TeachLab Presents The Homework Machine

This week on TeachLab, Justin Reich is joined by Daniel Wendel, Research Manager and Software Developer of the MIT Scheller Teacher Education Program / Education Arcade. They discuss the importance and caveats of modeling, their use in the classrooms, and Daniel’s most recent collaboration project “Modeling the Spread of a Virus”, an interactive model designed to be used by teachers and parents for a conceptual understanding of how a virus spreads in a community, and how the individual can affect the collective. Learn more at www.virusmodel.org“...one of the things with emergent models is that if you don’t understand the rules behind it, you might just think we just put those emergent things into the model. Being able to see in the back of the house, you can see those rules were never programmed into this model, it just kind of happened as a result of the other rules we did program into the model.”How computational models differ from other modelsRelation between Starlogo and LogoUsing complex system models in classroomsBack-end of Starlogo / Block-based programmingModeling the Spread of a Virus projectHow the virus model can be used in educationHow the model is different from realityLearning how to use Starlogo Nova Note to the audience:The Teaching Systems Lab and the TeachLab team would like to thank all of our audience for their patronage as we attempt to shift our production and content in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We think it is of the utmost importance to continue distributing as much content as we can, and as widely as we can, to assist those who are in need of information in these difficult times. We are working to improve the quality of our content with these new constraints and get back to a more regular scheduling. Thank you for your patience. Resources and LinksVisit Modeling the Spread of a VirusLearn more about the STEP/Ed ArcadeLearn more about Starlogo NovaLearn more about Teachers with GUTS Transcripthttps://teachlabpodcast.simplecast.com/episodes/virus-model/transcript Join our course on edX!Becoming a More Equitable Educator: Mindsets and Practices Produced, edited and mixed by Garrett Beazley Follow Us On:FacebookTwitterYouTube

This week on TeachLab, Justin Reich presents findings from a report on remote learning guidance from state education agencies (see tsl.mit.edu/covid19). He discussed relevant background research, points of consensus among state guidance, and the most important question for schools right now: what is the purpose of schooling during a pandemic? Harvard University professor Marty West, a member of the Massachusetts Board of Education, joins as discussant to provide a state policy perspective. The conversation was recorded during a live webinar, the video and slide deck can be found below. Note to the audience:The Teaching Systems Lab and the TeachLab team would like to thank all of our audience for their patronage as we attempt to shift our production and content in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We think it is of the utmost importance to continue distributing as much content as we can, and as widely as we can, to assist those who are in need of information in these difficult times. We are working to improve the quality of our content with these new constraints and get back to a more regular scheduling. Thank you for your patience. Resources and LinksCheck out additional COVID -19 information from Teaching Systems LabWatch the Full Webinar on YouTubeDownload the slide deckCheck out our earlier episode with NYC teacher Michael Pershan Transcripthttps://teachlabpodcast.simplecast.com/episodes/covid-report/transcript Join our course on edX!Becoming a More Equitable Educator: Mindsets and Practices Produced and edited by Aimee Corrigan and Garrett BeazleyRecorded by Justin ReichMixed by Garrett Beazley Follow Us On:FacebookTwitterYouTube

Justin Reich hosts a virtual session with MIT’s Jameel World Education Lab’s (JWEL) to offer practical guidance and strategies for online learning during the coronavirus pandemic. The live audience includes educators from all around the world, and Justin answers their questions and offers his advice on listening to students and faculty, designing learning for challenging times, and prioritizing the needs of marginalized students. “...really think about how you can partner with students and faculty. Coronavirus feels like something that's being done to us. It would be great if our response to the Coronavirus feels something that we do together.”Partner with Students and FacultyIdentify and Support Disadvantaged StudentsConsider Emphasizing Asynchronous over Synchronous LearningStrategically Reduce Learning GoalsHelp Students Form Study GroupsPrioritize Time for Individual ConnectionsPlan for RemediationSpecial thanks to Julia Reynolds-Cuélla, Susan Young and the whole team at the Abdul Latif Jameel World Education for the invitation, and for recording the conversation. Resources and LinksCheck out the full live event and powerpoint Transcripthttps://teachlabpodcast.simplecast.com/episodes/age-of-covid/transcript Join our next course on edX!Becoming a More Equitable Educator: Mindsets and Practices Produced by Aimee CorriganMixed by Garrett Beazley Follow Us On:FacebookTwitterYouTube

