Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works
Education & Explainer
About
Descriptions of effective teaching often depict an idealized form of "perfect" instruction. Yet, pursuing perfection in teaching, which depends on children's behavior, is ultimately futile. To be effective, lessons and educators need to operate with about 75% efficiency. The remaining 25% can be impactful, but expecting it in every lesson, every day, is unrealistic. Perfection in teaching may be unattainable, but progress is not. Whether you are aiming for the 75% effectiveness mark or striving for continuous improvement, this podcast will guide you in that endeavor.
Episodes
- From the Archives: Providing Support to Teachers with Zach Groshell
Dr. Gene Tavernetti and Dr. Zach Groshell discuss the initial steps for providing effective support to teachers. Both hosts currently work in educational settings, assisting teachers in their professional growth.
- Facts on Fire with Brian Poncy
Brian Poncy shares the story behind his free math fact fluency program, Facts on Fire. He discusses how the program started, how it has evolved, and what classroom teachers can expect from students using it.
- What Works, What Doesn't, and Other Lessons from Leadership with Dr. Bob Nelson
Dr. Bob Nelson shares his professional journey in educational leadership, including his time in Fresno Unified School District and a rural district. He reflects on lessons learned in leadership, focusing on effective and ineffective strate…
- The Road to Reading with Elana Gordon
Elana Gordon, a Goyen Fellow, discusses her expertise in literacy instruction for all grades. She shares her insights through videos, blogs, and her podcast, "The Road to Reading."
- From The Archives: Teachers Helping Teachers Getting Better with Laura Stam
Laura Stam discusses her experiences with continuous improvement in teaching and participating in an instructional coaching cycle. This episode is from the archives of the podcast.
- From The Archives: Digital Delusion with Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath
Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath discusses his book, "Digital Delusion," and the intersection of learning science and the effects of technology on learning. This episode explores how technology impacts the learning process.
- Science Delivered with Dr. Olivia Mullins
Dr. Olivia Mullins returns to discuss her work teaching science with primary grade students. She details using research to improve students' reading comprehension in science lessons.
- Great On Their Behalf with AJ Crabill
In this episode, AJ Crabill explains that school boards should represent community values and set student outcome goals rather than micromanaging operations. He emphasizes that effective boards consistently monitor learning data to ensure…
- Digital Captives: Helping Schools Strike a Balance Between Humans and Hardware with Dr. Frank Rodriguez & Gene Tavernetti
Dr. Frank Rodriguez and Gene Tavernetti discuss their new book, "Digital Captives," which explores the balance between technology and human interaction in schools. They also address the challenges educators face in integrating digital tool…
- Building Strong Foundations in Literacy and Mathematics with Anjanette McNeely
Anjanette McNeely joins this episode to discuss her work in translating educational research into practical classroom strategies. She focuses on building strong foundations in literacy and mathematics, drawing on her experience as a kinder…
- Pulling Back the Curtain on Principalship with Joey Davis
In this episode, Joey Davis shares insights into the path to becoming a principal and the realities of the role within schools. He discusses the challenges and the balance required between district expectations and supporting teachers and…
- The Critical Role of Executive Functions in Early Learning with Dr. Sarah Oberle & Mitch Weathers
In this episode, Dr. Sarah Oberle and Mitch Weathers discuss the critical role of executive functions in early learning. They explore skills like self-regulation, organization, and cognitive flexibility, which are foundational for academic…
- From the Archives: What Teachers and Students Need to Know About How We Learn with Blake Harvard
Gene interviews Blake Harvard about his book, "Do I Have Your Attention: Understanding Memory Constraints and Maximizing Learning." They discuss learning, memory constraints, and applying cognitive psychology in the classroom.
- The Surprises of Returning to Teaching with Rod Naquin
Rod Naquin reflects on his return to teaching after serving as a leadership and instructional coach. He discusses how his experiences outside the classroom influenced his teaching methods, including his approach to writing instruction and…
- Building Trust, Attention, and Engagement in the Classroom with Weston Kieschnick
Weston Kieschnick discusses teaching, coaching, leadership, relationship building, and parenting. The episode reflects on his experiences as an educator and individual.
