Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Epic Classroom with Trevor Muir

What if one of the most important things education can do is give students more opportunities to experience joy in life?

In this episode, Trevor explores why joy deserves a place in our curriculum and instruction. From his own experience falling in love with reading to his daughter's "Magic Spot" in the woods, he shares how meaningful learning experiences can spark curiosity, build lasting interests, and help students discover the richness of the world around them.

He also asks a challenging question: As schools focus on standards, assessments, and new instructional programs, are we unintentionally crowding out the experiences that make learning enjoyable?

This doesn't mean always making school mean fun or easy. Sometimes it comes from solving a difficult problem, discovering something fascinating, or creating something meaningful. And if we want students to develop a lifelong love of learning, we have to make room for those experiences.

What if a project students made in science class actually ended up being used by people on the other side of the world?

In this episode, I talk with educator Kelli about an incredible project where her students designed and built solar ovens that were eventually sent to Uganda and are actually being used there. We talk about how the project came together, how she still taught the required science standards through it, and what happened when students realized their work could have an impact beyond the classroom.

We also get into some of the bigger ideas behind great PBL, like giving students voice and choice, finding authentic audiences, and creating learning experiences that actually matter to kids. This is a really cool story about what can happen when learning becomes real.

In this episode, Trevor reflects on the teachers who shaped his life, from losing a spelling bee in middle school to seeing a former teacher waiting in the crowd at graduation years later. Along the way, he explores the powerful research behind mentorship, role models, and the lasting impact educators have on students long after they leave the classroom.

Portrait of A Graduate Email List: https://www.trevormuir.com/newsletter 

https://artsintegrationconference.com/

https://eventreg.collegeboard.org/event/af7e331a-a3f8-4934-bca7-9a44fc1820bd/summary

What if a dog could change the feel of a school?

After the pandemic, Laura Schuler saw students struggling in ways she hadn’t before. Instead of waiting for a perfect solution, she helped bring school support dogs into her district.

In this episode, we break down how the program works, what it costs, and why it’s making a difference.

Read the how-to guide on starting a support dog program.

Most employers today aren’t asking, “What do you know?” They’re asking, “What can you do?” Problem solving has become one of the most valuable skills in the workforce, yet it’s one of the least consistently developed in school. In this episode, I unpack the growing shift toward skills-based hiring and what it reveals about the gap between how students are taught and what they’ll actually be expected to do beyond the classroom. 

Design Thinking Poster: https://www.trevormuir.com/design-thinking-poster

From freelancers and engineers to designers, city planners, and researchers, millions of people earn a living by solving problems through project work. Yet in many classrooms, projects still show up as add-ons instead of the main way students learn.

In this episode, Trevor unpacks why students need to learn how to do projects, not just complete them. You’ll hear why “dessert projects” fall short, what main-course project-based learning actually looks like, and how authenticity and relevance drive deeper engagement. If we want students to be ready for life after graduation, we have to start designing learning that mirrors the way the world actually works.

Want hands-on support designing main-course projects for your classroom? Join Trevor for a full-day Project-Based Learning workshop focused on building authentic, standards-aligned projects that drive engagement and deeper learning.

https://www.trevormuir.com/pbl-workshop

Take the Epic Project-Based Learning Master Class, Trevor’s online PBL Course that walks you step-by-step through designing, launching, and managing powerful project-based learning units.

https://www.trevormuir.com/pbl-course

This week we explore the 20% rule and why you don’t need to love every part of work. Learn how finding and protecting the parts you enjoy can help you avoid burnout.

Over the past month, schools in the Twin Cities have been operating in the shadow of ongoing ICE raids and heightened immigration enforcement. The impact has been felt far beyond the headlines, inside classrooms, hallways, and school communities. In this episode, I speak with three educators who are teaching in Minneapolis and St. Paul right now.

They share what they are seeing in their schools, how students are being affected, and what it’s like to try to create a sense of safety, normalcy, and care during a time of fear and uncertainty.

This is not a political conversation. It is a human one. It’s about students, classrooms, and the educators who continue to show up for kids when things are heavy. If you’ve ever wondered what teaching looks like during a community crisis, or what students need most from the adults in their lives during moments like this, this conversation offers an honest window into that reality.

In a world dominated by bad news, this episode explores why teaching students to notice and share real good news matters more than ever.

Get The Good News Project free here: https://www.trevormuir.com/good-news 

Sign Up for the Weekly Newsletter: https://www.trevormuir.com/newsletter

In this episode, I’m sharing one of the most impactful projects I ever did with my students, and it all came down to one thing: their work mattered.

My class was studying tolerance, conflict, and what it looks like for people to live together throughout history. Instead of teaching it the traditional way, we partnered with a local college and gave students a real challenge: master the content, turn it into lesson plans, and teach it to future teachers.

