Learning Unboxed

Annalies Corbin & NOVA Media
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education
  • Weekly

We hear, frequently, that the global education system is broken, and as a result, we spend billions of dollar trying to fix it. But the K-12 system isn’t actually broken at all – it’s working exactly as it was designed, 100 years ago, and it’s obsolete. So in Learning Unboxed, we will have a conversation about teaching, learning, and the future of work; we will reimagine, rethink, and redesign our educational system.

  1. 5d ago

    312. Build Learning Communities Around Every Child with Jess Alfreds

    In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Jess Alfreds, founder of Carolina Kids Co-op, a growing network of outdoor, community-centered homeschool programs. What began as Jess’s search for an academically rigorous, in-person learning option for her own daughter has grown into a model that puts relationships, student interests, and personalized learning at the center of education. Jess shares how Carolina Kids Co-op combines strong academics with outdoor learning, small communities, family involvement, and student choice. We also explore what traditional educators can learn from microschool environments, how students help shape their own learning experiences, and why preparing young people for both college and the workforce means giving them room to explore many possible futures.  Join us to explore how educators and families can create learning environments where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: How Carolina Kids Co-op grew from one family’s need into a multi-state learning modelWhat defines a microschool and why smaller communities allow for more personalized learningCombining rigorous academics with outdoor, nature-connected educationGiving students meaningful voice and choice in curriculum and class offeringsPreparing students for college, careers, and changing pathways after graduationHow educators can identify unmet needs and create meaningful change within any learning environment Resources: Carolina Kids Co-op’s WebsiteCarolina Kids Co-op FacebookCarolina Kids Co-op InstagramCarolina Kids Co-op TikTok Produced by NOVA

  2. Oct 12

    311. Putting Students in the Driver’s Seat with Michael Finnegan

    In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we talk with Michael Finnegan, co-founder and CEO of Quantum Courses, about what science education can look like when students become active investigators instead of passive recipients of information. Drawing from his experience as a public school teacher, Montessori educator, and scientist, Michael shares how hands-on experimentation and the history of scientific discovery shaped his approach to learning. We also explore the growing world of micro learning environments and why their flexibility creates room for more engaging, student-centered experiences. Michael explains how Quantum Courses helps students build scientific understanding from first principles, following the experiments and questions that led thinkers like Galileo, Newton, Einstein, and others to major discoveries. Join us to explore how curiosity, autonomy, and hands-on learning can help students see themselves as scientists. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: Why micro learning environments can create more flexible, student-centered experiencesHow hands-on experimentation builds curiosity, autonomy, and scientific thinkingUsing the history of science to help students construct knowledge from first principlesHow Quantum Courses supports microschools, homeschoolers, and other flexible learning environmentsBalancing innovative learning approaches with academic standards like NGSSWhy transdisciplinary stories can make science more meaningful and memorable Resources: Quantum CoursesChildhood Education Innovations Blog The Homeschool Advantage PodcastPersonus Consulting Blog Produced by NOVA

  3. Sep 28

    310. Build Fluent Readers Before Third Grade with Jessica Reid Sliwerski

    In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Jessica Reid Sliwerski, co-founder and CEO of Ignite Reading, to explore why waiting until third grade to address reading gaps is often too late. Jessica shares the case for a “first grade promise,” where schools commit to helping children become fluent, on-grade-level readers before they leave first grade. We also dig into how Ignite Reading combines daily one-on-one virtual tutoring, the science of reading, precise diagnostics, and ongoing data to support students and classroom teachers. Jessica explains why strong curriculum and teacher training alone may not provide the differentiation many young readers need, and how districts can build a stronger literacy ecosystem around them. Join us to learn how earlier, more targeted intervention can give every child a stronger start as a reader. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: Why first grade is a critical window for learning to readMoving beyond the traditional “read by third grade” benchmarkUsing high-dosage, one-on-one tutoring to close early literacy gapsSupporting teachers with precise diagnostics, differentiation, and actionable dataBuilding stronger literacy systems through school and district partnershipsCreating a “first grade promise” that gives every child the opportunity to become a fluent reader Resources: Jessica Reid Sliwerski’s LinkedInIgnite Reading’s LinkedIn    Produced by NOVA

  4. Sep 14

    309. Designing Schools for Agency, Not Compliance with Jason Blair

    In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome back Jason Blair, arts educator and founder of the Agents of Change, to explore what happens when schools are designed around student agency instead of compliance. Jason shares how the festival brings students from across Central Ohio together to showcase learning rooted in voice, ownership, purpose, and authentic connection with their communities. We discuss why meaningful learning cannot simply be scaled through a one-size-fits-all model, and why educators should instead create conditions where ideas can spread and adapt to individual learners. Jason also shares how giving students authentic audiences builds confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of mattering.  Join us to explore how listening to students, embracing experimentation, and letting go of control can create classrooms where learners truly come alive. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: Designing learning environments around student agency rather than complianceCreating authentic audiences for student learningHelping educators move past fear and give students greater ownershipWhy successful educational ideas should spread and adapt rather than simply scaleViewing school as a place where students are continually becomingBuilding community support by making powerful student learning visible Resources: Agents of Change Produced by NOVA

