Two Pint PLC Laurence Woodruff & Michael Ralph
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- Education
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Teaching is a personal profession. We shine brightest when we work together in a safe environment for the betterment of our students. Two Pint PLC is a podcast that invites you to join two educators who discuss the big issues in education in a personal and casual conversation. Two Pint PLC combines the research base, current events and personal experiences to provide a context for each listener’s own professional development.
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088 Disagreement Listening & Aphantasia
It can feel like people in disagreement just aren’t listening to each other. We read a study showing disagreement significantly reduces our perceptions of being listened to, regardless of how well our audience does listen. We discuss takeaways for exhibiting active listening behaviors that reduce the effect.
Later, we read a review of research on aphantasia (or the condition of not seeing concrete images in your mind’s eye). We reflect on how this dimension of neurodiversity is connected to differences in a variety of human outcomes. -
087 Memory Spacing & Homework Parents
Practice is more effective when we space it out, rather than doing lots of repetitions all at once. We read research that looked at the effect of varied practice compared to identical practice over time. Their results show subtle variation helps students focus and remember the important elements upon recall.
Later, we read an account of the negative impacts of graded math homework disproportionately affecting mothers in Canada. We see how homework takes away from family time and undermines the development of math identities. -
086 PBL Effects & Mindfulness Introspection
Project-Based Learning is a thoroughly researched method of instruction with many benefits. We read a meta-analysis looking specifically at how PBL affects student motivation, and saw data illustrating just how important an excellent project prompt is to project success.
Later, we read a study showing neurofeedback devices can increase the accuracy of students’ understanding of their own emotional state. We consider the responsibility of mindfulness programs to help students respond in healthy ways to their increased emotional engagement. -
085 Academic Anxiety & Principal Leadership
More schools are looking to address the socio-emotional needs of students, and a key area for that work is helping students manage anxiety in the classroom. We look at a study showing how some accommodations may be reinforcing their anxiety, and how teachers can help students develop healthier strategies for managing it.
Later, we read a study of principal characteristics that support teacher self-efficacy and a shared sense of collective efficacy. Communication and modeling are essential, while coercion is deeply ineffective. -
084 Theater Empathy & Cognitive Load
Field trips to the theater can be memorable opportunities for students to engage in community-based performing arts. Dr. Goldstein joins us to talk about how even a single theater experience can have an impact on socio-emotional outcomes like empathy and perspective-taking for students.
Later, we discuss the intersection of cognitive load theory and motivation. Their method of diagramming teacher practice across both led us to lively reflection on our own tendencies in the classroom. -
083 Underachievement & Artificial Intelligence
Student underachievement occurs when students’ day-to-day class performance is lower than their test scores predict it should be. We read a review of research that shows the causes of underachievement can vary widely. Still, it gives teachers some useful starting points when trying to help a student reach their full potential.
Later, we discuss some recent coverage of AI and student cheating. We reflect on how student use of artificial intelligence - whether or not it is teacher-approved - may sit in relation to our classroom values.
Customer Reviews
A terrific podcast for teaching enthusiasts
I am a new teacher and new to a lot of the concepts discussed in the podcast, but I very much enjoyed it.
I also really enjoyed the talk about the beer as it’s something that makes this podcast unique.
I recommend this podcast.
Great listen, thoughtful discussion, rooted in evidence
Great podcast for educators or anyone wanting to learn more about K-12 education. Hosts discuss what is working well and what needs improvement using hard evidence and thorough research.
Discussion is extremely well referenced and rooted in science/evidence/research. I am regularly surprised to learn about subtle (or not-so-subtle) ways our schools and teachers are underperforming, unfair, or inequitable; and I enjoying hearing the concrete solutions for addressing these flaws and improving education.
Hosts have different styles that mesh well for an interesting listen, and their camaraderie keeps the mood fun and enjoyable. Hosts are clearly passionate and well informed. Highly recommended.
Excellent discussions and ideas for an ever-evolving teaching landscape
I had the opportunity to attend High School with Mr. Ralph and let me just say he was one of the brightest minds in our Southwest KS town. As a teacher I appreciate the honesty he brings to the conversation of developing as an educator. Plus, beer. Good beer.