Even though a big part of the project was writing a research paper, students consistently called it their favorite unit of the year. The difference wasn’t the assignment, it was the purpose behind it.

We’ll dig into why authentic audiences raise student effort, how relevance fuels motivation, and why project-based learning leads to deeper learning, not less.

Check out the Epic PBL Workshop here: https://www.trevormuir.com/pbl-workshop

www.epicpbl.com

A look at how boredom fuels creativity for students and professionals, and simple classroom strategies to build quiet, low-stimulation moments that spark ideas.

Read the Article: https://www.trevormuir.com/blog/need-boredom

In this episode I share a winter lesson that almost got shut down after a single complaint and how my principal’s unexpected pivot changed the entire day. What happened next taught me one of the most important lessons about leadership, flexibility, and what modern students need from us. This episode is about staying open, adjusting when the moment calls for it, and why adaptability is one of the most valuable skills in today’s classrooms and workforce.

www.trevormuir.com 

In this episode, I talk about the importance of knowing how to ask for what you want and need, along with what I’ve learned about helping students develop the skill of making clear, respectful requests. Because asking is one of the most essential forms of communication in adulthood, and it’s something we can start teaching long before students enter the workforce. We’ll explore how teachers can guide students through this process, the power of classroom projects that involve making real asks, and a simple framework you can use right away to help your students advocate for themselves.

Get the Ask Framework free here: https://www.trevormuir.com/ask-framework

www.trevormuir.com

A story about the power of one-on-one teaching, why it matters, and how teachers can make space for it, even in a busy classroom. Email Trevor at trevor@trevormuir.com Collaboration Toolkit: https://www.trevormuir.com/collaboration-toolkit

In this episode we talk about strategies to spark student curiosity and excitement in the classroom. Learn how passion, relevance, and student choice can turn flat lessons into engaging learning experiences. Here's the research I mention: https://news.gallup.com/poll/648896/schools-struggle-engage-gen-students.aspx?utm Read my article here: https://www.trevormuir.com/blog/student-interest

With AI tools able to record, transcribe, and even generate polished notes in seconds, it is easy to wonder: do students still need to take notes at all? In this episode, Trevor explores why the answer is a resounding yes. You will hear the brain science behind note-taking, why it leads to deeper comprehension than passive listening, and how different strategies—from handwritten notes to sketch notes to collaborative docs—can turn information into lasting learning. Discover practical ways to help your students use note-taking not just to prepare for a test, but to build critical thinking, communication, and adaptability skills that matter long after class ends.

If your students seem distracted, this episode explains why it’s not a decline in attention span but a lack of purpose — and what you can do to fix it.

Collaboration Toolkit (FREE): https://www.trevormuir.com/collaboration-toolkit

Read the article: https://www.trevormuir.com/blog/attention-span

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/pltYo40JzPg

In the days after the shooting that killed Charlie Kirk and yet another school shooting, many teachers are wondering how to respond to students who are processing fear, grief, and confusion. In this episode, Trevor shares personal stories of how teachers’ reactions shaped him during past tragedies like Columbine, 9/11, and Sandy Hook. He unpacks the psychology of emotional contagion, showing how students often mirror the emotions of the adults they trust, and offers practical guidance for approaching difficult conversations with wisdom, calm, and compassion.

Ground Rules for Class Discussion Posters: https://www.trevormuir.com/discussion-ground-rules

When calculators first appeared in classrooms, many schools banned them. Decades later, we’re asking the same kinds of questions about AI and other innovations. What do we hold onto, and what do we change? In this episode, Trevor explores the history of calculators in schools, the neuroscience of learning, the enduring value of art and music, and a simple litmus test for deciding what belongs in education today. At the heart of it all is one big question: How do we help students grow into their full potential?

In this episode, we unpack why traditional grading often fails to reflect student growth—and how competency-based grading offers a more accurate, equitable alternative. We explore what it looks like to grade for mastery, not averages, and share simple ways teachers can start making the shift.

Read the article: https://www.trevormuir.com/blog/competency-based-grading

Check out the LHRIC Tech Expo: https://it.lhric.org/tech_expo

What if the key to student engagement isn’t about attention spans, but about giving kids a reason to care? In this episode, I sit down with Jerry Kolber—executive producer of Brain Games and Who's Smarted?—to talk about the science of engagement, the power of relevance, and why a simple “because” can transform the way students learn. We’ll explore how great teaching isn’t about forcing information but about sparking curiosity—sometimes by making learning feel like anything but school.

Check out Who Smarted here. 

Watch the Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3HLzzrwYSw If we have artificial intelligence, do we still need school? Will it replace traditional classrooms? Is AI better at teaching reading and writing and math? Can school take place from a computer? Does learning always have to be plugged in? If we have chatbots with limitless knowledge and information, the entire world, at our fingertips, Do we still need teachers?

