI Officer to handle the strategic, ethical, and technological aspects of AI in organizations.The democratization of AI, transitioning from a tool used by a few large organizations to a more accessible technology.The implications of AI across various industries, and strategic thinking to capitalize on this technology.The importance of ethical standards in AI usage, aligned with an organization's values.The societal implications of AI and the growing public understanding and fascination with it.The significant shift in the user interface of AI technologies, impacting our everyday experiences.The need for critical thinking and transparency when interacting with AI.The opportunities AI brings into education, shifting emphasis to why we do things rather than how, and highlighting the role of humanities.Resources:Connect with Sanjay on LinkedInConnect with Jasmine on LinkedInicme.stanford.edu/people/sanjay-saigalProduced by Nova Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive deep into the world of Montessori education and its transformative potential. Our special guest is Tessa Wessels, founder of Casa Bilingual Montessori. Tessa opens up about her personal journey, from her upbringing in apartheid South Africa to creating an educational environment that nurtures critical and independent thinking in the Netherlands.Join us as we explore the distinguishing features of Tessa's school, such as its all-day, all-year program, and its core focus on individual personal development. Tessa expounds on the Montessori principles, from fostering an environment that meets a child's developmental needs to guiding older children towards self-reflection and independent thinking.Discover the unique challenges and rewards of adopting a Montessori education model. We discuss the diversity and continuous learning philosophy of the staff at Casa Bilingual Montessori, Tessa's frustration over the perceived lack of curiosity from traditional schools, and her efforts to demonstrate the effectiveness of alternative teaching methods.Finally, we discuss the transition of students from Casa to conventional high schools, touching on the strengths and concerns that arise from their different learning experience. Tune in to explore how Montessori education is redefining what school is and why it matters.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How Tessa founded Casa Bilingual MontessoriThe Montessori approach to education and how it benefits childrenThe future education path for students beyond Montessori schoolResources:Learn more at casaschool.nlConnect with Tessa Wessels on LinkedInProduced by Nova Media

Today, we're honored to have Nick Salmon, founder and president of the Collaborative Learning Network, join us as we discuss the topic of extreme innovation in the education space. As a ninth-generation educator and self-certified 'educational furniture whisperer,' Nick is deeply committed to positively influencing the lives of 1.6 billion young people worldwide.Together, we'll delve into the heart of innovation in education, challenging traditional concepts of school and why they matter. From the dynamics of teachers working in pairs or small groups to a complete revamp of how we perceive the school day, Nick offers fresh insights and ideas that have the potential to transform the way we approach teaching and learning.Join us as we navigate through compelling topics such as the significance of personal transformative learning experiences, the power of collaboration in projects, and unique methods to promote deep learning. We wrap up with a conversation on overcoming the isolation many educators feel and forming supportive cohorts, offering a pathway for meaningful change. Don't miss out on this exciting journey into the realm of educational innovation!To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Ways we can revolutionize education without spending any moneyGetting educators to recognize different ways of doing thingsGiving students the chance to iterate endlesslyShowing up and cultivating curiosityResources:Learn more at collaborativelearningnetwork.comConnect with Nick Salmon on LinkedInProduced by Nova Media

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Learning Unboxed" where we’re talking about zoo schools as transformative educational institutions.We're joined by four distinguished guests from the world of zoo education and conservation: Chris Edelen, a career tech teacher at Cincinnati Public Schools' Hughes STEM School and a former zookeeper at the Cincinnati Zoo, brings in over two decades of experience in the zoo and education sectors; Trene't Schill, a proud 2018 Zoo Academy alumni and University of Cincinnati graduate, specialized in Horticultural Science; Rickey Kinley, a dedicated professional, who's led a career spanning 28 years at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden and is currently the head keeper of the aviculture department; finally, we have Nhy'Aire Dunn-North, an ambitious senior at the Zoo Academy, who aspires to make a difference in the zoo conservation space, particularly in the African and elephant exhibits.Tune in to learn how specialized programs like the Zoo Academy can contribute to the personal and professional development of students, even in areas where such programs don't exist. Our guests discuss how to encourage students toward these unique opportunities, the importance of developing soft skills, and the practical application of animal training techniques in human interactions.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What the Cincinnati Zoo Academy is all aboutHow Hughes STEM School began working with the Zoo AcademyThe cross-disciplinary skills students can learn at Zoo AcademyResources:Learn more at cincinnatizoo.org/education/the-zoo-academyHughes STEM High SchoolProduced by Nova Media

