As the upcoming Presidential Election draws near, the importance of media literacy in education has never been more evident. In today's digital age, where information is readily accessible and often overwhelming, teaching students how to critically analyze and navigate media sources is essential for fostering informed citizenship and safeguarding democratic processes. Media literacy encompasses a range of skills, including the ability to evaluate the credibility of sources, recognize bias,...

In the fast-paced world we inhabit today, intelligence is no longer confined to the realm of IQ scores and academic prowess. An equally important aspect of personal development is emotional intelligence (EI). This term, now ubiquitous in discussions about personal growth and success, was traced back to a seminal 1990 article by Salovey and Mayer, which argued that emotions could be harnessed to enrich one's life. However, Daniel Goleman truly popularized the concept in his groundbreaking...

In an intriguing twist of technological irony, the Peninsula School District in Washington State has embarked on a pioneering journey by utilizing Generative AI (Gen AI) to develop comprehensive guidelines for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings. This innovative approach underscores the district's commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technologies to shape the future of teaching and learning. In an interview with Education Week, Kris Hagel, the executive...

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse is anticipated to be visible from parts of North America, including Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The path of totality, where the Sun is completely obscured by the Moon, will pass through several states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Vermont, and Maine. Few occurrences in the vast canvas of celestial phenomena captivate human imagination as profoundly as a total solar eclipse....

Transform Your Science Class In the ever-evolving education landscape, we must reconsider what we prioritize in our science classrooms. Melanie Trecek-King, an advocate for progressive teaching methods and the founder of thinkingispower.com, offers invaluable insights into reshaping science education for the betterment of students and society. At the heart of Trecek-King's philosophy is the belief that critical thinking is paramount in science education. Science isn't just about...

Over two decades, Elena Aguilar, distinguished as the founder and President of Bright Morning, has ardently devoted herself to education, assuming roles as both a teacher and instructional coach. Throughout this extensive period, she has witnessed a prevalent and pervasive sentiment that resonates deeply within the teaching community—the overwhelming burden accompanying the noble pursuit of shaping young minds. In an earnest endeavor to address this shared challenge, Aguilar has...

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping how we learn and teach. One groundbreaking development that significantly impacted education in 2022 - 2023 was generative AI applications like ChatGPT. Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT is a language model that has revolutionized the learning experience, offering new possibilities for both educators and students.  As we look back on which stories received the most attention on the Class Dismissed Podcast,...

Leading with laughter in a school setting can positively affect the learning environment and the overall well-being of fellow educators. Here are some reasons why incorporating humor and laughter into leadership can be beneficial: 1. Creates a Positive Atmosphere: Laughter is a powerful tool for creating a positive and enjoyable atmosphere. When leaders use humor, it helps to build a sense of camaraderie and fosters a more relaxed and welcoming environment. 2. Builds Connection and...

In Episode 254 of Class Dismissed, Social psychologist Camilla Griffiths from Stanford University discusses the common practice among educators of quickly correcting students' mistakes. She argues that this approach, while efficient, may deny students the opportunity to learn, grow, and demonstrate their ability to overcome challenges.  Griffiths and her colleagues studied middle- and high-school teachers' feedback, focusing on whether students were passive recipients or had agency in...

Tween girls face unique challenges in a world where social media is an integral part of daily life. The impact of the digital age on their development can be both positive and negative, making it essential to understand and address these challenges. Our guest in Episode 253 of Class Dismissed created a program designed to teach that every girl has specific talents and gifts that make her unique and beautiful to the world. Katie Parker is the founder of Bloomfully and co-creator of I...

"Transforming an Assignment: Fostering a Love for Reading and Learning" Initially, Amanda Lacy was far from enthusiastic when her principal handed her the task of teaching a group of high school students grappling with reading difficulties. Her new students, consisting of juniors and seniors, had previously failed their state exams as tenth graders. Amanda candidly admitted, "I was hoping there had been a mistake. I even walked into the principal's office and jokingly said, 'You must have...

Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges of our era, demanding that educators take an active role in educating students about this global issue. Yet, delving into such a multifaceted and occasionally contentious topic can appear daunting.  In a recent episode of Class Dismissed (Episode 251), we had the privilege of speaking with Mark Windschitl, a distinguished Professor of Science Teaching and Learning at the University of Washington, who also boasts a background as a former...

