The Odyssey of Learning: Recent Episodes
Hunter Simmons & Courtney Wright
Another trimester, another exhibition! Courtney and Hunter get together to reflect on last month's Trimester I Exhibition, and also talk about a recent opportunity for Odyssey's freshman to collaborate and receive feedback from our seniors. We are also reminded that for all of our bickering, winter in Southern California just doesn't compare to most other places in the world.
Courtney and Hunter are back! Now that in-person learning has returned, our hosts are back in the saddle to reflect on the transition back to campus, along with the success and challenges of teaching seniors and freshmen. Plus, Courtney and Hunter had plenty of life updates in between. Here's to a renewed Season 2!
Geo is back! This time, he is here to talk all about his learning around Type 2 Diabetes, including it's sometimes-bizarre history, biological function, harmful stereotypes, and ways to avoid a Type 2 diagnosis.
In this Scholar Showcase, Rebecca enlists the help of her sister, Miriam, to learn more about schizophrenia. While the girls lighten the mood with their banter, they take the time to understand the truth behind a schizophrenia diagnosis, along with a deconstruction of some of the harmful myths perpetuated by the media about mental illness more generally.
On this installment of the Scholar Showcase series, Anevay shares with her audience what she has learned about breast cancer, and how she has had her life personally impacted by the disease.
Against all odds, Courtney and Hunter manage to carve out the time to put together another episode, this time to discuss the recent semester transition at Odyssey. They highlight the two major projects their scholars have embarked upon, the transition between classes, and big events coming up in their personal futures!
Courtney and Hunter reconvene to talk about the wins and the losses so far from distance learning this year. Less structure, more conversation, which is always a nice change of pace, especially when we don't get to meet in person anymore! Plus, special guest appearance from Luno.
Hunter and Courtney dive in to talking about their unique interdisciplinary projects, the successes of managing such work over distance learning, and the ways they attempt to ground their work in authentic experiences. Plus, Hunter shares a painful episode from his adventures in parenting.
In this second installment of New Staff Sit-Down, Courtney and Hunter catch up with Desiree and Caroline, who teach humanities and science, respectively. Both advisors get vulnerable about their experiences with young people so far, as well as celebrate the community they have found here at Odyssey. Plus, Courtney gets the Avengers audio treatment.
After a month of learning together, Courtney and Hunter get to sit down with a couple of new staff members, Brother Holmes and Mark, to see how life at Odyssey has started out. They share their prior work experiences, as well as everything they've managed so far with new scholars on campus. Plus, Hunter learns he is sometimes awful at opening up a podcast episode.
Courtney and Hunter reflect on their first day back on distance learning for the 2020-21 school year, sharing their big wins (and some remaining challenges) and looking forward to what the remainder of the year has in store. Huge shoutout to their colleagues and support staff who made the first day back so successful.
Hunter Simmons - hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us Courtney Wright - cwright@paramount.k12.ca.us
Courtney and Hunter are back to kick off the second season of The Odyssey of Learning Podcast! After reflecting over their summers, the hosts discuss how preparations for the new school year have been coming along considering the renewed efforts at distance learning. They share some of their recent professional development wins and share their excitement for what this year has in store.
Video source: Pedro Noguera on PBL & Equity | PBL World 2019 Keynote (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XCsskVAtPU)
Hunter Simmons - hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us Courtney Wright - cwright@paramount.k12.ca.us
On the season finale of The Odyssey of Learning Podcast, Courtney and Hunter get together to discuss their reactions to the national unrest following the surge of protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, and how their school has organized to support scholars during this challenging time. Plus, the hosts look ahead to the new school year, and what to expect with Season 2 of the podcast.
Hunter Simmons: hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us Courtney Wright: cwright@paramount.k12.ca.us
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Hey everyone, this is Hunter from The Odyssey of Learning Podcast. The episode you are about to listen to was recorded in mid-May, far before the death of George Floyd and the protests that ensued in Minneapolis and then later across the world. We at The Odyssey of Learning Podcast understand the nature of these demonstrations and how important it is to this cultural moment, and we don't want the timing of this episode to downplay any of that. This episode does not discuss those events directly as it was recorded beforehand. Frankly, it was me being lazy and not getting the episode produced with other things coming up at school. Courtney and I are planning to sit down and have a conversation as to how this has impacted our school, our scholars, and our culture, but we wanted to put this out there now just so that we could add it to the library; we're not going to market this episode, we're not going to publish it other than the simple upload, and we do hope that this does not take away from the current conversation that's happening in our country.