In this episode, I had an incredible conversation with Shannon Anderson about growth mindset and helping students develop one. Shannon is an award-winning children's book author, teacher, and national speaker. She served as the regional advisor for the Indiana Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and was named one of the Top 10 Teachers who inspired the Today Show in 2019. Her works include "Penelope Perfect," "Mindset Power," and "Y Is for Yet," which focus on themes like perfectionism, growth mindset, and resilience.

You can find Shannon's work at https://www.shannonisteaching.com/

Pre-order her new book here.

The impact of teachers stretches far beyond the physical time with students in the classroom. But the extent of the long reach of teachers is hard to remember in the midst of all of the challenges. Here's a little story of a teacher from my past and a near-miraculous meeting 30 years later.

Today we talk about math class, slapping the word YET onto the end of certain sentences, a 99 year-old skydiver, and why teaching a growth mindset is one of the most important tasks of every educator.

Free YET posters: https://www.trevormuir.com/yet-posters

In this episode, I share a tradition from my first school: hosting a Thanksgiving feast for the entire school. More than just a meal, it was a way to build a sense of community, foster connections, and help students feel a deeper bond with their school. We’ll explore how creating a culture of belonging can impact student engagement and learning—and how small, intentional efforts can make a big difference in your classroom or school.

Creative struggle is difficult, but it's also important. In this technology age, students have become so used to instant gratification, accessing the information and the answers they need instantly rather than dealing with the stress and frustration that can come with creative problem solving. But the reality is, sometimes the struggle is necessary. So as educators, we have to teach them how to work through this. 

And one of the best ways to become unstuck is through collaboration: Combining ideas and resources to solve problems. This week I share a strategy to help students learn to solve problem together.

You can read my article on this here.

There is a measurable uptick in mean and divisive behavior in schools right now, almost as if children are mirroring the current political climate. Let's talk about leading students in this charged political climate.

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www.trevormuir.com/speaking

Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on Spotify. Listen on Youtube.

In this episode, we dive into the growing concern among educators about the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT in the classroom. With only 6% of American teachers believing AI does more good than harm, we explore the fears surrounding academic dishonesty, shortcuts, and the loss of critical thinking. However, banning AI isn’t the solution. We discuss strategies for adapting to AI by creating assignments that foster creativity, deep personal reflection, and real-world problem-solving. Learn how to teach students to use AI responsibly and enhance their learning in the process.

trevormuir.com

From exposure to vitamin D and its positive effects on our well-being, to the cognitive benefits that come with fresh air, to the innate joy and freedom of being outdoors, outdoor learning is beneficial for both students—and teachers. In this episode I share some ideas for how any teacher can get outside more with their students.

Read the article: https://www.trevormuir.com/blog/outdoor-learning

Check out my new book: https://www.amazon.com/New-Teacher-Mindset-Innovative-Strategies/dp/1394210086?crid=ETFBNFNCOW6W&keywords=new+teacher+mindset+muir&qid=1706209905&sprefix=new+teacher+mindset+muir,aps,108&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=trevormuirsit-20&linkId=636126ddad3f89f665303211c450af22&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Some of our most impact childhood memories happen in school. Teachers and other educators have a massive influence on their students' identities, memories, and future. Let's dive into that and explore the brain science of why that happens and how we can leave our students with a positive impression of school. 

We all—educators and students— worker harder and smarter when we can identify the bigger picture of our work. That's what we dive into in this episode.

Let's talk about the importance of holding high expectations for students and some strategies to do it well.

Pre-order the New Teacher Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/New-Teacher-Mindset-Innovative-Strategies/dp/1394210086/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ETFBNFNCOW6W&keywords=new+teacher+mindset+muir&qid=1706209905&sprefix=new+teacher+mindset+muir%2Caps%2C108&sr=8-1

Why caregivers can be an invaluable resource to your classroom.

"Good Things" is a calculated way for students to get the most out of every class period. Like many teaching approaches, while not always obvious, there is a method to the madness. It is a routine to help establish classroom culture, a shared set of values that unify the group and create a sense of cohesion. These collective values form the foundation for all of the learning that happens in the classroom.

Link to New Teacher Mindset

Contact Trevor: trevor@trevormui.com

I live here in Michigan, And we've had a whole string of snow days lately. And for my kids it's been like an endless recess. sledding and snow forts and snowball fights, and getting together with the neighbor kids and playing for hours and hours outside. It’s felt like the good old days, before video games and tablets. It's been cold, but for an eight and a 9-year-old, there's nothing quite like a snow day.

