The Balance, by Dr. Catlin Tucker
catlinthebalance
Dr. Catlin Tucker is a bestselling author, international trainer, and keynote speaker. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2010 in Sonoma County, where she taught for 16 years. Catlin earned her doctorate in learning technologies from Pepperdine University. Currently, Catlin is working as a blended learning coach, education consultant, and professor in a Masters of Arts in Teaching program. Catlin has published several books on blended learning, including The Shift to Student-led, The Complete Guide to Blended Learning, UDL and Blended Learning, and Balance with Blended Learning. She is active on Twitter @Catlin_Tucker and writes an internationally-ranked blog at CatlinTucker.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 16, 2024 • 20min
Katie Novak Dishes About Her New Podcast, The Education Table
In this mini-episode, Dr. Katie Novak tells us all about her new podcast, The Education Table. She shares her inspiration, describes the microformat, and discusses a few of the topics she has already covered!
Jul 9, 2024 • 14min
What Blended Learning Is and What It Is Not
In this mini-episode, I dispell some of the misconceptions about what blended learning is and is not. I highlight the benefits of this combination for positioning students to become active agents in the learning experience while freeing teachers to more effectively meet the diverse needs of students in their classes.
Jul 2, 2024 • 52min
Rethinking Writing Instruction in the Age of AI
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Randy Laist, Dr. Cynthia Murphy, and Dr. Nicole Brewer about their book Rethinking Writing Instruction in the Age of AI. Discover how the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) form the bedrock of their innovative strategies, aimed at empowering students to discover and amplify their individual voices as writers. Want to connect with Dr. Randy Laist? rlaist@bridgeport.edu
Jun 25, 2024 • 27min
Ask Catlin: Differentiation?
In this Ask Catlin episode, Catlin and Noelle answer your questions about differentiation and what it looks like to differentiate content, process, and products. Plus, you'll find out what song Catlin says is currently reflecting her frame of mind.
Jun 18, 2024 • 11min
Designing Choice Boards
Choice boards are a fantastic tool for honoring learner variability and providing students with meaningful choices. Not every student enjoys the same task, so giving them options is critical to maximizing their motivation and focus in a lesson. Choice boards allow us to honor our students’ preferences, needs, and interests, making their learning experience more engaging and effective.
Additional Resources
Blog Post: Designing a Standards-aligned Choice Board (with AI)
Google Doc: BlendEDU: Active Reading Choice Board
Jun 11, 2024 • 1h
Letting Students Lead the Learning with Spider Web Discussions with Alexis Wiggins
In this episode, I chat with Alexis Wiggins, 20-year teacher and author of, The Best Class You Never Taught: How Spider Web Discussion Can Turn Students into Learning Leaders. Alexis explains the purpose, process, and incredible outcomes of using the spider web discussion to engage students in collaborative inquiry and meaning-making. You can connect with Alexis on X at https://twitter.com/alexiswiggins
Jun 4, 2024 • 24min
Ask Catlin: Grading
In this Ask Catlin episode, Catlin and Noelle answer your questions about grading practices and how to make grading more manageable.
May 28, 2024 • 16min
3 Reasons Teachers Should Use the Playlist Model
Explore the benefits of using the playlist model in education, allowing students to progress at their own pace and engage in various activities. Learn how personalized instruction and classroom management can be improved through tailored playlists for different skill levels. Discover how the playlist model enhances student learning by promoting autonomy, clear expectations, and inclusivity in the classroom.
May 21, 2024 • 41min
AI and Teacher Productivity with Angela Watson
In this episode, I talk with Angela Watson about her most recent work integrating AI into her 40-Hour Work Week Course for teachers interested in leveraging AI to create more work-life balance. Angela also shares a new project called Finding Flow Solutions that is designed to help students be more effective and self-aware learners. You can check out more of Angela's work on her website and podcast https://truthforteachers.com.
Additional Episode Resources
Finding Flow - High School Unit
Finding Flow - Middle School Unit
May 14, 2024 • 28min
Ask Catlin: Assessment
In this Ask Catlin episode, Catlin answers your questions about assessment.
