School's In

What does it mean to be a lifelong learner? And how might education and learning be reframed to enable flourishing across the lifespan?On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Professor Mitchell Stevens to discuss the nature of work and learning in a world where people are living and working longer. We also touch on how parents and educators can prepare young people for futures that might involve multiple careers and continuous learning over the course of a lifetime. Stevens covers several topics, including:03:20  The impact of longevity on education and work05:48  Rethinking our front-loaded education system07:53  Lifelong careers as a thing of the past11:26  Early learning matters more than ever14:58  Beyond “skills”: Identity and reinvention across the lifespan19:42  Who pays for lifelong learning? A new social contractMitchell Stevens is a professor at the GSE where his research focuses on lifelong learning, alternative forms of education, and the formal organization of knowledge. He is also co-director of the Stanford Center on Longevity. To learn more about his work, visit his faculty profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights – subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

Why is early childhood math important? And how can parents and teachers use research-backed, and play-based practices to encourage math learning?On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Professor Emerita Deborah Stipek to discuss why learning and practicing math is important for young children. We also touch on ways to engage young children in playful math and how parents can incorporate learning at home. Stipek covers several topics, including:03:00  Early math as a predictor of academic achievement07:09  Math anxiety: Overcoming barriers and making math fun13:44  Everyday playful math for families18:07  Transitional kindergarten and teacher preparation in early math25:39  Early math resources for parents, caregivers, teachers, and teacher educatorsDeborah Stipek is the chair of the Development and Research in Early Mathematics Education (DREME) Network, where she works with scholars and researchers to advance math learning and skill development for young children. She is also a professor emerita and former dean at the GSE, where her research focused on early childhood and elementary education, especially as it relates to math and motivation. To learn more about her work, visit her faculty profile.For more information on the DREME Network, and to access their free resources for parents, teachers, and teacher educators, visit their website here. School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights – subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

*** Join us for our LIVE event May 21st on the Stanford campus. Details below. ***How can schools apply the latest research to improve learning for all students? And how can parents, school leaders, and policymakers use that research to bring about change?On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Professor Susanna Loeb to discuss how to scale education research to have more influence in the world. We also touch on the importance of connecting research and practice, and ways parents can support students in their learning. Loeb covers several topics, including:(2:31) What does it mean to “scale” in education?(6:18) Why tutoring works—and who gets left out(9:58) The importance of context in creating a plan that works(12:46) Research that makes a difference(17:31) How parents can get involved(20:48) AI, policy, and the future of scaling knowledge in educationSusanna Loeb is a professor of education at the GSE, where her research focuses broadly on education policy and its role in improving educational opportunities for students. She is also faculty director of the SCALE Initiative at the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, and was the founding director of the Center for Education Policy Analysis at Stanford and co-director of Policy Analysis for California Education. To learn more about her work, visit her faculty profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.*** School’s In is going LIVE for an episode on digital literacy in the AI era, featuring Sam Wineburg and a panel of expert guests. Join us for a reception, interactive event, and headphone giveaway on Wednesday, May 21st on the Stanford campus. Register here, and we hope to see you there! ***

*** Join us for our LIVE event May 21st on the Stanford campus. Details below. ***What is a healthy amount of homework for a student? And how can schools, teachers and parents help students live balanced lives?On this episode of School’s In, we welcome California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo to discuss the Healthy Homework Bill and students’ need to balance work and down time. We also touch on what parents, teachers and schools can do to support students when it comes to homework. Schiavo covers several topics, including:(02:40)  Why the Healthy Homework bill?(04:54)  Why homework? The pros and cons of homework(12:29)  What is the Healthy Homework bill and how does it work for schools?(20:27)  Homework, youth mental health, and family dynamics(24:39)  The characteristics of effective homework: The student point of view(27:09)  Key takeaways for parents, teachers, and schoolsPilar Schiavo is a California state assemblywoman for the 40th district, where she introduces and advocates for bills related to education, affordable housing, regional transportation, and healthcare, among others. To learn more about her work, visit her official website.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.*** School's In is going LIVE for an episode on digital literacy in the AI era, featuring Sam Wineburg and a panel of expert guests. Join us for a reception, interactive event, and headphone giveaway on Wednesday, May 21st on the Stanford campus. Register here, and we hope to see you there! ***

