Learning Unboxed

There’s a good chance your state’s policies actually allow for more innovative and student-centered learning than you think. Sonn Sam is the National Director of Partnerships at Big Picture Learning and he’s our guest on the show today. He explains how they have been able to create more space for innovative student-centered over the last 30 years.Big Picture Learning’s mission is to activate the potential of schools, systems, and education through student-driven, real-world learning with a vision that all students live lives of their own design, nurtured by supportive mentors, meaningful relationships, and equal opportunities to succeed. Big Picture Learning now has 111 schools in the US and 150 internationally.Sonn explains Big Picture Learning’s emphasis on locally-infused school design, working through everyday obstacles to community-based learning like transportation issues, and helping teachers become well-connected generalists.If you’re looking for practical ways you can make student-centered learning possible in your area, be sure to listen to this episode.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The difference between a school model and a school designWhat it means to say “the student is the curriculum” Why it’s important for teachers to be well-connected generalistsResources:Learn more at BigPicture.orgRead Education Reimagined’s research, “Progress and Possibilities to Support Learner-Centered Education and Ecosystem Design.” BPL Guided ExperienceGetting to Know BPL: a document that can help explain who BPL is, what they value, and how they do their work for and with young people. BPL OARIAProduced by NOVA Media

Andrea Vescelius is a Ohio public school teacher who has eliminated homework and limited grades to just quarterly marks for her students. In this episode, we ask her how she pulled this off and what impact it has had on her students.Andrea takes us on her 24-year teaching journey. She notes when and why her thoughts on homework and grades changed. She also describes the small steps she took, and continues to take, to make her teaching more centered on student needs.If you’ve ever dreamed of making your classroom less checkbox-driven and more student-led, this episode is for you.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The benefits of no homework and no gradesAndrea’s journey to not assigning homework and limiting graded workHow other teachers can move in the direction of no homework and gradesProduced by NOVA Media

Laksh Dhir’s goal is to revolutionize how informal education is being done in classrooms around the world. Laksh is the CEO and Chairman of Youth for STEM Equity, and he is our guest on the show today.Laksh explains that informal education has three main strengths. It helps students imagine themselves in the professional field they are learning about. It deeply engages students in key educational subjects. It also connects students with professionals in the industries they are learning about.Youth for STEM Equity harnesses the power of informal learning through an escape room model. Take a listen as Laksh describes some of the STEM-based escape rooms they have put on. You’ll want to jump in and do one yourself!To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What “equity” means in the context of educationThe unique strengths of informal learningThe power of the escape room model for STEM engagement and retentionResources:Learn more about Youth for STEM Equity at yforse.orgFollow Youth for STEM Equity on InstagramProduced by NOVA Media

Joel Nicholson, co-founder and CEO of Youthfully, aims to democratize one-on-one coaching for students. He shares insights on their holistic coaching philosophy and the structured process that guides students towards their goals. Nicholson tackles Bloom’s 2 Sigma problem by discussing innovative strategies to make personalized coaching more accessible. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI in education, the shift toward essential skills over traditional diplomas, and the importance of lasting mentorship in student development.

Tyler Thigpen, co-founder of The Forest School and the Institute for Self Directed Learning, shares insights on nurturing student-led learning environments. He discusses the significance of mastery-based education and how to measure growth through single point rubrics. The conversation highlights the role of exhibitions in fostering student responsibility and the need for spaces where students can build character and resolve conflicts. Tyler’s innovative approaches are a beacon for those interested in educational reform.

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” was made almost 40 years ago, yet it still is seen as an accurate representation of education in America. Kevin Stoller is on a mission to update America’s perception of its schools. He’s our guest on today’s episode.Kevin is the founder of the Second Class Foundation and is creating a new docuseries called “What We Show Them.” He explains the power of entertainment to change culture. We discuss the importance of leadership, how anyone can be a storyteller, and the roadmap for his series. Be sure to check the Resources section to find out how you can connect with Kevin and potentially showcase your own innovative education program.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The power of entertainment to change cultureThe lag between progress in education and how it is reflected in the mediaHow anybody can be a leader and a storytellerResources:Learn more at SecondClassFoundation.org Email Kevin at info@secondclassfoundation.orgWatch “What We Show Them” Episode 1 on YouTubeRead “The End of Average”Produced by NOVA Media

Chris Ramsden, a game-based learning consultant at Accelium Australia, discusses the transformative power of integrating gamification into education. He emphasizes game-based learning as more than just an engagement tool; it builds critical metacognitive habits and social-emotional skills in students. Chris shares insights on a 24-session 'Thinking Journey' aimed at enhancing STEM education and highlights the importance of adapting educational methodologies for real-world applications. His approach to learning is described as 'nutritional candy for the brain,' making education both fun and impactful.

All great things start with a podcast! What started out as a podcast by Ryan Pruitt during COVID lockdowns has morphed into his business called Be All You. Ryan joins the show today to introduce his unique business and discuss the state of education. Be All You is an education company creating an exploratory platform for students who need to create unique projects or initiatives to enhance their college applications or build their resumes. It’s designed to get students to create entrepreneurial projects that are made up of their skills and their passions. We talk about the importance of youth self-discovery and empowerment. We also discuss how to help teachers develop their own entrepreneurial mindset. Take a listen to learn more about this exciting new program.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in students and teachersThe importance of students being able to choose their learning projectsHow future careers can be created through what students learn todayResources:Learn more at BeAllYou.org Check out the Conrad Challenge PrizeProduced by NOVA Media

Dr. Lorna Bryant, Head of Career Solutions at Pearson Virtual Schools, is passionate about democratizing education through technology. She discusses how virtual learning can enhance connections and opportunities for students, particularly those who are underserved. Lorna outlines Pearson's innovative career assessments and mentorship programs that prepare students for the workforce. She emphasizes the blend of virtual and in-person learning to foster essential skills, ensuring students are equipped for their unique paths, regardless of their circumstances.

Many times we say we value students’ voices and aspirations, but we don’t do the work to truly make them partners in designing and delivering education. Today, Dr. Russ Quaglia and Dr. Lisa Lande from the Quaglia Institute for School Voice and Aspirations join the show to talk about how to change this.We have a great conversation about being honest with where you’re at as an organization in terms of student voices and aspirations, and starting from there. We talk about trusting students with more responsibility, and being ok when things get messy. We also talk about the importance of building a foundation of community and individuality. If you are interested in truly utilizing student voices, this episode is for you.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The definition of voiceHow values inform aspirationsThe importance of ongoing relationship-building to create space for voices and aspirationsResources:Learn more at QuagliaInstitute.orgProduced by NOVA Media