Learning Unboxed

In this conversation with Dave Hersh, CEO of InTandem, he discusses the revolutionary concept of designing with youth rather than for them. Dave explains how bridging the gap between industries and young voices enhances product development. He highlights the barriers that often hinder youth participation and shares strategies to overcome them. Listeners will learn about the transformative impact this collaboration has on fostering agency and belonging in young people, ultimately reshaping educational tools and career pathways.

Kapono Ciotti, CEO of the Pacific American Foundation and co-author of the Landscape Model of Learning, shares his journey of reimagining education. He discusses the PEAK model, which emphasizes purpose, skills, and student agency, aiming to transform learning experiences. Kapono highlights the importance of celebrating educational successes beyond standardized testing. He also explores the challenges of educational reform, including integrating AI, and presents the 'island change model' to guide schools through transformation. It's an inspiring look at a future-focused educational landscape.

In this engaging discussion, guest Alan Tang, co-founder of Collaboration Laboratory (CoLab), shares his journey from corporate finance to revolutionizing education through game-based learning. He reveals how CoLab uses immersive games to teach crucial life skills like empathy and leadership while fostering cultural exchange among kids worldwide. Alan explains the unexpected benefits of this approach not just for students, but also for corporate teams looking to enhance teamwork and decision-making, making learning both fun and transformative.

Dr. Maggie Broderick, Dissertation Chair in Teacher Education at National University, dives into the latest trends in doctoral research. She highlights the rising interest in social-emotional learning and the importance of teacher dispositions. The discussion also explores how generational shifts and technological advancements are reshaping teacher preparation. Maggie emphasizes the need for education to adapt, especially post-pandemic, to foster inclusive learning environments and inspire resilience among educators.

Amber Humm Patnode has spent over a decade researching the root causes of chronic absenteeism and how to address them effectively. She joins us today to explain what the data shows.Amber is the Acting Director of the Proving Ground program, part of Harvard University’s Center for Education Policy Research. She helps school districts assess the data they have related to chronic absenteeism, analyze it, and come up with timely solutions.In today’s episode, we talk about the three main categories of root causes– physical, aversion, and disengagement– and what educators can do about them.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The physical barriers leading to absenteeism: illness, transportation, suspensions, etc.The “aversion” reasons for absenteeism: perception of safety, social-emotion difficulties. etc.The “disengagement” root cause of absenteeism: When students or families don’t see how attendance is going to help students reach their goals.Resources:Learn more about Proving GroundLearn more about Attendance Works Produced by NOVA Media

What if instead of pushing every high schooler into Algebra 2, we let them choose a math route that focused more on data science and computers? That’s what Chris Orban and the Math Pathways project are working to make happen in the state of Ohio.On the show today, Chris describes how he’s helping increase access to computer science education for kids across the state through math course offerings. He walks us through what those courses can look like, including a project on the Nintendo64 Mario game.Chris gives an excellent, deep-in-the-weeds perspective of what it takes to make this kind of systemic change.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How a course can serve as both a math class and a computer science classWhat systems change looks like from an in-the-weeds perspectiveHow community members can be impactful in education policy change Resources:Learn more about the Math Pathways projectProduced by NOVA

Kasondra Wilson, Human Capital Manager at Deloitte, champions education-industry partnerships for workforce development. She shares insights on attracting industry partners and the importance of real-world projects in enhancing student learning. Kasondra discusses how Deloitte's initiatives empower students with essential skills while promoting generational shifts in workplace values. The conversation also highlights the need for educators to foster meaningful collaborations, ensuring that students align their careers with their personal values.

Welcome back for the third episode of our four-part series all about our Portable Innovation Labs (PILs). Today, we have a conversation with two community partners who use PILs for their workforce development missions.Iddrisu Seidu from Makerspace Central and Rich Granger from DriveOhio explain how they team up with our rocket-focused PIL. By using 3D-printing, the PIL allows children to immerse themselves in rocket science– yes, rocket science. Aerospace and aviation are important industries in Ohio’s economy. Through the rocket-based PIL, we can build a more diverse and talented future workforce together.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Why Makerspace Central and DriveOhio decided to use PILsHow PILs increase diversity in STEMHow PILs can be adjusted for different age groupsResources:Listen to Episode 49. Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: The Role of Education in Smart Mobility & InfrastructureAccess DriveOhio’s free Educator ToolkitLearn more at MakerspaceCentral.orgFollow Makerspace Central on Instagram: @Makerspace.CentralProduced by NOVA

Sonn Sam, the National Director of Partnerships at Big Picture Learning, advocates for a future where assessments focus on how students are smart rather than if they are smart. The discussion covers the transformative power of learner-centered assessments, emphasizing flexibility and personalization in education. Sam highlights the importance of cultural relevance and innovative assessment methods like student-created transcripts. He also touches on fostering empathy through observation and the need for educational systems to adapt to modern learners' needs.

Imagine if instead of having to cram for tests and sit through lessons, high schoolers could graduate by navigating six “passages” that prove their practical, creative, and logical skills. Fifty years ago in Jefferson County, Colorado, a group of parents and educators created a school just like that and it’s still thriving today. Melyssa Dominguez and Jenny Long from the Open School join us today to talk about their unique program.Melyssa and Jenny describe the “Walkabout” high school program. They explain each of the six “passages” and show how the model is supported by an advisory system and authentic evaluation process. Not only do Open School’s Walkabout graduates get eagerly accepted by colleges and universities, but the skills the students develop during their “passages” make them more likely to finish their diplomas than the national average. Listen in to learn what aspects of “Walkabout” you can apply to your own learning environment. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The six “passages” Open School student must finish to graduateHow the Open School does self-evaluation and transcriptsThe Open School’s advisory systemResources:Learn more at jcos.jeffcopublicschools.org/curriculum/walkaboutRead “To Create the World That Ought to Be: Memoirs of a Radical Educator” by Arnie LangbergProduced by NOVA Media