Justin Reich joins NPR’s On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti to discuss the challenges higher education is facing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and some strategies for navigating them. They discuss the need to engage the student who are most struggling, respond to pre-recorded testimonials, and provide advice for faculty for enduring these difficult times.Meghna and Justin are accompanied by Christina Morales, a senior at the University of Florida, who describes her experience transitioning to online course work, and Amardeep Kahlon, dean of distance learning and computer science professor at Austin Community College in Texas, to discuss the administrative perspective of the rapid change.Special thanks to Meghna, Grace Totter and the whole team at NPR’s OnPoint for producing this episode and letting us share the conversation with you. Transcripthttps://teachlabpodcast.simplecast.com/episodes/pivot-online/transcript Join our next course on edX!Becoming a More Equitable Educator: Mindsets and Practices Recorded and produced by the incredible team at NPR’s OnPointTeachLab segments produced by Aimee CorriganMixed by Garrett Beazley Follow Us On:FacebookTwitterYouTube 

At TeachLab we continue our efforts to support teachers during the coronavirus pandemic. In this episode, Justin Reich joins Laura Tavares from Facing History and Ourselves, a professional development organization empowering teachers & students to think critically about history & to understand the impact of their choices. We discussed building community, supporting students, and caring for each other in the transition to distance learning. During the webinar, Justin and Laura discuss:Sustaining values and equitable practices in challenging circumstancesResearch about the risks for struggling and vulnerable learners in a transition to online learningActively reaching out to support learners in low tech ways through phone, messaging, and emailResearch on typical virtual school practices, including their emphasis on self-paced, asynchronous learning and how much they depend upon parental supportSupporting student motivation through partnership, choice, autonomy, and agencyUsing school resources in a crisis not just to address immediate needs, but to plan for supporting students in catching back up in summer, fall, and beyond Resources and LinksWatch the full conversation with Justin and Laura at Facing HistoryLearn more about PadletRead Invitation to Brave Space by Micky ScottBey JonesLearn more about FlipGridLearn more about Project ZeroCheck out FHAO’s Resource Library Transcripthttps://teachlabpodcast.simplecast.com/episodes/facing-history/transcript Join our next course on edX!Becoming a More Equitable Educator: Mindsets and Practices Produced by Aimee Corrigan Recorded by Justin Reich and FHAOEdited by Aimee CorriganMixed by Garrett Beazley Follow Us On:FacebookTwitterYouTube

To support teachers in the midst of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, TeachLab is switching our focus to highlight tools and strategies for effective teaching during this time. Today we talk with Michael Pershan. He is a New York City math teacher at one of the first schools in the country to shut down in the face of COVID-19. At his school, the goal was to transition fully to synchronous distance learning. Michael joins Justin Reich to discuss what we know about online and distance learning, and what's feasible for a math teacher to do.Michael’s experience and challenges in the midst of CoronavirusHow to create a base for kids to keep learningIssues of synchronous online learningAlternative methods of distance learningLooking at the needs of different age groups and those who need extra supportEquity issues around access and technology Strategy and planning in the midst of emergencies About Our Guest: Michael PershanMichael Pershan is an elementary, middle and high school teacher in NYC. Learn more about Micheal on Twitter @mpershan You can read about Michael’s professional history here and check out some of his writing here. Transcripthttps://teachlabpodcast.simplecast.com/episodes/michael-pershan/transcript Join our next course on edX!Becoming a More Equitable Educator: Mindsets and Practices Produced by Aimee Corrigan and Garrett BeazleyRecorded by Justin Reich and Michael PershanEdited by Aimee CorriganMixed by Garrett Beazley Follow Us On:FacebookTwitterYouTube

