The EduGals Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, we delve back into our discussion about the book 'Grading for Equity' by Joe Feldman. The third chapter which we are exploring is titled 'How Traditional Grading Stifles Risk Taking and Supports the Commodity of Grades' and opens up the conversation about belief systems and the prevailing view on student achievement. We discuss the stark differences between the Industrial Revolution beliefs and 21st-century beliefs regarding education, and raise questions about how grading methods should shift in light of these changes. We particularly focus on the harm that a heavy focus on extrinsic motivation can cause and the negative implications of traditional grading practices on the trust and relationship between teachers and students. Furthermore, we scrutinize how grades have become a commodity leading to competition rather than collaboration and debate whether traditional grading serves the purpose of preparing students for post-secondary education or not. Towards the end, we suggest potential solutions that look beyond punitive grading policies and value both the learning process and the students' individual expressions of learning.

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

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Featured Content
**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/138**

• 00:00 Introduction to Grading for Equity
• 00:37 Exploring Belief Systems in Education
• 01:42 The Shift in Education Systems and Beliefs
• 04:56 The Impact of Traditional Grading on Risk Taking and Trust
• 07:09 The Negative Consequences of Traditional Grading
• 13:48 The Commodity of Grades and Extrinsic Motivation
• 24:16 The Illusion of Engagement and Motivation
• 25:11 Conclusion and Future Discussions

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• Twitter @EduGals
• Rachel @dr_r_johnson
• Katie @KatieAttwell
• EduGals Website
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In this episode, we delve deeper into the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, examining the pillar of 'action and expression'. We review the importance of different methods and accommodations that allow students to demonstrate their learning in the most effective manner. We'll also highlight potential barriers, such as physical impairments and language difficulties, while emphasizing the value of alternative strategies and physical interaction with materials. 

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

Featured Content
**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/137**

• 00:00 Introduction to Universal Design for Learning
• 00:33 Understanding the Pillar of Action and Expression
• 01:35 Personal Experiences with Organizational Abilities
• 03:51 Exploring the Physical Action Guideline
• 04:27 Addressing Barriers in Physical Action
• 09:59 Optimizing Access to Tools and Assistive Technologies
• 11:44 Expression and Communication: A New Pillar
• 13:20 Exploring Multiple Media for Communication
• 13:26 Using Multiple Tools for Construction and Composition
• 13:37 Building Fluencies with Graduated Levels of Support
• 21:45 Conclusion and Reflections

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• Rachel @dr_r_johnson
• Katie @KatieAttwell
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This week, we are chatting about providing options for comprehension in the classroom. Using the UDL (Universal Design for Learning) framework and representation pillar, we're going to share some different strategies on how we can help students make information accessible, but also how to transform that into knowledge they can use.

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

Featured Content
**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/129**

• CAST.org - Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework
• Representation pillar - Comprehension guideline
• It's all about teaching learners HOW to transform accessible information into useable knowledge
• Why Don't Student's Like School? by Daniel Willingham
• Checkpoint #1: Activate or supply background knowledge
  • Value prior knowledge
  • Get to know your learners and their background knowledge
  • Consider using visual imagery, concept anchoring and mastery, KWL chart and other organizers, concept maps (whiteboards), pre-teaching with demos/models, analogies and metaphors, cross-curricular connections
  • Learning That Transfers by Julie Stern et al. (ACT model)
• Checkpoint #2: Highlight patterns, critical features, big ideas, and relationships
  • Difference between experts and novices
  • Use explicit prompts or cues to point to important material
  • Consider using graphic organizers, examples/non-examples (Frayer model), highlight previous skills (conceptual learning can be helpful)
• Checkpoint #3: Guide information processing and visualization
  • Transform information into useable knowledge
  • Consider using explicit prompts for sequential processes, organizational methods (tables), multiple entry points, "chunk" information, progressive release (Modern Classrooms and mastery-based learning), and ditch the distractions!
• Checkpoint #4: Maximize transfer and generalization
  • Generalizing and transferring learning to new contexts
  • Students need multiple representations and differing levels of scaffolding
  • Consider using checklists, organizers, mnemonic devices (decrease cognitive load), explicit review, new ideas in familiar contexts