In this episode, Courtney and Hunter share some more personal developments from their lives, including Hunter's recent bone marrow donation and Courtney's acceptance to graduate school. Also, the hosts talk about some wins and losses from distance learning, and what's coming up next for Odyssey STEM Academy.
Hunter Simmons: hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us Courtney Wright: cwright@paramount.k12.ca.us
For more information about blood marrow donation, visit: bethematch.org
Rounding out our Scholar Showcase this year, Michael and Raquel meet-up to discuss air pollution. Their research revealed some of the biggest health risks caused by air pollution, populations who are particularly vulnerable, and what we can do to combat it all.
Krystal and Alexa turn the mics on to discuss some of the current issues facing the homeless population of Los Angeles County, the impact on the larger population, and the environmental concerns associated with homelessness more broadly.
Nathaly and Rebecca discuss their views of universal healthcare, why it should be a feature of life in the United States, along with a brief look at the historical view of universal healthcare in the country.
Scholars Blue and Geo discuss their research into animal cruelty, specifically, the activism practices of PETA. The scholars share their perspectives on the effectiveness of PETA's outreach, as well as some ways in which everyday members of the community can get involved to combat cases of animal cruelty.
As they share in the podcast, if you want to report any suspicion of animal abuse (Los Angeles County), then call: 1-800-540-7722
Courtney and Hunter discuss the role of cross-curricular assessment at Odyssey STEM Academy and how it has played out since distance learning has taken hold. Plus, this episode may or may not contain magical unicorns.
This week, Hunter and Courtney get the opportunity to meet with a couple of their scholars from Odyssey STEM Academy. Victoria shares her thoughts around strategizing her work flow and Symphony shares some updates from extended learning with Paul Hudak's Great Grains course.
EDITOR'S NOTE: It was difficult to draw forward the volume from Victoria's microphone, so volume adjustments may be necessary for an optimal experience.
Hunter: hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us Courtney: cwright@paramount.k12.ca.us
Courtney and Hunter are back with another update on how work is progressing online given the status of educational facilities during the coronavirus outbreak. They discuss the new schedule that scholars and staff have adjusted to, plus, April Fools tomfoolery is afoot!
Hunter Simmons - hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us Courtney Wright - cwright@paramount.k12.ca.us
Courtney and Hunter got together with colleagues Gail and Wences to reflect on the first week and a half of distance learning to discuss first impressions. They talk about what has gone well, what has been a challenge, and collectively revel in Wences' metaphoric prowess.
Hunter: hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us Courtney: cwright@paramount.k12.ca.us
Courtney and Hunter share updates from their school and district around the recent changes to instruction due to the coronavirus outbreak. They share successes and challenges, as well as a look towards what might lie in their future. It's a brave, new world on The Odyssey of Learning Podcast!
Hunter Simmons - hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us Courtney Wright - cwright@paramount.k12.ca.us
Hunter and Courtney are back after a brief hiatus, which the hosts blame on technology and, just, life. In this episode, Hunter and Courtney discuss extra-curricular activities at Odyssey STEM Academy and how they factor into a scholar's learning plan. Also, Hunter and Courtney have fun guessing the extra-curricular activities they participated in when they were in high school and college.
After a brief absence spell, Courtney and Hunter are back, this time to talk about some vulnerabilities in their own practice. They take a moment to understand their own personal growth areas, and what they have been doing to address those areas of their practice. Also, Courtney is bitter about "losing" to Hunter's team during their morning staff competition.
Happy New Year from The Odyssey of Learning Podcast!
Last week, Courtney and Hunter ran literature circles in their classes, and in this episode, they break down the practices they used, and discussed their learning and the next steps they'll take as a result. Plus, Courtney became a (dog) mom and Hunter is having computer troubles.
On this episode, Courtney and Hunter sit down with Odyssey's very own Paul Hudak, who runs the school's Environmental Sustainability Complex. They talk about all things greenhouse, the path to education, sustainability, teachable moments, and worm procreation. (Yep, you read that right!) Plus, Courtney and Hunter start to get excited about their winter break plans.
In this episode, Hunter and Courtney (try their best to) break down a typical week in the life of an Odyssey advisor. (SPOILER ALERT: It's crazy!) The hosts discuss some of the best practices they use to take advantage of the schedule and maximize student learning throughout the week. Plus, we briefly reminisce about Thanksgiving!
