Nine months in, and online, remote and hybrid school is still proving dismal for far too many students and teachers. The end, if it’s even in sight, isn’t coming any time soon, so how can schools do a better job with the situation they’ve got? We ask our guest, Dr. April Willis of the National Virtual Teacher Association, about the solution her organization is trying to provide.
Ever wondered how the history and operations of schooling around the world differs from that of the USA? We take a glimpse at four countries’ schools – specifically, England, France, Japan and Finland – and see what we can learn.
S3E10 – Can’t we all just get along? The Math and History wars
Politics in education are so bitter because so little is at stake? Maybe, maybe not. In this episode we examine the ongoing debates about the “proper” teaching of two subjects, Math and History. What is at stake in these “school wars,” and how does the fallout affect students?
Season 3, Episode 9 – “What life we can make for our children” : Reclaiming Education for Native Americans
This Thanksgiving, our show highlights both the hideous experiences indigenous people suffered in US schools, and the successful Native American resistance to, and growing cultural reclamation of, the educational institutions that enroll their children.
S3E8 – Play’s the Thing: The History, and Future, of Recess
Recess has always been about more than just horsing around outside between classes. In this episode we explore how recess came to be, how it came to be under threat, and how it may be making a comeback.
In this episode we recount the story of a unique cultural and educational exchange project between the United States and Japanese schoolchildren during a time of rising xenophobia and isolationism.
English classes are charged with teaching students “correct” language usage; linguists say there is no such thing. What are the social, racial and linguistic consequences of the way schools teach grammar and usage? This may well be the most exciting discussion of grammar you have ever heard!
Special Education remains opaque to too many Americans. This episode aims to get past the stereotypes and explore the workings, history, and philosophy behind special education programs in US schools.