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• Twitter @EduGals
• Rachel @dr_r_johnson
• Katie @KatieAttwell
• EduGals Website
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In part 2 of this 2 part series, we are going over our EdTech Toolkit from A to Z. We'll cover apps starting with N to Z this week. We've got lots of great ideas and uses for these tools as you are thinking about the new school year!

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

Featured Content
**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/59**

Our top EdTech Apps:

• N - Nearpod
• O - OBS Studio
• P - Pear Deck & Padlet 
  • Canva Templates for Pear Deck
• Q - Quizizz
  • E008 - Using Game Apps For Student Engagement
• R - Read&Write
  • E039 - Enhancing Learning With Google Read&Write
• S - Screencastify
  • Amplifying Student Learning With Screencastify - E034
  • Remote Learning With Screencastify - E002
  • Honourable Mentions: Sheets, Streamyard, Spark, Scratch
• T - Twitter
  • Rachel @dr_r_johnson
  • Katie @KatieAttwell
  • EduGals @EduGals
• U - YouTube
  • Rachel's Chemistry Channel and Personal Channel (Brightspace)
  • EduGals YouTube Channel
• V - Vocaroo
  • NEW: Vocaroo Tutorial from EduGals
• W - Wakelet
  • Riding The Wakelet Wave - E036
• X - Explain Everything
  • Certifications
• Y - Yo Teach!
• Z - Zoom

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Connect with EduGals:

• Twitter @EduGals
• Rachel @dr_r_johnson
• Katie @KatieAttwell
• EduGals Website
• Support the show

In part 1 of this 2 part series, we are going over our EdTech Toolkit from A to Z. We'll cover apps starting with A to M this week followed by N to Z next week. We've got lots of great ideas and uses for these tools as you are thinking about the new school year!

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

Featured Content
**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/58**
Our top EdTech Apps:

• A - Arts & Culture
  • E040 - Exploring the World of Google Arts & Culture
  • Jigsaw Puzzle Party
• B - Bitmoji
  • Creating Bitmoji Stickers for feedback - Blog Post
• C - Canva
  • YouTube Playlist
  • https://www.canva.com/colors/ 
  • E032 - Designing Classroom Resources With Canva
• D - Drawings 
  • E049 - A Creative Approach To Technology With Tony Vincent
  • Shapegrams
• E - EdPuzzle
  • E029 - Creating Engaging Lessons with EdPuzzle
  • EdPuzzle new features coming soon
  • Certifications
• F - Flipgrid
• G - Google Workspace
  • Google Teacher Center
• H - Headspace for Educators
• I - IXL - Math and ELA
• J - Jamboard
  • E022, E042
  • Custom Background and Canva blog posts
• K - Kahoot
• L - Loom - free for educators
• M - Mote
  • Mote Certified Educator

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• Twitter @EduGals
• Rachel @dr_r_johnson
• Katie @KatieAttwell
• EduGals Website
• Support the show

In this episode, we are talking all about teacher burnout and how to find your motivation when you are still exhausted from the last school year. We were inspired by a tweet by Pernille Ripp, and will talk about how we can reset for the new school year. We will talk about our experiences, and will share some ideas and strategies.