- The Impact of Instructional Design with Dave McAlinden
Dave McAlinden, an instructional designer at Columbia University, clarifies what an instructional designer does. The episode explores the impact of instructional design, especially in online courses.
- Teaching History Honestly with Lauren Brown
Lauren Brown and the host discuss how history and social studies instruction evolves as students mature. They also cover resources for teaching US History with meaning.
- From the Archives: The Importance of Knowing How Students Learn with Dr. Carl Hendrick
In this episode, Dr. Carl Hendrick shares insights from his research on the science of learning, emphasizing what teachers should know about how students learn. He also offers advice on practices teachers can discontinue.
- Self-Directed Professional Development with Joe Finch
Joe Finch, a 5th-grade teacher, discusses his approach to self-directed professional development. He explains how he discovered the science of learning and developed his own program to improve his teaching craft.
- Digital Delusion with Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath
In this episode, Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath discusses his book, "Digital Delusion." The conversation explores the intersection of learning science and the impact of technology on learning.
- Lessons from the Southern Surge with Karen Vaites
Karen Vaites joins the podcast to discuss the Southern Surge and literacy improvements in several Southern states, including the Mississippi Miracle and gains in Louisiana and Tennessee.
- Making Writing Instruction a Priority with Josie Wozniak & Kimberly Voge
Two teachers, Josie Wozniak and Kimberly Voge, explain how they prioritize writing instruction in their classrooms. They also share how they use EduProtocols to help students take more responsibility for improving their writing skills.
- Implementing and Evaluating New Literacy Curriculum with Kelly Harkins
Kelly Harkins, Supervisor of Elementary English Language Arts, details her district's processes for selecting and evaluating two different ELA curricula. This episode explores the complexities of adopting high-quality instructional materia…
- Supporting Reading Fluency and Literacy Beyond the Early Grades with Doug Lemov
Doug Lemov discusses how teachers can support reading fluency and literacy beyond the early grades. He also describes his work with professional sports teams, helping coaches become more effective teachers.
- Providing Support to Teachers - Thinking Out Loud #6
This episode of Thinking Out Loud features Zach Groshell and Gene Tavernetti discussing how to support teachers. Both work in schools and have authored books on teaching practices.
- From the Archives: The Science of Reading with Linda Rhyne
Gene Tavernetti speaks with Linda Rhyne about the changing landscape of literacy education and instructional coaching. They discuss practical strategies for supporting teachers and the science of reading.
- Literacy Labs and Other Practical Strategies with Faith Howard
Faith Howard, a Literacy Specialist, shares her experience launching a "Literacy Lab" to emphasize SOR principles in literacy intervention and instruction. She also offers practical strategies for teachers to strengthen Tier 1 instruction…
- Great Coaching is Just Great Teaching with Al Borges
In this episode, Al Borges shares his insights on how effective coaching mirrors good teaching practices. He explains how principles such as managing cognitive load, respecting the learning hierarchy, and utilizing retrieval practice are a…
- Learning Science Partners with Meg Lee
Meg Lee, co-founder of Learning Science Partners, shares insights into how her organization helps school districts implement evidence-informed practices to enhance teaching and learning. Learning Science Partners aims to improve educationa…
- Implementing the Science of Learning in a Large School District with Kent Wetzel
Kent Wetzel explores the implementation of the Science of Learning in a large school district, detailing strategic decisions to overcome past failures and utilize state legislation for sustained evidence-based practices.
- The World of Math Competitions with Vida John
Vida John, a math coach, discusses how math competitions can benefit students of all grade levels. This episode explores the world of math competitions and their advantages.
- From the Archives: The Wider Implementation of the Science of Learning with Dr. Sarah Oberle
Dr. Sarah Oberle discusses her research on the wider implementation of the Science of Learning. She explains how it influences her classroom and teaching methods.
- Lessons from Consulting - Thinking Out Loud #5
Zach discusses his experiences and lessons learned during his first year of consulting. He shares insights relevant to educators and administrators for improving collaboration and student outcomes.