Jennifer Serravallo, a renowned best-selling author in the education world, has left a profound mark with her previous works, "The Writing Strategies Book" and "The Reading Strategies Book," which have provided invaluable guidance to countless educators seeking compelling reading and writing strategies. In Episode 250 of Class Dismissed, Serravallo discusses another of her great works, "Understanding Texts & Readers," aimed at helping teachers unravel the mysteries of reading...

Teaching is a noble profession that shapes future generations but is challenging. One of the most pressing issues faced by educators is burnout. The demands of managing classrooms, catering to diverse learning needs, and juggling administrative tasks can take a toll on teachers' mental and emotional well-being. To ensure the flame of passion keeps burning brightly, educators can adopt several strategies to prevent burnout in the classroom. Firstly, maintaining a healthy work-life balance...

It's essential to recognize that while Generative Artificial Intelligence offers valuable tools, the role of a teacher as a facilitator, mentor, and guide remains crucial. The key is to balance leveraging AI's capabilities and maintaining the core principles of effective teaching, including fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a love of learning. In Episode 248 of Class Dismissed, we speak with Dr. Tim Dasey. He has a new book titled "Wisdom Factories: AI, Games, and the Education...

A home visit from a teacher before the start of the school year can be incredibly beneficial for both the students and the teacher. Here are some ways in which it can help: * Building rapport: A home visit allows the teacher to establish a personal connection with the student and their family in a comfortable and familiar environment. This rapport can build a positive teacher-student relationship throughout the school year. * Understanding the student's experience: Visiting their home...

In an ideal world, every student would have an equal chance to succeed and thrive in the education system. However, the concepts of equality and equity reveal that achieving this goal requires more than just providing the same resources to all students. Episode 246 of Class Dismissed will explore the differences between school equality and equity and the importance of promoting equity to ensure fairness and inclusion in education. Equality Equality in education refers to treating all...

When we think of science education, the first things that come to mind are textbooks, equations, and experiments. However, there is an often overlooked tool that can captivate students' imaginations and enhance their understanding of scientific concepts: stories. Storytelling has been an integral part of human culture for centuries, and harnessing its power can revolutionize science education. In Episode 245 of Class Dismissed, we will explore how using stories as a teaching tool can engage...

Play can help you remember things for longer Learning through play is an excellent way for children and adults to develop new skills, but it’s also a great way to alleviate stress and trauma and tap into different parts of the mind.  Our guest on Episode 244 of Class Dismissed is an expert on learning through play. Dr. Bo Stjerne Thomsen is the Vice-President and Chair of Learning through Play in the LEGO Foundation. The Lego Foundation has partner researchers and labs worldwide that...

With the increasing use of technology in all aspects of our lives, educating young students about the risks and best practices for staying safe online has become more critical than ever. Here are some reasons why it is essential to teach cybersecurity to K-12 students: * Protecting Personal Information: Children and teenagers often share personal information online without realizing the consequences. Teaching them cybersecurity can help them understand how to protect their sensitive...

Confidence is essential in learning math because it can increase motivation, perseverance, risk-taking, and self-efficacy. Sam Rhodes, an Assistant Professor of Elementary Math Education at Georgia Southern University, is our guest on Episode 242 of Class Dismissed. He and his colleagues have researched and narrowed in on Five Key Ideas for Growing Confident Math Learners.              • Everyone is a math person.              • Everyone is on a math journey.              • Mistakes...

School Districts are struggling to figure out how they should react to ChatGPT. Districts like New York City, Oakland, and Seattle have banned AI technology due to concerns about cheating.  However, in Episode 241 of Class Dismissed, our guest offers some perspective on why we should embrace generative AI software like ChatGPT. Ben Farrell is the assistant head of school at New England Innovation Academy. The academy is the nation's first human-centered design middle and high...

Making a case for mathematics Mathematics is one of the world's most fundamental and essential subjects, with applications that extend across a wide range of disciplines and industries. But sometimes, it isn't easy to convince high school students of the importance of math. Our guest in Episode 240 of Class Dismissed is here to arm us with some tricks to show students the importance of math. Jennifer Kinser–Traut is a project director at the University of Arizona College of education....

The first step to understanding something new is often the most challenging part.  Our guest on Episode 239 of Class Dismissed explains why we must rethink how we teach students.  He suggests we reconsider the three Rs – Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic and possibly replace those with some new Rs. Such as Relationships, Resilience, and Reflection. Jose Antonio Bowen is the author of the hit book “Teaching Naked.” Bowen led innovation and change for over 35 years at Stanford,...