And it reminds me how much children need to play. they need to move. I see this seemingly endless energy they have out here in the snow, and I think about how so much of their days at school are spent sitting inside. Now my kids have amazing teachers who get them up and moving, but the typical structure of a school day just doesn't require this type of physical activity, this expenditure of energy, and it's energy they clearly have to expend. Sometimes I'm not so sure two 15 minute recesses is enough. Sometimes I wonder if behavioral problems in the classroom are largely a result of making children with this much energy, sit at a desk for hours on end.

This is why I'm a fan of Outdoor Learning, class gardens, outdoor classrooms. It's why I'm a huge fan of PE, and think it's a travesty when programs like that get cut. kids need to move at school. It’s developmental; it’s human. And I'll tell you, after days of moving and playing for hours, they sleep a lot better at night.

When I was a new teacher, I cared so much about earning the label of "Highly Effective" following my teacher evaluation. I've since learned the joy of labels wears off quickly, and the real joy comes from recognizing my own growth. 

In this episode, we talk about this and how to spot growth in the new year.

Is the school week before the Holiday Break a big waste of time? Holiday parties, watching Christmas movies, not doing a lot of academic work—well, from the outside looking in, it might look like that, but I don't think it is. Celebrations, relaxing, having fun—these are some of the best parts of being human. I know I need fun in my work life, and so do kids. This is culture-building. When we take the time to play, laugh, and eat, we create cohesion within our classrooms. This cohesion leads to easier classroom management, better student behavior, more engagement, higher attendance—students who want to be in school more. It’s about having fun with intention. Plus, you get to eat candy.

For many students, the holidays are a time of joy and anticipation. However, that often isn't the case for every student. The reality is, for some students, no school for 2 weeks means no regular meals for 2 weeks, no daily contact with teachers who love and care about them, and if you live where I live, often no warm air for 2 weeks. This is why you may notice certain kids act-out as a reaction to the anxiety they are experiencing right now, or seem to shrink when the class is asked what they're excited about during the Holiday Break. Let's talk about it.

We've all been there. You pour your heart and soul into your work, only to have a student declare dislike- maybe even hate- for you as their teacher. That's what we talk about in this episode. 

I graduated from college with a 2.75 GPA. Not great. Then I received a 4.0 in my masters program. Did I all of a sudden become smarter in those two years? Did my brain grow exponentially after I earned my bachelor's degree? Or is GPA actually reflective of something else. Let's get into it.

PBL ChatGPT Prompt Guide

You might see the word 'epic' and think BIG, EXCITING, or, FUN. But that's not what I mean when I use that word as it relates to the classroom. It means something much more powerful and significant than just creating enjoyable experiences for students. This is what dive into in episode 38. You're going to like this one. 

Let's talk about creating a classroom climate that helps make students feel safe, secure, and ready to engage in this year.

You don’t have to be perfect to get to know your students and build relationships with them. Perfection isn't required to make your class memorable and even fun. Heck, sometimes it won’t be memorable and fun, and that’s okay.

Students still learn and grow and fail and succeed in my imperfect classes.

In this episode, we explore the critical role of educators in building meaningful connections with parents and community members to support student learning. We discuss the many benefits that come from establishing strong partnerships between schools and families, including increased student engagement, improved academic performance, and greater support for student well-being.

I share some insights and stories on the topic, highlighting strategies and best practices for building and maintaining strong relationships with parents and community members.

Kids like to have fun. Grown-ups like to have fun. We all like to have fun. 

And it turns out, we often learn better when we're having fun. In the episode, we talk about the impact of adding elements of fun to learning units and the impact it can have on student engagement. 

I tried everything under the sun to connect with this student. I gave up my lunch hours to work with him on assignments. I let him come in before school and hang out with me, hoping the relationship would build some rapport. I tried calling home a number of times, but always the calls went to voicemail. Heck even for spirit week I wore one of his sweaters to match him in a desperate attempt to build a connection. And yet seemingly, none of it worked. A sample of my thoughts during that time: “What’s wrong with this kid?” “What’s wrong with his parents?” “What’s wrong with me?” In March of that year, Mason moved away, and I have not seen nor heard from him since. I have absolutely no idea whether any of my efforts paid off. I don’t know if he learned any discipline, if he passed high school, or even remembers that English teacher. This is one of the hardest parts about teaching.

Coming up with engaging project and unit ideas takes a little creativity, but it's worth it to give students authentic and purposeful learning experiences. Here are my favorite ways to come up with engaging and meaningful project ideas.

Giving critical feedback can be a very difficult task for anyone, especially students who are working with their peers. It is the job of the teacher to model this process, and show how being critical can be different than being negative.

Are grades meant to reflect how much a student has learned; a snapshot of their knowledge and skills at a specific moment in time? Or are they a measure of work ethic and integrity? Is it possible to do both? Let's dive into it.