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

Featured Content
**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/57**

• Link to Tweet from Pernille Ripp
• Organization with planners or within your home, life, etc. (gain a sense of control)
  • Happy Planner
  • Slides Mania - Digital Planner templates
  • Also check out Canva for planning templates
  • Google Calendar is also a great option for planning
  • A little bit of productive procrastination goes a long way
• Get outdoors! Camping, going to a park etc.
• Define your limits & boundaries for the upcoming school year
  • Plan using Parkinson's Law
• Innovation in the classroom - using student interests with skills-based courses, self-paced, mastery-based PD
• Setting personal goals for yourself in school, life:
  • Podcasting & Writing
  • Yousician  - Gamified music learning
  • Exercise - Kickboxing, strength training, push up challenge
• Reading - education, personal, etc.
  • Reading List - Check out E054 for some great recommendations!
  • Kobo is great for digital reading
• Final thoughts: You do you - do what you need to decompress and find your mojo to get ready for the new school year

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Connect with EduGals:

• Twitter @EduGals
• Rachel @dr_r_johnson
• Katie @KatieAttwell
• EduGals Website
• Support the show

In this episode, we are exploring ways to set up your Learning Management System (LMS) effectively and efficiently to optimize course organization and learning for your students. We'll go over tips, strategies, and ideas for setting up your LMS, whether it is Brightspace, Canvas, Schoology, Google Classroom, or something else.

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

Featured Content
**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/56**

• Use your LMS, even if you are fully face-to-face
• Layout and Homepage:
  • This is your doorway into your virtual classroom
  • Easy navigation - minimize the links to the essentials
  • Link all of your other tools within the content area
  • Include contact info on homepage
  • Announcements 
  • Brightspace Part 1 and Brightspace Part 2 episodes
• Organization:
  • Embed third party tools (EdPuzzle, Google Slides, YouTube videos, etc) into your content area
  • Link in Google Docs when it makes sense
  • Use consistent naming & numbering systems (reduces cognitive load)
  • Folders - units, weeks, whatever works best for you
  • Use your announcements to lay out weekly expectations
  • Include student voice in planning and organization
  • Include visuals and make it look pretty - design is important (consistent fonts, icons, emojis, etc to reduce cognitive load and increase engagement)
  • It's okay to set up your LMS to meet your needs, just make sure you create an intro video to help your students navigate it - Screencastify is great!
  • Canva is a great tool for design - Canvas Banner, Canvas Button, Google Classroom Header (also a Style Your LMS category available)
• Inclusion Ideas:
  • Include important cultural celebrations 
  • Add your personality - Bitmoji or GIPHY is great and integrated into Canva
  • Have students design your classroom banners - include languages represented in your classroom too
  • Design With Canva YouTube channel
• A Scary Suggestion:
  • A little bit of basic coding (HTML and CSS) goes a long way!
  • Code Academy (look under Web Development)
  • This helps with interactive elements in your LMS - buttons, flipcards, etc.
• Final Advice:
  • Use student-friendly language to increase accessibility

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Connect with EduGals:

• Twitter @EduGals
• Rachel @dr_r_johnson
• Katie @KatieAttwell
• EduGals Website
• Support the show

In this episode, we are exploring the ways that you can leverage technology to support the English language learners in your classroom. We'll cover tech tools such as Google Read&Write and Mote, as well as some general tips and strategies for designing an inclusive and safe learning environment for your students.

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

Featured Content
**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/55**

Common Acronyms:

• ELL - English Language Learner
• ESL - English as a Second Language
• EAL - English as an Additional Language
• STEP - STeps to English Proficiency
• OLB - Observable Language Behaviours
• OLLB - Observable Language and Literacy Behaviours

Overall Tips and Strategies:

• Use first languages (these are a strength and asset for learning)
• Integrate culture where possible and use lived experiences when designing resources
• Understand the difference between conversational and academic language
• Just because speaking is strong, it doesn’t mean reading/writing are the same - survival 
• Don't make assumptions! Not all multilingual learners can read/write in their first language or have that specific knowledge in their first language
• Learn how to pronounce student names properly (use tech tools to support your learning)
• Use images and student-friendly definitions to reduce cognitive load
• Differentiation is needed! Check out the Modern Classrooms Project framework
• Scaffolding using sentence stems and frames

Resources Mentioned:

• Ontario STEP Framework
• OLB and OLLB Continua
• Modern Classrooms Project
• E051 with Jake Miller

Recommended Tech Tools:

• Google Read&Write by TextHelp (Dictionaries, Translations, Voice-to-Text, Highlighters)
• Google Translate (Extension or Website)
• Word Reference (virtual dual-language dictionary - multilingual - though not all languages are represented)
• Translate using formulae in Google Sheets (see Jake Miller's Translate in Sheets EduGIF for more details)
• Mot

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• Twitter @EduGals
• Rachel @dr_r_johnson
• Katie @KatieAttwell
• EduGals Website
• Support the show

In this episode, we are sharing our summer reading list for teachers. We'll go over what we are currently reading, recommendations for reading, as well as what we want to read ourselves this summer.

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

Featured Content
**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/54**

Currently Reading:

• Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy - Gholdy Muhammad
• Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead) - Edited by Susan D. Blum
  • Free Ungrading Workshop - Jesse Stommel

Recommendations:

• Unlocking English Learners' Potential: Strategies for Making Content Accessible - Diane Staehr Fenner & Sydney Snyder
• Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning - Pooja Agarwal & Patrice Bain
• When Kids Can't Read: What Teachers Can Do: A Guide for Teachers, 6-12 - Kylene Beers
• Flip Your Classroom: Reaching Every Student in Every Class Every Day - Jonathan Bergmann & Aaron Sams
  • Modern Classrooms Project

Rachel's Summer Reading:

• The Impact Cycle - Jim Knight
• Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain - Zaretta Hammond
• Fair Isn’t Always Equal - Rick Wormeli
• The Power of Making Thinking Visible - Ron Ritchhart & Mark Church
  • Harvard's Project Zero and the Thinking Routines Toolbox
• The Design Thinking Playbook - Michael Lewrick, Patrick Link, & Larry Leifer

Katie's Summer Reading:

• This Place: 150 Years Retold - Multiple Authors/Contributors
  • Podcast by CBC
• Culturally Responsive Teaching for Multilingual Learners - Sydney Snyder & Diane Staehr Fenner
• Come On In: 15 Stories about Immigration and Finding Home - Adi Alsaid
• 21 Things You May Now Know About The Indian Act - Bob Joseph
  • Indigenous Canada Course on Coursera (by University of Alberta)

Other Recommendations - see our detailed show notes at edugals.com/54

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Connect with EduGals:

• Twitter @EduGals
• Rachel @dr_r_johnson
• Katie @KatieAttwell
• EduGals Website
• Support the show

This has certainly been a tough year in education, so this week, we wanted to talk about learning opportunities for the summer to help get you rejuvenated, excited, and prepared for the upcoming school year. We'll share learning around Google certifications, Modern Classrooms Project, other EdTech certifications, and so much more!

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

Featured Content
**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/53**

• We're taking a break for a few weeks - next episode will be released on July 6th
• Google Certified Educator, Level 1 and Level 2
  • Google Teacher Center
  • Global GEG Bootcamp
  • Level 1 Task Cards and Level 2 Task Cards from Google
  • Done level 1 and 2? Go for Google Certified Trainer or Google Certified Coach
  • Consequences for Katie? Add them to our flipgrid!
• Modern Classrooms Project:
  • Free Course
  • Summer Institute
  • Virtual Mentorship
• Other EdTech Certifications:
  • Screencastify Courses
  • Book Creator Certified Author
  • Book Creator Ambassador Program
  • Adobe Creative Educator
  • Adobe Education Exchange
    • Adobe Spark
    • Adobe Fresco
  • Shapegrams
  • Conferences - check on Twitter
    • ISTELive 21 Conference

Our final advice: Don't overdo it! Focus your learning on one or two major things and balance that with plenty of rest.

Support the show

Connect with EduGals:

• Twitter @EduGals
• Rachel @dr_r_johnson
• Katie @KatieAttwell
• EduGals Website
• Support the show