Dr. Meira Levinson is a normative political philosopher, writer, and Professor of Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Meira joins Justin Reich to discuss an emerging field of educational ethics, what that means in the classroom, and just how nontrivial that can be in practice.  “So as you start sort of peeling back the onion of the data, you think... I don't know if it's even possible to compare this charter with this district in terms of quality. And on the other hand, in some ways, we need to, right?”Educational Ethics in practiceSystem vs. Teacher level / Teacher DemoralizationScenarios of ethical dilemmas for teachersMassachusetts Charter School expansionEthics of Technology and Data in Educationjusticeinschools.org / Bringing their work into practiceDiscovering differences in values About Our Guest: Dr. Meira LevinsonDr. Meira Levinson is a normative political philosopher, writer, and Professor of Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She writes about civic education, multiculturalism, youth empowerment, and educational ethics. In doing so, she draws upon scholarship from multiple disciplines as well as her eight years of experience teaching in the Atlanta and Boston Public Schools. Her most recent books include the co-edited Making Civics Count (Harvard Education Press, 2012) and No Citizen Left Behind (Harvard University Press, 2012).  In 2013, No Citizen Left Behind was awarded the Michael Harrington Award from the American Political Science Association, the Exemplary Research in Social Studies Award from the National Council for the Social Studies, and a Critics Choice Award from the American Educational Studies Association. It also won the 2014 North American Society for Social Philosophy Book Award. Levinson fosters civic education scholarship at Harvard as co-convener of HGSE's Civic and Moral Education Initiative. Additional Resources for Teachers and other ListenersRead Meira Levinson’s No Citizen Left Behind along with several other publicationsavailable on AmazonLearn more about Meira Levinson’s work the Harvard Graduate School of Education Transcripthttps://teachlabpodcast.simplecast.com/episodes/meira-levinson/transcript Join our next course on edX!Becoming a More Equitable Educator: Mindsets and Practices Produced by Aimee Corrigan and Garrett BeazleyEdited by Kate EllisRecorded by Garrett BeazleyMixed by Corey SchreppelFilmed by Denez McAdoo Follow Us On:FacebookTwitterYouTube

Rich Milner, Educator, Scholar and Author of the book “Start Where You Are, But Don’t Stay There: Understanding Diversity, Opportunity Gaps, and Teaching in Today’s Classrooms", joins Justin Reich in a powerful conversation on how to help educators work for equity for all students. Rich encourages teachers, "If you're going to engage work that is transformative, if you're going to engage work that meets the needs of every young person with whom you work, then you've got to consider race".Rich’s Teaching HistoryOpportunity Gaps and Opportunity Centered TeachingDeficit MindsetColorblindnessMyth of MeritocracyContext Neutral MindsetsUnderstanding Cultural Conflicts About Our Guest: Dr. Rich MilnerRich Milner is the Cornelius Vanderbilt Endowed Chair of Education and Professor of Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. Professor Milner began his career at Vanderbilt University where he was appointed Lois Autrey Betts Associate Professor of Education and Associate Professor of Education in the Departments of Teaching and Learning and, by courtesy, Associate Professor of Leadership, Policy and Organizations as well as founding director of the graduate program, Learning, Diversity and Urban Studies at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. At Vanderbilt, in 2008, he became the first Black person to earn promotion and tenure in the entire College of Education’s history. His research, teaching and policy interests concern urban education, teacher education, African American literature, and the social context of education. In particular, Professor Milner’s research examines practices and policies that support teacher effectiveness in urban schools. Additional Resources for Teachers and other Listeners Read Rich Milner’s book, recently released in an updated second edition. “Start Where You Are, But Don’t Stay There: Understanding Diversity, Opportunity Gaps, and Teaching in Today’s Classrooms" (Second Edition). Available by Harvard Education Press, on Amazon and at your local bookseller. Learn more about Rich Milner’s work at Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. Transcripthttps://teachlabpodcast.simplecast.com/episodes/rich-milner/transcript Join our next course on edX!Becoming a More Equitable Educator: Mindsets and Practices Produced by Aimee Corrigan and Garrett BeazleyEdited by Kate EllisRecorded by Garrett BeazleyMixed by Corey SchreppelFilmed by Denez McAdoo Follow Us On:FacebookTwitterYouTube