What are effective methods that support adult learning? And how can modern tools and technology help in that effort?On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Associate Professor Candace Thille to discuss the research and design behind successful adult learning. We also touch on the importance of feedback, and how it can make AI and other technology more useful in educational settings. Thille covers several topics, including:(3:02)  The importance of feedback in learning technology(5:30)  Feedback and deliberate practice in learning(7:50)  Adult learning: Building on prior knowledge and experience(9:58)  Learning design: Targeting skills and knowledge for the adult learner(13:11)  AI, machine learning, and human agency(21:00)  The importance of motivation in learning designCandace Thille is an associate professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), where she studies the science of human learning, with a focus on the intersection of adult and machine learning. She is also the faculty director for the adult and workplace learning initiative at the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, and a faculty affiliate of the Stanford Neurosciences Interdepartmental Program. To learn more about her work, visit her profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

How can parents of young children best foster healthy development? And what role does real-time, actionable data play in designing tools and policies that support families and caregivers?On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Professor Phil Fisher to discuss best practices for early childhood development and ways policymakers can help. We also touch on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected young children, their parents, and early childhood educators. Fisher covers several topics, including:(2:17) The RAPID Survey: Learning about the lives of parents and caregivers of young children(11:26) Using the data to make family-centered policy(18:18) Practices that nurture development: The FIND project for caregiver coaching(21:15) The dynamics of serve and return interactions(24:16) Possible uses of AI in scaling up the coaching tools(26:25) Key takeaways for parents and caregiversPhil Fisher is a professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), where he studies early childhood learning. His research focuses on developing and evaluating scalable early childhood interventions in communities, and translating research  into policies and programs.He is also the director of the Stanford Center on Early Childhood at the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, and the lead investigator in the ongoing RAPID-EC project, a national survey on the well-being of households with young children. To learn more about his work, visit his profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

What should the average adult know in order to achieve financial literacy? And what role should schools play in helping students get there?On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Professor Annamaria Lusardi to discuss the financial skills young people need to make wise decisions and fully participate in society. We also unpack a new bill passed in California to require financial literacy education for high school graduation. Lusardi covers several topics, including:(02:25) What is financial literacy for students?(07:36) The complexities of financial decision making(12:50) The new financial literacy graduation requirement in California(15:38) Equity issues in financial learning(18:06) The effects of financial literacy on well-being and wealthAnnamaria Lusardi is a professor of finance at Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), where she studies the effectiveness of financial education programs on individuals’ financial decisions. Her research focuses on financial literacy and personal finance, and she has designed measurements of financial literacy that have been used around the world.She is also the faculty director of the Initiative for Financial Decision-Making, a collaboration between the GSB, the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, and Stanford's economics department. To learn more about her work, visit her profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

What are the positive and negative effects of cell phones in the classroom? And how might teachers and parents support thoughtful and constructive use of cell phones by students?On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Associate Professor Antero Garcia to discuss cell phone bans in schools and opportunities for educators to integrate technology in the classroom. Garcia covers several topics, including:(02:45) The ongoing debate about cell phone bans(05:02) Balancing the pros and cons of different cell phone policies (09:27) Practical classroom strategies(11:32) Teen mental health and social connection(17:54) California's cell phone policy: Preparing teachers to support student engagementAntero Garcia is an associate professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education, where he explores the possibilities of speculative imagination and healing in educational research. His recent books include All Around the Town: The School Bus as Educational Technology and Civics for the World to Come: Committing to Democracy in Every Classroom.He is also the president-elect of the National Council of Teachers of English, and was formerly a longtime English teacher in South Central L.A. To learn more about his work, visit his profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

Why is public service a critical part of education in a democracy? And what are some barriers and pathways for students to engage in public service?On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Adjunct Professor Tom Ehrlich to discuss civic participation, public service, and the role teachers play in American democracy. Ehrlich covers several topics, including:(01:01) What is public service?(04:33) What are the qualities of a good public servant?(06:29)  How can higher education institutions create pathways for students to engage in public service?(15:22)  The importance of role models in public service(23:35)  General advice and reflectionsTom Ehrlich is an adjunct professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education. He was formerly president of Indiana University, provost of University of Pennsylvania, and dean of Stanford Law School. Ehrlich also held leadership roles in government during six presidential administrations. He is the author of multiple books on leadership, public service, and higher education. To learn more about his work, visit his profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

What positive tools, foundations, and concepts can educators pull from the past? And how might they be applied to create a better future for educators, students, and school systems?On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Maisha Winn to discuss historical insights into education, the importance of establishing identity to student success, and how parents can help children connect to themselves and their communities. Winn covers several topics, including:(02:44) The Black student experience and historical insights(05:35) Identity, purpose, and direction in education(10:22) The role of identity in education(15:56) The futuring for equity lab and the institute for the future(21:11) Practical tools for parents and childrenMaisha Winn is the Excellence in Learning Professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), and her research examines how under-resourced communities create practices, processes, and institutions of their own. She is also the faculty director of the Equity in Learning Initiative at the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, where she spearheads projects that address disparities in educational outcomes. To learn more about her work, visit her profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.