  5. Aug 31

    308. Build Workforce Readiness Through Community with Chaz Van De Motter

    In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Chaz Van De Motter, Vice President of Operations at New Reach, to explore how community-based learning can help young people move more quickly from education to meaningful income. Chaz explains how New Reach combines education, live events, technology, mentorship, and peer support to create practical pathways into entrepreneurship, real estate, skilled trades, and other careers. We also discuss the skills students need to become workforce ready, including financial literacy, focused problem-solving, relationship-building, and the responsible use of AI. Chaz shares why access to information alone is not enough and how accountability, personalized guidance, and strong networks can help learners turn knowledge into action. Join us to explore how educators can prepare students to navigate new technologies, build career confidence, and take greater ownership of their futures. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: Creating alternative pathways from learning to earningBuilding community, mentorship, and accountability into educationTeaching financial literacy and entrepreneurship at an earlier ageHelping aspiring entrepreneurs define their audience, value, and financing needsPreparing students to use AI responsibly in the workforceReplacing passive content consumption with practical, outcome-driven learning Resources: New Reach’s WebsiteNew Reach’s LinkedInNew Reach’s InstagramNew Reach’s TikTok  Produced by NOVA

  6. Aug 17

    307. Make Learning Meaningful Through Student Agency with Garrett Smiley

    In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Garrett Smiley, founder and CEO of Sora Schools, to explore how education can move beyond delivering content and give students meaningful reasons to learn. Garrett shares how Sora combines online learning with strong relationships, interdisciplinary projects, and opportunities for students to connect academic concepts to real-world interests and challenges. We also discuss what traditional public schools can learn from Sora’s model, including offering families multiple learning pathways, replacing high-stakes testing with mastery-based assessment, and giving students greater control over their schedules and projects. Garrett explains how meaningful, useful work helps young people develop the independence and confidence they need for college, careers, and life. Join us to explore how student agency and project-based learning can make education more relevant. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: Why access to more educational content has not automatically improved student engagement How Sora Schools combines online learning with community and meaningful relationships Using interdisciplinary projects to connect academic standards with real-world challengesReplacing high-stakes testing with mastery- and competency-based assessmentHow public schools can offer flexible pathways without losing their community role Helping students build agency, independence, and college readiness Resources: Sora SchoolsConnect with Garrett Smiley on Linkedin Produced by NOVA

  7. Aug 3

    306. Build Stronger School Leadership Support with Mike Caldwell

    In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Mike Caldwell, founder and CEO of LinkedLeaders, a platform designed to help K-12 school leaders find meaningful support when they feel isolated, overwhelmed, or stretched thin. Mike shares how a simple Facebook post offering support to struggling principals quickly revealed a much bigger need for accessible, personalized mentorship. Together, we explore how school leaders can move beyond one-size-fits-all support and tap into a “human library” of mentors, coaches, and experts who understand different contexts and challenges. Mike also shares how LinkedLeaders is helping organizations build stronger communities of support through mentorship, fireside chats, and challenge-based journeys.  Tune in to learn how connection, choice, and community can help keep great leaders leading. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: Why so many school leaders feel isolated, overwhelmed, and stretched thinHow LinkedLeaders grew from one Facebook post into a national support platformThe value of a “human library” approach to mentorship and coachingWhy school leaders need support beyond their immediate peer circlesHow organizations can build stronger communities for their membersUsing challenge-based journeys to help leaders find the right support Resources: LinkedLeaders Produced by NOVA

  8. Jun 22

    305. Teach Students to Question Data with Dr. Manfred Stapff

    In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Dr. Manfred Stapff, physician, researcher, author of Real-World Evidence Unveiled, and host of The Real-World Evidence Perspective. Together, we explore how educators can help students navigate a world overflowing with information, misinformation, statistics, and AI-generated answers. Dr. Stapff shares practical ways to teach learners how to evaluate data, trace information back to its source, and ask better questions before accepting something as true. From clinical trials and real-world evidence to ChatGPT, journalism, and old-school library research, this conversation is a thoughtful reminder that information literacy is now an essential life skill.  Join us to explore how we can help students become more discerning, curious, and responsible users of information. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: Why reliable information matters for decision-making in education, medicine, politics, and everyday lifeHow students can learn to question data, statistics, and sources before accepting them as trueThe difference between controlled scientific studies and messy real-world evidenceHow AI can help gather information while still requiring human judgment and critical thinkingWhy educators should teach learners to trace information back to original sourcesThe growing responsibility of the receiver in evaluating misinformation and bias Resources: Real-World Evidence Unveiled: Navigating the Maze of Modern Misinformation by Dr. Manfred StapffThe Real-World Evidence Perspective on SpotifyDr. Manfred Stapff’s LinkedInCandid Advisory Produced by NOVA

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We hear, frequently, that the global education system is broken, and as a result, we spend billions of dollar trying to fix it. But the K-12 system isn’t actually broken at all – it’s working exactly as it was designed, 100 years ago, and it’s obsolete. So in Learning Unboxed, we will have a conversation about teaching, learning, and the future of work; we will reimagine, rethink, and redesign our educational system.

Information

  • Creator
    Annalies Corbin & NOVA Media
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    335
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (c) PAST Foundation
  • Show Website
    Learning Unboxed