26 episodes

Listen to Mike, a principal, author and podcaster, share quick, actionable strategies, bite sized solutions that have sustainable impact. Each episode gives you a take home approach you can use today. You'll hear about a study, a story and a strategy that are linked together. Educators face more challenges than ever. Stop spinning your wheels and listen to refreshing answers backed by 25 years of experience, interviews and research. Take the journey with Mike today and start helping children now!
Mike's overarching goal: If I can help one child and one adult, this was all worth it!

BIG Ideas in small Windows Mike Gaskell

    • Education
    • 5.0 • 8 Ratings

Listen to Mike, a principal, author and podcaster, share quick, actionable strategies, bite sized solutions that have sustainable impact. Each episode gives you a take home approach you can use today. You'll hear about a study, a story and a strategy that are linked together. Educators face more challenges than ever. Stop spinning your wheels and listen to refreshing answers backed by 25 years of experience, interviews and research. Take the journey with Mike today and start helping children now!
Mike's overarching goal: If I can help one child and one adult, this was all worth it!

    Unlocking Potential: The Science of Timing in Education - Insights from research and Strategies for Student Success

    Unlocking Potential: The Science of Timing in Education - Insights from research and Strategies for Student Success

    Adapted from my book, Radical Principals
    Welcome back to "Big Ideas in Small Windows" with your host, Mike Gaskell. In today's episode, we explore the often overlooked yet profoundly impactful role of timing on student success. Drawing on Dan Pink's research, we uncover how circadian rhythms and developmental phases significantly influence adolescents' learning. Discover practical strategies for educators to harness the power of timing, from optimizing peak energy times for challenging tasks to incorporating mindful breaks, ultimately transforming the learning experience and empowering students to thrive. Join us as we unpack relevant issues with evidence-based solutions in the world of education.

    We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. 

    IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
    Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

    • 10 min
    Less Ego, More Impact: Embracing Humility for School Success: Research shows humble school leaders =success in schools

    Less Ego, More Impact: Embracing Humility for School Success: Research shows humble school leaders =success in schools

    Confident humility wins every time
    Podcast host Mike Gaskell argues that humble school leaders who admit mistakes, seek feedback, and empower their teams are more effective than ego-driven leaders who prioritize self-promotion. Research shows that leaders who exhibit modesty and openness create a more psychologically safe, collaborative environment where teachers feel valued, which helps schools thrive. Gaskell recommends that school leaders embrace humility by regularly soliciting teacher feedback, celebrating achievements, and involving the school community in decision-making.
    Ego is the enemy
    Leaders who embrace humility achieve greater success
    Leaders who admit mistakes, and accept feedback with confidence =school success

    We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. 

    IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
    Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

    • 7 min
    Escaping the Scroll in Social Media: Tips to Help Students Thrive by Teaching Mindful Media Habits

    Escaping the Scroll in Social Media: Tips to Help Students Thrive by Teaching Mindful Media Habits

    Social media can be disruptive for children- fueling distractions, unhealthy comparisons, and compulsive behaviors. This episode explores practical solutions like using background noise, binaural beats, and proactive digital literacy education to help them thrive despite digital disruption. Learn how small changes can empower adolescents to control their attention, boost focus and creativity, and develop conscious, healthy technology habits.
    Binaural BeatsCoffeehouse chatter ASMRInstagram Vs RealityAustralian Study

    We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. 

    IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
    Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

    • 14 min
    AI in Classrooms, 10 Months On

    AI in Classrooms, 10 Months On

    The article adapted for thus episode:In this episode of "Big Ideas in Small Windows," I examine the transformative world of AI in education. We visit the rapid advancements made over the past 10 months, including the art of AI prompting, specialized chatbots for personalized tutoring, and AI-driven content creation. I emphasize the importance of responsible AI integration, highlighting ethical considerations and the indispensable role of great teachers in this evolving landscape. Tune in to explore the exciting possibilities and potential pitfalls of AI in education, and gain insights into the future of this dynamic field.

    We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. 

    IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
    Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

    • 13 min
    Unlocking Student Potential by Engineering A Flow State in EVERY CHILD

    Unlocking Student Potential by Engineering A Flow State in EVERY CHILD

    Join host Mike Gaskell, as he dives into the concept of complete immersion that leads to extraordinary productivity and creativity, something researchers call "flow." Through scientific evidence and real stories about famous individuals using practical techniques, you'll discover how clarity, challenge, and concentration can set the stage for peak performance, helping students unlock their full potential in the classroom and beyond. Don't miss this deep dive into the gateway to extraordinary productivity and learning!
    Episode content based on the book, Leading Schools Through Trauma

    We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. 

    IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
    Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

    • 28 min
    Teaching kids the power of small wins: revisiting one of the most popular episodes!

    Teaching kids the power of small wins: revisiting one of the most popular episodes!

    In this episode, Mike discusses studies, stories, and strategies to support children in their journey towards success. Notable strategies include utilizing "coffeehouse chatter" to enhance student focus, employing therapeutic breathing techniques to alleviate anxiety, and embracing story therapy to boost children's self-belief!
    Mike mentions a lesser-known yet impactful longitudinal study conducted by researcher Emmy Werner, highlighting three protective factors for children. He emphasizes the role of small wins and references an article. Additionally, Mike provides resources for both coffee talk and therapeutic breathing.
    Concluding the episode, Mike underscores the power of story therapy and offers insights on its classroom implementation. He also introduces his latest book, a timely guide titled Leading Schools Through Trauma, designed for educators, students, and families.
    For updates and more, follow Mike on social media:- Twitter: GaskellMGaskell- Instagram: mgaskell0

    We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. 

    IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
    Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

    • 13 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
8 Ratings

8 Ratings

KarenLDB ,

Bite-size episodes to inspire you

This show is a no-brainer if you want both quick tips and long-term innovative ideas.

tehjunction ,

Great insights

Love this show, excited for new episode every time it releases

Andrea Samadi ,

Actionable Strategies for Educators

Was thrilled to see this podcast, after meeting Mike when I hosted him on my show. He was a natural guest, and thought “he should launch his own show” and was happy to see that he did! This is just the beginning and looking forward to learning more from the Big Ideas in Small Windows Podcast to support the field of education.

Top Podcasts In Education

The Mel Robbins Podcast
Mel Robbins
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson
Mick Unplugged
Mick Hunt
Law of Attraction SECRETS
Natasha Graziano
TED Talks Daily
TED
The Rich Roll Podcast
Rich Roll

You Might Also Like