Here is a link to some supplemental material that was mentioned in the podcast: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tD5TQIWkxITF9bV9Rh7U2zgGwJQpo2Bf/view?usp=sharing
Hosts: Hunter Simmons (hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us) Courtney Wright (cwright@paramount.k12.ca.us)
This week, Courtney and Hunter breakdown the myth of the five-paragraph essay. They take a dive into the ways in which writing instruction is delivered at Odyssey STEM Academy across all disciplines, and pave the way for future episodes geared towards other essential writing elements. Also, our hosts get a special visit from Mr. Leafblower.
This week, Courtney and Hunter discuss the merits of using an exhibition as a form of assessment. From building community, honing in on presentation skills, our hosts walk through some of their biggest takeaways from the exhibitions more broadly. Plus, Courtney taps Hunter for advisement on how to best learn history.
In this special episode, Hunter and Courtney reflect on a specific mentorship partner. "TreePeople is an environmental nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire, engage and support people to take personal responsibility for the urban environment, making it safe, healthy, fun and sustainable and to share our process as a model for the world." Odyssey scholar Gavin McCoy joins the podcast to share about his experiences with TreePeople and what he's looking forward to most about joining them for a second mentorship year.
You can learn more about TreePeople by going to the following website: https://www.treepeople.org/about
Courtney: ccain426@gmail.com Hunter: hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us
This week, Hunter and Courtney reflect on Odyssey's recent Back to School Night, and the role that families play in the success of the school. (Shoutout to our families! Woo!!) Plus, Hunter and Courtney get awkward sharing a microphone.
Courtney: ccain426@gmail.com Hunter: hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us
On this very special episode of The Odyssey of Learning, Courtney and Hunter take a deep dive into the world of Odyssey's Idea Lab. Aaron stops by to tell us all about the power of his work with the scholars, and the opportunity the have to learn valuable skills applicable across a wide array of fields. Also, Courtney has an ant problem.
Courtney: ccain426@gmail.com Hunter: hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us
This week, Courtney and Hunter discuss the basics of mentorships at Odyssey STEM Academy as well as the importance of putting together a solid resume. Also, a mild illness has Hunter feeling groggy and forgetful.
Courtney: ccain426@gmail.com Hunter: hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us
This week, Courtney and Hunter discuss the diagnostic assessment they gave their scholars and what they plan to do with all of that data. They also reviewed some outcomes of Odyssey's "First Four" olympic events, and discovered that cameras are complicated devices!
Courtney: ccain426@gmail.com Hunter: hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us
It's the official start of Year 2 at Odyssey STEM Academy, and Courtney and Hunter are ready to dive in to a new year of global sustainability, lessons learned, as well as some reflection on summer travel (mis)adventures.
Courtney: ccain426@gmail.com Hunter: hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us
Hunter is flying solo on this week's episode of the podcast to talk about summer school and what it looks like in practice at Odyssey STEM Academy. He'll discuss traditional approaches to summer school, as well as some reflection on his own experiences as a high school scholar. In addition, The Odyssey of Learning Podcast welcomes its first guest: Blue Phillips, a soon-to-be sophomore scholar at Odyssey STEM Academy. We would love to hear your feedback!
Courtney: ccain426@gmail.com Hunter: hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us
We made it! The first year is officially in the books for Odyssey STEM Academy, and Courtney and Hunter have plenty to reflect on. Courtney introduces us to a fun, metacognitive exercise that you can easily try in your own practice or at home. Plus, we get to listen to Hunter's drumming, and console Courtney as she prepares for a life without coffee.
Courtney: ccain426@gmail.com Hunter: hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us
In this week's episode, Courtney and Hunter discuss what feedback looks like at Odyssey STEM Academy. They celebrate the successes (and challenges) they've had with their learning management system, AltSchool (they rule!), as well as discover some of the differences they have in their own practices when it comes to giving feedback. Plus, there is a thorough review of the recent Advisory Olympics at Odyssey STEM Academy. Feel free to reach out if you have feedback for the podcast!
Courtney: ccain426@gmail.com Hunter: hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us
Courtney and Hunter talk about the uniqueness of teaching a humanities course in the context of a STEM school, while also breaking down some common myths about schools with a specialized curriculum. Also, the hosts share some feedback they received from a friend and talk about their system of waking up in the morning. Feel free to send feedback our way, directly!
Courtney: ccain426@gmail.com Hunter: hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us
Courtney and Hunter make their first podcast together! As the school year comes to a close, they discuss what competency-based learning and assessment means at their school, as well as review the growth and successes from the final exhibition. Plus, Courtney wasn't killed by a spider, survived LA traffic, AND and is currently surviving wedding planning. Whew!
Courtney: ccain426@gmail.com Hunter: hsimmons@paramount.k12.ca.us