Teach Wonder

In the second portion of our interview, we're deepening our conversation with Dr. Corey Drake. We discuss the role we play as educators, how peers and students impact each other, and how the environment and content play a part. Intro Music: David BiedenbenderOther Music:  by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayFind us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

In this podcast episode, we discuss competence. We know that children are inherently capable, so we discuss our role in championing students as sense makers. We are joined by Dr. Corey Drake who has some powerful reminders about the importance of recognizing and valuing diverse ways children demonstrate understanding, rather than just focusing on what they can't do. Our conversation underscores the need for educators to shift their mindset to believe in all students' competence and provide multiple avenues for them to showcase their learning. This is Part 1 of a 2 part episode. Intro Music: David BiedenbenderOther Music:Hyunwoo Kim from PixabayFind us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

This week we are resharing episodes recorded last fall. Julie and I are heading to Iceland this week with Dr. Tracy Donahue. We thought that resharing these episodes was the perfect way for us to reintroduce Tracy and her work to you all. During a season that is all about agency- Tracy’s work considers this all through the lens of play. As an early childhood educator not early childhood education faculty member, we first partners with Tracy at this intersection of play and agency. If you're interested in what we're up to in Iceland, this would be the perfect week to follow us on social media. We'll be sharing updates in stories and posts. About the episode: Our second episode with Tracy Donohue. In this episode, we further our discussion on play and it's integral role in development and it's place in schools. This is a continuation of our discussion from a previous episode- we recommend you start your listening journey there. Intro Music: David Biedenbender Find us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

So this semester we are focusing on agency. We’re interested in taking a deeper look at the foundational beliefs and ideas that shape our classrooms. One way that we are doing this offline in through a partnership with Dr. Tracy Donahue. You’ll more about her in a minute, as we reshare a conversation with had with her last fall. We’ve never repeated a podcast episode before, but this week felt like the right time as our grant work with Tracy has us researching what education is like outside of Michigan- specifically play.  We’ll be traveling with Tracy next week to Iceland to explore several outdoor preschools, Reggio Emilia schools, forest schools, and fully inclusive schools and more. To say that we are excited is an understatement.  We’ll take you along for our adventure, sharing updates on social media and longer reflections in upcoming episodes. So, while we’re packing, take a minute to introduce yourself to our colleague Tracy and learn more about why we think Play is foundational to agency and belongs in the classroom. About the episode: Today we're talking with Dr. Tracy Donohue. Join our guest as they reflect on their professional experiences and how they have prepared them to work with teacher education students who are learning to teach through play. As you listen, we invite you to also reflect on the background you bring to education, how you value play and what you would be willing to investigate to challenge yourself in these areas.Introduction Music: David BiedenbenderFind us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

The podcast discusses the importance of agency in education and how the physical environment, routines, and intentional choices can encourage or discourage student agency. We share examples from our experiences in the makerspace, our classrooms, and other informal settings. We highlight the importance of carefully designing the learning environment, both physically and procedurally, to empower students and foster their sense of ownership and independence.Intro Music: David BiedenbenderOther Music: Vitaly Vakulenko from PixabayFind us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

We're back for another seasion of Teach Wonder, and we are exploring the concept of "agency" in education - the idea of giving students more choice, control, and ownership over their learning. We discuss how agency is often talked about in education, but can be challenging to implement effectively We share examples from their own experiences, like in a makerspace setting, where they had to rethink how they structured activities to promote agency. Overall, our discussion focuses on the nuances and complexities of fostering true student agency, beyond just giving choices, and the hosts aim to have an in-depth exploration of the topic over the course of this seasion. LinksMaker-Centered LearningIntro Music: David BiedenbenderOther Music: Olexy from PixabayFind us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

In this episode of our series, Form Theory to Practice, we delve into the invaluable role of community in the teaching profession, featuring Sarah Lapp, a passionate math teacher and alumna of CMU. Whether you're a new teacher navigating the early stages of your career or a seasoned veteran seeking fresh inspiration, Sarah shares insightful perspectives on how community support shapes the teaching journey.Join us as we explore the dynamic interplay between theory and practice in education, highlighting the transformative impact of fostering connections within the teaching community.Intro Music: David BiedenbenderFind us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

In this episode of "From Theory to Practice," we talk with Maddie Birgin. As a former STEM Education scholar and current math teacher, Maddie brings a unique perspective to teaching and getting involved with the school community. Throughout our conversation, Maddie shared insights into the challenges of managing large groups of students with varying expectations. She discussed strategies for engaging reluctant math students, highlighting the importance of creativity and adaptability in teaching methodologies.One of the key takeaways from our discussion was Maddie's passion for staying involved in her school community. Despite the inevitable obstacles faced by educators, Maddie's commitment to making a difference in the lives of her students shines through. She emphasized the importance of building relationships and fostering a supportive learning environment.LinksSummer Teacher Professional Development Intro Music: David BiedenbenderOther Music: Pixabay Find us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

