Curiosity for Better Learning: Recent Episodes
McREL International, Dallas Duncan, Keri Budinger, Kanoa Ishihara
Welcome to the Curiosity for Better Learning podcast where we talk with educators, researchers, and thought leaders about top of mind topics in the K-12 education space! We hope you take away evidence backed insights from cutting-edge research, practical ideas you can try in the classroom today, and questions that inspire your own exploration to learn more; awakening your professional curiosity.
We met with Rich Resendez and Katie Allen to talk about the work they do with The Region 12 Comprehensive Center to improve student and teacher outcomes across Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri.
Key Takeaways:
- Tips and guidance for establishing effective school support partnerships
- Creating sustainable pipelines for recruiting and retaining new teachers
- How to develop an effective and comprehensive school improvement blueprint
We met with Rich Resendez and Katie Allen to talk about the work they do with The Region 12 Comprehensive Center to improve student and teacher outcomes across Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri.
Key Takeaways:
- Measuring success among the varied and diverse projects that the R12CC handles
- Tips and guidance for establishing effective school support partnerships
- How to develop an effective and comprehensive school improvement blueprint
This is the second half of our conversation with Erin D'Amelio & Dr. Esmeralda Carini where we discuss evidence-backed strategies for encouraging literacy and academic talk in the classroom.
Key Takeaways:
- Defining the goal/objective of literacy outside the narrow definition of reading and writing
- How educators can play a role in addressing some common barriers to literacy
- Practical guidance and evidence-based tools for educators who serve multilingual students and ELs
We catch up with Erin D'Amelio & Dr. Esmeralda Carini to discuss their work and contributions to the Hawai’i State Literacy plan, a multilateral blueprint designed to give students across the region the skills to advocate for themselves and achieve life-long literacy.
Key Takeaways:
- Defining the goal/objective of literacy outside the narrow definition of reading and writing
- How educators can play a role in addressing some common barriers to literacy
- Practical guidance and evidence-based tools for educators who serve multilingual students and ELs
Come with us on an exciting deep dive into the research, evidence, and dedication that's gone into creation of The New Classroom Instruction That Works with renown author/educators, Kris Rouleau and Tonia Gibson.
Key Takeaways:
- Practical guidance for "planning for learning" and instructional leadership
- An in-depth look into the rigorous research base that powers McREL's CITW body of work
- A look ahead at future professional learning opportunities to learn and apply CITW strategies in your own school or district
We speak with Ben Cronkright and Chelsea Keehne about establishing Networked Improvement Communities that provide iterative support for educators and better learning experiences for students.
Key takeaways include:
- Defining the purpose of NICs as well as the science behind them
- Incorporating ʻāina-based or place-based education
- Using NICs to solve common problems of practice
We pick up our conversation with former teacher, current award winning author Cheryl Abla about engaging students in their learning and what effective PD looks like.
Key takeaways include:
- Student engagement strategies for both new and veteran teachers
- Asking questions instead of giving answers as a way to encourage classroom curiosity
- Using peer to peer small groups to help students learn through teaching others
We speak with former teacher, current award winning author Cheryl Abla about engaging students in their learning and what effective PD looks like.
Key takeaways include:
- Student engagement strategies for both new and veteran teachers
- Asking questions instead of giving answers as a way to encourage classroom curiosity
- Using peer to peer small groups to help students learn through teaching others
We interview McREL CEO Bryan Goodwin about his former role as a high school teacher and how curiosity plays a key role in teaching and learning.
Key Takeaways:
- Quick teaching strategies that encourages curiosity in the classroom
- Insights for school leaders who want to promote a culture of curiosity amongst their teachers and staff
To determine whether a school has a GVC, we must first describe it. A “guaranteed” curriculum is often defined as a mechanism through which all students have an equal opportunity (time and access) to learn rigorous content. This requires a school-wide (or district-wide) agreement and common understanding of the essential content that all students need to know, understand, and be able to do.