Transforming Learning by CBD

The need for remote learning in the face of school closures and indefinite social distancing is greater than ever. But what does it look like? How do we achieve quality teaching and learning and connect with students and families in meaningful ways? We walk that road in this episode by providing 4 principles and several tools and strategies to support your remote learning needs. And as always, we are here to help if this content isn't enough by itself. Visit cbdconsulting.com/elevateedu to...

Teaching skills effectively is an ongoing challenge for educators of all levels. A large part of the challenge stems from the confusion of defining the skill and determining what it actually looks like in the classroom. Critical thinking is no exception. For this episode, the Communications by Design team of instructional coaches investigates how to teach critical thinking, presenting a series of strategies and ideas from educators doing just that and doing it well. Our team works to...

Posing the question of what to do about the ongoing epidemic of under-motivated students, the Communications by Design team of instructional coaches posed the question to a number of compelling West Michigan educators. Listen to this concise treatise on leveraging powerful instructional strategies to re-engage and re-motivate students.

You heard him first on episode 22 discussing his work to grow empathy in students by sharing student stories. David Theune has now returned from the Netherlands where he, as a Fulbright Scholarship recipient in 2018, began an international expansion of his vision for sharing story. That experience has influenced David in several ways, both in the solidification and expansion of past and present thinking. Listen as David talks with Zach about the experience in the Netherlands and the impact...

We asked 3 leading educators what they thought about teaching and learning and the purpose of the education experience. Listen here to the insightful and profound reflections of Tracy Horodyski, Dave Stuart Jr. (davestuartjr.com), and Luke Wilcox as they dive deep into the reality of education, the world, and our students today. Connect with these educators at: Tracytwitter.com/tracyhorodyskiDavedavestuartjr.comLukelukewilcox.orgstatsmedic.com The Communications by Design team of...

Laingsburg, Michigan teachers Becky Malaski and Liz Stark were tired of the “grading game” and wondered if their students’ grades really reflected their learning. So, they ditched grades! Now, students work harder than they ever have and are focused on mastery--not completion or compliance. Becky and Liz share the strategies they have implemented to give students more choice, more ownership of their learning, and more quality feedback on their work. Click here for teacher resources Connect...

Maggie Edison teaches high school math in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. She became frustrated when students would leave questions on assessments blank when she knew they had at least some knowledge of the concept. From this, her differentiated, leveled assessments were born which allow students to demonstrate understanding at multiple levels. See some examples of Maggie's assessments at cbdconsulting.com/episode84 Connect with Maggie via email: medison@egrps.org Our team of instructional...

How do we tell the story of the great things happening in our classrooms? Dr. Christina Podraza, an assistant principal in Elmhurst, Illinois, shares how she celebrates teachers and students with the world beyond the school doors while building a positive, professional, and energized environment. Connect with Christina: Twitter: @christinapod Blog: christinapodraza.com Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher, ANYwhere. Learn more or just peruse our other...

Tasha Candela (tcandela@lsps.org and @bethetigger) started a student internship program at Lake Shore High School four years ago with just three students. Since then, the program has grown to 56 participants, connecting students with businesses in the community and providing authentic experiences in various career fields. Tasha shares how she started the program and the elements that have made it successful. Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher, ANYwhere....

Michael Budziak is a K-5 STEM teacher in Gibraltar, Michigan. He shares the process he uses to foster design, engineering, technology, and problem-solving skills in his students through creative, hands-on projects that connect with the content being learned in the classroom. Connect with Mike via email at budziam@gibdist.net. Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher, ANYwhere. Learn more or just peruse our other resources (blogs, classes, monthly newsletter) and...

*Don't miss your chance to win a gift card by sharing a challenge from your classroom (there's a chance we will feature it on an upcoming episode!). Call 616-965-6606 and leave us a message. (Or email us at coach@cbdconsulting.com)* You first heard Dayna Cantu, a 5th grade teacher in Delton Kellogg Schools, on episode 70 where she shared about her student-centered classroom. In this episode, Dayna shares how she started a classroom makerspace (on a limited budget) that empowers her...

Megan Scalise is a 4th grade teacher in Gibraltar, Michigan who implements genius hour with her students. She and her students share the what, how, and why of genius hour, plus the challenges and successes they’ve experienced. Get in touch with Megan on Twitter: @ScaliseInFourth or via email: scalism@gibdist.net Resources: Wonderopolis Epic! PowToon Prezi Google Sites Wix Screencastify and Screencast-o-matic Google Drawings This episode’s music is by Lee Rosevere. Our team of...

Nick DeNault teaches math at Lake Shore High School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. In this episode, he talks with Erik about how he has shifted students’ focus from getting the correct answer to asking thoughtful questions and having meaningful dialogue. He shares strategies and resources as well as the positive outcomes he and his students have experienced. Email Nick at ndenault@lsps.org. (Interested in other impactful PD for math instruction? Consider this summer program!) Our team of...

David Vermeulen teaches middle school social studies in Montague Area Public Schools--you will remember him from episode 63 on self-paced instruction. In this episode, he shared how he implements Socratic Seminars with middle school students, fostering civil discourse and collaboration. He even incorporates a backchannel chat, similar to what was shared in episode 40. You can connect with David via email: vermeulend@mapsk12.org Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY...

Richard Byrne is a successful edtech blogger at freetech4teachers.com. In this episode, he shares his story and philosophy of educational technology, the biggest changes he’s seen in his 12 years of blogging, and what he thinks could be the next big thing in the world of edtech. Resources: Practicaledtech.com and his free handbook Website with daily updates: freetech4teachers.com Twitter: @rmbyrne Facebook Group: Freetech4teachers Instagram: @rmbyrne Youtube:...

Scott Ely, Curriculum Director at Spring Lake Public Schools, shares how he provides choice, flexibility and unique collaboration opportunities for his teachers through online professional development. Connect with Scott via email at sely@springlakeschools.org Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher, ANYwhere. Learn more or just peruse our other resources (blogs, classes, monthly newsletter) and services (events, virtual support, quick chats or calls) at...

Joe VanderZee is a teacher in Santiago, Chile. He shares some differences between the U.S. and Chilean educational systems and his experiences with student-driven, interdisciplinary project-based learning. Connect with Joe on Twitter @javanderzee or email: javanderzee@gmail.com Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher, ANYwhere. Learn more or just peruse our other resources (blogs, classes, monthly newsletter) and services (events, virtual support, quick chats or...

*Don't miss your chance to win a gift card by sharing a challenge from your classroom (there's a chance we will feature it on an upcoming episode!). Call 616-965-6606 and leave us a message.* Yes, deeper learning through discussion is possible in math! Deb Mertz, a high school math teacher in Spring Lake, Michigan, shares how she uses the Harkness discussion method to foster dialogue, problem-solving, and reflection in her math classes. She shares the powerful outcomes and some specific...

*Don't miss your chance to win a gift card by sharing a challenge from your classroom (there's a chance we will feature it on an upcoming episode!). Call 616-965-6606 and leave us a message.* Liz Kolb is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan and author of Learning First, Technology Second. Erik and Liz discuss her technology integration framework, the Triple E Framework and how teachers can best choose and leverage technology to engage students in learning, enhance...

*Don't miss your chance to win a gift card by sharing a challenge from your classroom (there's a chance we will feature it on an upcoming episode!). Call 616-965-6606 and leave us a message.* Julie Hoehing teachers a 3-4 split class in Lake Shore Public Schools. She shares how technology not only helps her be a better teacher, but how students use technology to be more independent learners. Erik and Julie also talk how coaching has helped make all of this possible. Connect with Julie via...