In our series, "From Theory to Practice," we're thrilled to reconnect with some of our  CMU Alumni, who we got to know through out STEM Education Scholar Program. Today, we shine the spotlight on Sara Fitzpatrick, a former math teacher and current school counselor. Links: From Theory to Practice: Bailey Birman (STEM Education Scholars Series 1) From Theory to Practice: Ryan Stevens (STEM Education Scholar Series 2) Intro Music: David Biedenbender Music by Artem Hramushkin from PixabayMusic by Jeremiah Alves from PixabayFind us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

In our series, "From Theory to Practice," we're thrilled to reconnect with some of our  CMU Alumni, who we got to know through out STEM Education Scholar Program. Today, we shine the spotlight on Ryan Stevens a middle school math and STEM teacher. Join us as we delve into Ryan's journey from student to teacher, exploring the invaluable lessons learned and the profound impact of his CMU experience on his teaching philosophy and practices.Ryan's LinksMavinEdison RobotsOur Links: Teacher Professional DevelopmentIntro Music: David Biedenbender Other Music: Music by 민관 박 from PixabayMusic by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from PixabayFind us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

We caught up with some of our CMU Alumni, the students who we got to know well as STEM Education Scholars. Bailey Birman is teaches math at an alternative high school in Michigan. She shares the ways in which she felt prepared to teach and what has been a learning curve. Her thoughts on keeping a healthy boundary between her classroom and her life as well why she is excited to stay in such a challenging profession are worth the listen. Intro Music: David BiedenbenderOther Music: Pixabay Find us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

We wrap up our assessment series by talking with Nicole Hagle. Nicole shares her strategies for looking at proficiencies instead of points. We talk about what happens when students do not understand the grading system and what we can do to help.  Other Episodes on Assessment: Healthy Grading Practices: Perspectives from a Secondary TeacherAssessment in Elementary Assessing Multiple Grades and Skills TranscriptIntro Music:David BiedenbenderOther Music: Pixabay Find us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

We're continuing our conversation on assessment with multi-age teacher, Tammy Clingenpeel. We talk about making "just in time" accommodations, how to differentiate assessment within a fixed curriciulum, and how Tammy's teaching has changed over time. This episode is a thoughtful reflection from a thoughtful teacher. We know you'll love it. Intro Music: David BiedenbenderOther Music: Pixabay Find us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

We're back and talking assessment with elementary teacher Bryant Greiner. We talk assessment strategies for math and reading and the skills we build in elementary. Bryant's warm and enthusiasm for learning about his students skills and personalities is a great reminder of how building relationships with students must be factored into every aspect of teaching and learning. Tune in to hear tips and ideas that would work for any grade level! Intro Music: David BiedenbenderOther Music: Pixabey Find us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

We hope you enjoy our interview with June Teisan. She's a long-time educator and a life-long learner. We discuss the 3Ps of project, place, and problem based learning. LinksNCWITInnovatED 313Music: Intro Music: David BiedenbenderOther Music: Oleksandr Savochka,   Sergii Pavkin from PixabayFind us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

How do we communicate student growth? Is that the same as work ethic? The same as effort? Our conversation with teacher Aric Foster gets us thinking about what makes a healthy grading practice. Our Email: cese@cmich.edu Intro Music: David BiedenbenderOther Music: Pixabay Find us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

We spoke with Lizzie Dilg, director of the Discovery Museum in Mt. Pleasant Michigan. We discussed how museums are designed to foster learning and how we can learn from the way informal educators approach children. Museum Links: Discovery Museum on FacebookDiscovery Museum Website Discovery Museum on InstagramSTEM PassportMusic Intro: David BiedenbenderOther sounds: Pixabay Find us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

Julie and Ashley are back for another season of Teach Wonder. Listen as we talk about what teaching lessons we've learned this summer and some fun takes on our adventures in reading. Links: Unearthing Joy The WagerAscendant Intro Music: David BiedenbenderOther Music: Pixabay Find us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

In this seasons finale, we took a different approach. You're going to hear an episode that's part reflection, part conversation and part remix. We took clips from two influential interviews to our staff and listened to them in a new light.  There is no bad time to reflect on what teaching means to you, but the end of the year feels like a particularly relevant time for us. You can listen to the original episodes at the link below. Interview with Dr. Corey Drake Interview with Dr. Paula Lancaster  LinksCore Teaching Practices: Michigan Teaching WorksIntro Music: David BiedenbenderOther Music: LesFmXtremeFreddy  from Pixabay Find us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese

We are absolutely thrilled to have with us this week Laura Trombley and Becky Rousseau, two incredible teachers who have been trying some new things in their classroom. We'll be chatting about how partnerships and collaboration can nurture a more dynamic learning environment, the power of project-based learning, what kind of data can actually tell us how our students are learning, and so much more! So, who's ready for a great conversation?Opening Music: David Biedenbender Find us on social media: Instagram: cmichceseFacebook: cmich_cese