Preserving Democracy Through Education and Art: Recent Episodes
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A close look at the essential role education and art play in empowering individuals to think critically in a world of information overload.
In this episode, the author explains why Math Instruction might just be the answer to helping kids heal from trauma and develop executive functioning skills.
She uses modern research to explain what types of behaviour can be expected from trauma inflicted students and outlines effective strategies that teachers and educators can use to create safe and inclusive spaces for these individuals.
In her final segment she reflects on research to explain how Math Instruction can be used to help trauma inflicted students develop critical thinking in applying their math understandings to complex problems involving social justice and universal events.
In this May long weekend special, the author reflects on a recent comedy show in Halifax, N.S. to describe the integral role art plays in empowering individuals and society as a whole.
Battling a cold she, specifically, describes the art of improvisation in stand up comedy and reflects on its invaluable role in helping individuals take risks, persevere and succeed.
In this episode the author winds down the year with serious discussions about the music industry, homelessness, food scarcity and high grocery prices.
The second half of this segment entails solutions to help with the latter and a (true) charming story about an investment in people.
Finally, she ends the show with a warm holiday greeting and a shoutout to anyone who has to work during the holiday.
During the Thanksgiving weekend, the author revisits the broad theme of democracy and the importance of questioning current systems in place. The opening features Leonard Cohen's song, 'democracy' and discusses his contributions as a Canadian poet and musician. (Specifically, the creative way he questions democracy by bringing light to social injustices that invariably exist within it).
A large discussion about homelessness is also featured with some ideas to help solve this issue.
Tied in with themes of questioning the status quo, she features one of her amusing clips about a discussion that took place in a lecture about the pop culture icon, 'Barbie.'
She concludes the show by discussing the important role of art in preserving our democracy and its contributions at large. She closes with the song: 'Invisible man' written by another local and Canadian musician: 'Ripping Hearts.'
In this episode, the host reflects on her past and current role as a teacher to interpret key concepts about social justice and equity in education.
Her interpretation of these concepts stem from literature, presentations, videos, and discussions from a graduate course.
The host revisits her experiences by reflecting on defining moments in her education. In doing so, she identifies many factors that researchers attribute to a student’s success: community support, classroom environments, teacher attitudes/approaches, perceived competence, and an overall sense of well being. Revisiting these experiences with an awareness of these factors has allowed her to view her past through a new lens and make some sense of these defining moments.
She concludes her reflection by forming some important connections between her past, course content and current role as an educator. Many social justice and equity themes in the classroom pop up in this segment.
Finally, she emphasizes the utmost importance of listening to students and building relationships with them to figure out what ‘works for them’ in their journey towards success.
This episode features an updated discussion about social media, and the powerful role that art and education play in informing people about important issues in society.
This episode features a discussion about democracy and what it means to be a critical thinker in today's society.
This episode features a special tribute to T.V. Moms and Dads along with a standing ovation for Canada's first female to lead a major political party in Canada.
Later on in the episode, the host playfully reflects on the way climate brings people together in Canada and other places in the world.
The final segment discusses the importance of keeping in contact and supporting one another during a these turbulent times.
This episode features a discussion about the difficult concept of change and its necessity for personal, (and societal growth). During the episode, the author briefly reflects on Covid and the adverse effects it has had on peoples lives. The episode closes on a surprisingly optimistic note about adversity and a gift idea for her birthday at the end.
In this episode, the author discusses the broad theme of democracy and reflects on historical events in defining it. Many forms of artwork come to light in this episode while the author rationalizes how important it is for people to express themselves, share their stories and feel heard.
The final segment entails a reflection of how the last few years, in particular, have motivated the author not to take one's freedom and democracy for granted.
This episode discusses the experience of being locked down abruptly in 'the safest part of the world.' In this particular segment, the author revisits the theme of the podcast, and describes the way music aids individuals by making them joyfully reminisce and maintain perspective. The last part describes a delightful stroll through a local park and the importance of staying connected to oneself during these uncertain times.
This episode discusses the daily ups and downs of living through a pandemic and the ongoing concerns about mental health in our society. The author discusses an expert's definition of, 'collective trauma,' along with many other symptoms of trauma people may be experiencing during these times.
The second portion discusses the powerful role writing plays in comforting individuals during hard times and in informing people about important events and ongoing issues in our society.
The ending entails a charming small tale about how Halifax became the 'Heart of Rock and Roll in the 1980s.'
This episode makes references to inspiring lectures and films about empowering others through courage and individual acts of kindness.
It also includes an amusing segment on the author's 'secret' ticket to tennis fame at the Roger's Cup. Be sure to stay tuned!
This episode reflects on David Suzuki's interview with the CBC during his 85th birthday. It reflects on his discussion about the ways Covid has effected our environment and what we must do to move forward together as a human species. The second portion discusses the important role art plays in fostering our well being as a society. Specifically, in helping us to express ourselves, communicate and ,laugh everyday. The final portion entails a playful story about a little brown bag that mysteriously arrived at the author's door in October, 2020.
This Sunday morning episode highlights the exclusive role art plays in informing individuals and in helping society communicate ideas without any spin. It also includes some playful segments about the comforting aspects of art during the pandemic and the author's cheerful outlook on taking the bus.
This episode is an introduction to the podcast: 'Preserving Our Democracy through Education and Art.' It explains the theme of the show and why education and art are essential tools of empowerment in helping individuals think critically and express themselves in world of 'information overload.' This episode in particular addresses the dangers of generalizing with intrigue, joy and humour.