Welcome to another episode of Learning Unboxed, where we dive into the innovative and transformative world of education. Today, we're thrilled to have Catherine Gray, the founder of Na'atik School in Mexico. Na'atik is an intercultural school that has been disrupting traditional education models by blending local and foreign learning experiences for over 12 years.In this episode, Catherine discusses the evolution and mission of Na'atik, an institution that provides subsidized English classes to local and indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto Mexico while also offering language and cultural immersion experiences for foreign students. She shares her journey of growing Na'atik into an intercultural hub, granting scholarships to local students and inviting foreign students to learn Mexican Spanish and Yucatec Maya.We delve into the power and importance of authentic intercultural interactions, how they can revolutionize traditional education systems, and their role in providing immersive, free-form, and free-flowing learning experiences. Catherine takes us through the unique dynamics of immersive learning at Na'atik, where adults from around the world are often taught by children, thus fostering a bi-directional learning environment.Join us for this enlightening conversation to understand how learning experiences can be enriched through intercultural immersion and how such models can positively disrupt traditional views on education.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Catherine's journey as the founder of Na'atik School in MexicoThe unique intercultural model of Na'atik SchoolThe importance of authentic intercultural interactions in educationThe role of immersive, free-form, and free-flowing learning experiences at Na'atik SchoolThe unique dynamics of immersive learning where adults are often taught by childrenChallenges faced by Catherine in her journey, including economic difficulties and gaining community trustThe role of authenticity, trust, and respect for local culture in educationResources:Learn more at naatikmexico.orgConnect with Catherine on LinkedInProduced by Nova Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of student agency and autonomy in education. Our guest is Mike Nicholson, principal of Learning Inspired Ed, a forward-thinking education consultancy agency dedicated to supporting the development of student agency across school districts.Mike shares his passion for moving from a compliance-based education system to one where students have the freedom to make decisions about their learning. We dive into the "55 perspectives" he has developed for teachers to transform their classrooms, including the idea of shadowing a student for an entire day to gain a visceral understanding of their experience. Mike also offers a practical tip for teachers who want to introduce student autonomy in their classrooms but may not be able to do so on a larger scale.Join us for an insightful conversation on the power of student agency and how to implement it in your classroom. Reach out to Mike at Learning Inspired Ed for resources and support on this transformative journey.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Defining student agency and autonomyThe 55 perspectives of giving kids control and autonomy over their learningHow minimizing educational hierarchy can allow autonomy to flourishThe student autonomy breakdownResources:Learn more at learninspired.orgFollow Mike Nicholson on Twitter: @mnicholson_mikeProduced by Nova Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're exploring the innovative world of self-directed learning with April Huard, the Executive Director of Clonlara School, a K-12 institution that empowers students to take charge of their own education. Starting as a small homeschooling collective, Clonlara School has expanded to multiple campuses across the United States with a mission to transform education on a global scale.April shares insights on the self-directed learning model, which allows students to choose their projects and follow their interests while being supported by facilitators who guide them through the learning process. She also addresses the challenges they face, such as misconceptions about self-directed learning and scaling their model to include more students.One of the core values of Clonlara School is joy, and April talks about the immense joy she finds in her work, witnessing students discovering their passions and families expressing gratitude for the transformations they've seen in their children. The school requires senior students to complete a capstone project, showcasing their diverse interests and talents. Join us in this inspiring conversation to learn more about the importance of giving students the time, space, and freedom to follow their interests and pursue what is important to them.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How Clonlara offers multiple ways for participating in its education systemThe “full circle learning” approach to educationGiving kids ownership of their educationTraining educators to empower kidsResources:Learn more at clonlara.orgProduced by Nova Media

We're diving into the fascinating realm of global citizenship through the lens of a fantastic program called World Savvy. Our esteemed guests are Dana Mortenson, co-founder and CEO of World Savvy, a national education nonprofit working to educate and engage youth as responsible global citizens, and KK Neimann, World Savvy's Director of Professional Learning, with an impressive 20 years of teaching experience in social studies across fifth to 12th grades.We explore the changing landscape of education and the pivotal role of World Savvy in fostering global competence among K-12 students and teachers. We discuss the importance of integrating global competence into education, preparing students for an interconnected and rapidly changing world. World Savvy's approach champions project-based learning, empowering students to tackle real-world issues while honing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.Join us as we underscore the importance of global competence and adapting to change to better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Cultivating global competency in K-12 educationCreating a future-proof model of educationGetting everyone in the school community to work togetherResources:Learn more at worldsavvy.orgConnect with Dana on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dana-mortenson-a691893Connect with KK on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kk-neimann-2875144Produced by Nova Media

Welcome to today's episode of Learning Unboxed! In this episode, we're excited to have an incredible conversation with our guest, Michael Stone, from the Public Education Foundation, based in Tennessee. Michael has an impressive career journey, including being an Albert Einstein Educator Fellow with the National Science Foundation and spending 10 years as a high school mathematics and computer science teacher. In his current role, he's led the development of the largest school-based Fab Lab network in the world through the Volkswagen e-Lab.We dive deep into the impact of maker spaces and fabrication spaces on education, emphasizing the importance of teaching essential skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. We explore the opportunities for meaningful learning in schools through Fab Labs and discuss the importance of tracking essential skills and technical proficiencies in student learning.Michael shares his insights on an app called Fabfolio, designed to track these skills. He also recounts a story of how a history teacher incorporated a project involving a 3D printer, leading to an epiphany for two students who had never seen themselves in the lab before.Join us to learn more about the importance of tracking data to refine educational models and make more informed choices as we scale across the country and the world. Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation, and be sure to reach out to Michael if you're inspired by his work. Check out the Fab Labs website and Fabfolio app for further exploration.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The transformative role of Fab Labs in education and skill developmentAddressing the future workforce needs through essential skills and hands-on learning experiencesThe Fabfolio app: tracking student skills and refining educational modelsResources:Visit fablabs.io for more informationConnect with Michael Stone on LinkedInProduced by Nova Media