Brain Space in Learning and Leadership

Julia Skolnik, CEO and Founder of Professional Learning Partnerships
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Education

This is our space to think about how we can improve education using key ideas from brain science. If we designed schools to match how our brains learn and grow, could education be a more engaging and fullfilling experience for students, teachers, and leaders? We think so. Let's figure out how, together.

  1. The Value of Productive Failure

    6d ago

    The Value of Productive Failure

    Get ready to rethink how you teach! Dr. Manu Kapur's surprising research shows how productive failure actually leads to longer lasting understanding and memory than direct instruction! How is it possible that failing can help us learn better than getting something right? Listen to find out! Manu also has a new pilot program out that integrates productive failure into AI. Check it out at https://www.learnpf.ai.

    1 hr
  2. The Power of Mattering with Zach Mercurio

    Feb 13

    The Power of Mattering with Zach Mercurio

    What is one of the highest leverage strategies we can use to improve engagement and performance for both staff and students? Showing people they MATTER. Dr. Zach Mercurio has uncovered the power behind this concept, and shares actionable strategies for how to create mattering that simultaneously accelerate connection and achievement. Some pearls from Zach during the episode: "We've told students or employees that they should be valued once they add value. That's how our society has been structured. Our worth is dependent on what we produce. Sadly, the opposite is true. People need to feel valued in order to add value." "Mattering is different than belonging and inclusion. Belonging is being picked for a team. Inclusion is being asked to play in the game. Mattering is feeling that the team wouldn't be complete without you." "When people feel replaceable, they act replaceable. When people feel irreplaceable, they show up and they commit. When people feel like they matter, they act like they matter." "Before you evaluate someone, understand them. We have to go from 'what's wrong with you', to 'what is it like to be you'?" "Your job is not to get the test score. Your job is not compliance to a state assessment level. Your job is to create an environment that makes sure people feel worthy and capable and supported enough so they can accomplish those things."

    1h 1m
  3. A Healthier Path Through Change with Britt Andreatta (Part 2)

    Jan 27

    A Healthier Path Through Change with Britt Andreatta (Part 2)

    We know people's brains are wired to resist change. So what do we do next? Whether you are responsible for leading change in your job, or you are receiving changes from above, what are healthy ways to navigate these uncomfortable experiences? In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Britt Andreatta, author of the book Wired to Resist, she uncovers several actionable strategies that allow us to have a healthier experience through change. From identifying a "Air Traffic Control" monitor for the numerous impacts of change, to distinguishing the difference between normal resistance and toxic negativity, Britt gets into it all. Listen for concrete strategies to ways to use the science of change to have a more balanced experience through these inevitable phases in work and life.

    35 min
  4. Why Our Brains Resist Change with Britt Andreatta (Part 1)

    Jan 13

    Why Our Brains Resist Change with Britt Andreatta (Part 1)

    Do changes at work or home instill an instant sense of panic? Turns out there is a scientific (and evolutionary) explanation for this. Dr. Britt Andreatta, author of Wired to Resist, explains how and why our brains are actually wired to resist change. In Part 1 of our conversation with her, we dive into why change is perceived as threatening and how leaders can strategically approach this human response with more realism and empathy. You won't want to miss this! Download a free chapter of Wired to Resist 2.0. Get 25% off your purchase of Wired to Resist 2.0: The Brain Science of Why Change Fails and a New Model for Driving Success. Get 25% off your purchase of Wired to Grow: Harness the Power of Brain Science to Learn and Master Any Skill

    39 min
  5. How a School Transformed Learning with Sticky Lessons with Fred Backhaus

    12/02/2025

    How a School Transformed Learning with Sticky Lessons with Fred Backhaus

    What actually makes learning stick? Hear the story of motivated leader Fred Backhaus, who guided his elementary school teachers to design lessons with impact using one or more of the gears from our Six Gears (R) Framework - trust, agency, passion, memorable, meaningful, or motivational. The experience was transformational. Learn key leadership and instructional strategies that facilitate lasting learning for students and teachers alike.

    52 min
  6. Why Less is More with Leidy Klotz

    11/07/2025

    Why Less is More with Leidy Klotz

    We are all feeling the effects of having too much to do and not enough time to do it. Are there ways to do less that we might be missing? Dr. Leidy Klotz, author of Subtract, explains why our brains default to adding when faced with problems and how the less obvious options to subtract can save us time and energy. He also gives us a preview of his next book soon to be released called In a Good Place, exploring how space shapes our ability to think, learn, and thrive, featuring PLP and Pennsbury School District's partnership project called Portrait of a Classroom.

    1h 9m
  7. How to Design Purposeful Use of Technology in K-12 Ed with Jason Kotch

    10/19/2025

    How to Design Purposeful Use of Technology in K-12 Ed with Jason Kotch

    Deciding how and when to use technology in K-12 classrooms is a daunting challenge. It's hard to know how to balance the benefits and tradeoffs in a sustainable and manageable way. Dr. Jason Kotch, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning at Avon Grove School District in West Grove, PA, shares with us how he and his team have designed a district-wide technology plan based upon current brain science and input from stakeholders across their community. Learn key strategies for how to scaffold purposeful use of technology, in classrooms as well as at home.

    1h 7m
  8. Secrets to Building Confidence and Culture with LaVonna Roth

    09/20/2025

    Secrets to Building Confidence and Culture with LaVonna Roth

    How do we change cultures of burnout and disconnection to purposeful and collaborative? How do we feel confident about our value through inevitable ups and downs? LaVonna Roth, Founder of Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E. has important knowledge, experience, and strategies that shine (wink ;) ) a light on this important and necessary topic. Her S.H.I.N.E. Framework has guided numerous teams through self-discovery and culture-building that allows them to communicate and collaborate more effectively, at a time where this is essential. Enjoy the episode!

    58 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

This is our space to think about how we can improve education using key ideas from brain science. If we designed schools to match how our brains learn and grow, could education be a more engaging and fullfilling experience for students, teachers, and leaders? We think so. Let's figure out how, together.

Information

  • Creator
    Julia Skolnik, CEO and Founder of Professional Learning Partnerships
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Julia Skolnik, CEO and Founder of Professional Learning Partnerships
  • Show Website
    Brain Space in Learning and Leadership

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