Neema Avashia, a Civics teacher in the Boston Public Schools, joins Justin Reich to discuss the power of bringing real-world challenges into the classroom. We hear how Neema and her students rallied the community to challenge the closing of their school, McCormack Middle in Dorchester, and won. Neema speaks to the importance of empowering students to express themselves, and shares some of her best classroom moves.Neema’s Personal and Teaching BackgroundBringing complex issues into the classroomUsing student choice as entry points“Jeremiah Option”Identity in the classroomAddressing conflicts in difficult civic conversationsRestorative PracticesThreat to Close the the McCormack Middle SchoolUsing civics to address the real problemStudents expressing their motivation and talentsBalancing activism and curriculumConnecting with students and the community About Our Guest: Neema AvashiaNeema Avashia has been a Civics teacher in the Boston Public Schools, since 2003, and was recognized as city wide Educator of the Year in 2013. A graduate from Carnegie Mellon in 2001, Avashia has written and performed for The Moth Story Slam, and has become a powerful voice on WBUR’s Cognoscenti, where she has published work about the urgent issues of our time, including, “My Parents May Be Acceptable Immigrants, But None of Us Is Safe” which looks at a violent crime against an immigrant in the midwest, and “Newton North High School: Talking To Students When A Symbol Of Racial Hatred Is Unfurled Close To Home” She has also published work in The Aerogram, and in Eat, Darling, Eat. When not working on essays about inequity in education and racism, Avashia writes about the complexity of growing up Indian in West Virginia. Additional Resources for Teachers and other Listenershttps://www.neemaavashia.com/my-writing - Check out Neema’s published writinghttps://www.dotnews.com/2019/mccormack-leadership-academy-would-merge-under-bps-plan - The latest news on the McCormack Middle School Transcripthttps://teachlabpodcast.simplecast.com/episodes/neema-avashia/transcript Join our next course on edX!Becoming a More Equitable Educator: Mindsets and Practices Produced by Aimee Corrigan and Garrett BeazleyEdited by Kate EllisRecorded by Garrett BeazleyMixed by Corey SchreppelFilmed by Denez McAdoo Follow Us On:FacebookTwitterYouTube

Dr. Liz Self, Assistant Professor of the Practice at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development joins Justin Reich on TeachLab. They discuss Liz’s early teaching experiences, racial equity in the classroom, and Liz’s current work where she uses clinical simulations to help teachers practice for challenging situations in teaching.Liz’s early teaching experiencesSimulations for pre-service teachersRecognizing the actual problemLarge reflection processVariety of simulation scenariosHow students of different backgrounds react to these scenariosWhat’s the next step? About Our Guest: Liz SelfDr. Liz Self is Assistant Professor of the Practice at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development. Her current research focuses on designing and using clinical simulations, to prepare preservice teachers for culturally responsive teaching. These instructional tools help teachers recognize their assumptions, biases, and prejudices within the context of systems of oppression. Additional Resources for Teachers and other Listenershttps://my.vanderbilt.edu/elizabethself/about-me/ - Learn more about Liz Self’s workhttps://www.amazon.com/Pushout-Criminalization-Black-Girls-Schools/dp/1620970945 - Check out Monique Morris’ book mentioned in the episode Transcripthttps://teachlabpodcast.simplecast.com/episodes/liz-self/transcript Join our next course on edX!Becoming a More Equitable Educator: Mindsets and Practices Produced by Aimee Corrigan and Garrett BeazleyEdited by Kate EllisRecorded by Garrett BeazleyMixed by Corey SchreppelFilmed by Denez McAdoo Follow Us On:FacebookTwitterYouTube