Gamification offers a fresh take on teaching design that offers increased engagement and improved learning. However, research to-date has been unclear about what components of gamification work. We read a meta-analysis that searches for which pieces of gamification can benefit your students. Later, we turned to a study of how research is interpreted by teachers…. Read More »

Teacher preparation and professional development can pursue anti-racist, decolonial practices by deconstructing our assumptions about effective practice. We read a study from pre-service teachers engaged in disrupting oppressive paradigms of teaching in a collaborative pursuit of more just practice. Later, we turned to an examination of the neuroscience underlying motivation. These authors claim a popular… Read More »

Science communication has been turned upside down by the explosion of popularity of social media platforms. We read a reconceptualization of nature-of-science education for the social media age. What is our job as teachers, of any content area, to prepare our students to be responsible consumers of science as citizens?   Later, we turned to… Read More »

The importance of mathematical reasoning is visible in conversations from pandemics to politics. Sarah Dolence joins us to discuss how a numeracy framework developed for citizens can inform math instruction for students. Later, we read research connecting instructional choices to student perceptions of classroom goal structures. From tasks to evaluations, are we incentivizing growth? Finally,… Read More »

The future of teaching depends on training future educators, but pairing student teachers with effective veterans can be challenging. New research allays some fears from veteran teachers by showing that taking a student teacher does not negatively impact classroom outcomes. Later, we explore a critique of scripted curricula that shows their inconsistency with democratic values…… Read More »

With many schools beginning the fall in remote or hybrid settings, we’re still thinking about digital teaching. Research on video filming techniques shows how your camera and editing choices impact student retention and understanding. Later, we read about a new model for need-supportive teaching. Three essential elements build an engaging and productive classroom. Finally, we… Read More »

This month we’ll have our year in review! We’re looking back at the papers that impacted our thinking and our practice. We’ll also reflect on our personal journey as educators during an academic year unlike any other. First Segment – 03:09 – Our top papers from AY19-20 Second Segment – 34:55 – Personal reflections Image… Read More »

This month we’re talking about racism in US education. Our first paper presents the experience of Black men who have been expelled from US schools. Their stories highlight systemic problems that produce a school-to-prison pipeline that we must work to dismantle. Later, we read about gentrification of New York schools. Ties between whiteness and school… Read More »

As our minds turn to plans for the fall, many districts are making “what if” plans for whether and how to return to in-person teaching. Guest host Kelly Kluthe brings guidelines for Missouri schools to consider how teachers can make use of safety recommendations in their classrooms. Later, we read an article about using critical… Read More »

Our second month of emergency remote teaching leaves us searching for ways to help our students grow in all the areas we value. We start by reading a paper that identifies connections between socio-emotional constructs, with ways to promote growth in executive function and citizenship together. Later, we read a program guide to effectively planning… Read More »