- Leading Passionate Classroom Discussions on Controversial Topics with Ed Cabrera
Ed Cabrera, a high school social studies teacher, discusses his guidelines for leading classroom discussions on controversial topics. He shares insights from his 38-year career, which included 10 presidential elections, impeachments, 9/11,…
- Disseminating the Science of Learning to All Educators with Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva
Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva joins the podcast to discuss the science of learning and how to disseminate this information to educators. The conversation covers various aspects of sharing educational science more quickly.
- "Equitable” Grading Through the Eyes of the Teacher with Dr. David Griffith
Dr. David Griffith, Associate Director of Research at the Thomas B Fordham Institute, discusses his study on "Equitable" Grading Through the Eyes of the Teacher. This episode is sponsored by The Bell Ringer and Murmuration Author Services.
- From the Archives: Using Micro Data to Inform Teachers with Dr. Jana Lee
Gene Tavernetti and Dr. Jana Lee discuss using micro data to inform teachers and data-driven educational practices. They delve into effective data utilization and best practices for general and special education, also touching on professio…
- Science Delivered with Dr. Olivia Mullins
Dr. Olivia Mullins of "Science Delivered" discusses her non-profit's work in delivering science lessons to early elementary students. She also addresses challenges in providing high-quality science instruction, particularly when time is li…
- Building Confident Readers with Laura Patranella
In this episode, Laura Patranella discusses her experiences as a classroom teacher and reading specialist. She highlights her work to improve literacy skills for students and her journey with the Science of Reading.
- Scientists in the Making with Marcie Samayoa
Marcie Samayoa, a high school science teacher, discusses integrating evidence-based practices and the science of learning into science instruction. She shares practical strategies through her blog, "Scientists in the Making."
- Reforming Education with Robert Pondiscio
Robert Pondiscio, an education reformer, is interviewed. The host tries to convince him to collaborate on education reform, but Pondiscio has his own ideas.
- Best from the Archive: Improving Literacy in the Middle Grades with Kyair Butts
Kyair Butts, a Baltimore City Public Schools Teacher of the Year, discusses methods for enhancing literacy in middle grades. He also shares insights into a successful and cost-effective professional development program for teachers.
- Best from the Archive: Three Important Areas for Schools to Focus On with Dr. Mike Schmoker
Educator and author Dr. Mike Schmoker shares his insights on three key areas schools must prioritize to get results. This episode is from the "Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works" podcast archive.
- Best from the Archive: Teaching Students to Solve Word & Story Problems with Dr. Sarah Powell
Dr. Sarah Powell shares her research on teaching elementary students to solve word and story problems. She provides guidance for teachers on effective mathematics instruction based teaching strategies.
- Best from the Archive: The Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Our Children with Dr. Frank Rodriguez
Dr. Frank Rodriguez and Gene Tavernetti discuss the impact of excessive screen time on children, post-pandemic education challenges, and the intelligent integration of technology in education. They also cover parent education modules desig…
- Best from the Archive: Tackling Math Education Challenges with Dr. Anna Stokke
Gene Tavernetti hosts Dr. Anna Stokke, a math professor and educational advocate. They discuss math education, including her non-profit after-school math program and the importance of research-backed teaching methods.
- The Writing Revolution with Christine Teahan and Alexandria Chalonec
Christine Teahan and Alexandria Chalonec of The Writing Revolution explain how they help educators teach writing effectively using the Hochman Method. They support teachers across the country and globally.
- Coaching Cycles - Thinking Out Loud #4
Zach and Gene define and discuss coaching cycles, exploring questions about their necessity, length, and application in supporting teachers. The episode also mentions resources such as Zach's book, "Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanation…
- Continuing Support for New Classroom Teachers with Cameron Castaneda
Cameron Castaneda, director of a Teacher Induction program, shares insights into providing ongoing support for newly credentialed teachers in their district. This episode explores the program's role in helping teachers clear their prelimin…
- Teachers Helping Teachers Getting Better with Laura Stam
Laura Stam discusses her journey of continuous improvement in her teaching practice and her first experience with an instructional coaching cycle. She shares personal insights on these experiences.