Understanding the psychological barriers that hinder student participation and engagement
Rhonda Britten — Emmy Award-winner, 4x Bestselling author, Repeat Oprah guest, Tedx Speaker, Huffington Post Contributor, and Master Coach – has devoted her life to one thing: teaching people how to master fear. She has created a method for anyone to overcome the insidious fear of “not being good enough” using the “Wheel Technology” she developed to save her own life.
What she teaches is what she has lived.
The episode presents an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted relationship between fear, teaching, and learning. Rhonda Britten introduces her innovative methodologies, including the ‘Wheel of Fear’ and the ‘Wheel of Freedom’, which serve as frameworks for understanding the psychological barriers that hinder student participation and engagement.
She posits that fear is not merely a personal flaw but a universal experience that shapes behavior and learning in profound ways. Rhonda reflections on her own educational journey reveal the detrimental effects of fear on student participation, highlighting the need for educators to adopt a more empathetic approach.
Significant transformation in education requires educators to first address their own fears and emotional needs. By prioritizing self-care, teachers can cultivate an environment conducive to authentic learning and emotional safety, allowing students to express themselves freely. This conversation is a call to action for educators to engage in self-reflection and to foster a fearless culture in their classrooms, ultimately leading to a more enriching educational experience for all.
Takeaways:
- The Wheel of Fear and Wheel of Freedom offer frameworks to understand personal fear dynamics.
- Identifying one’s core fear can significantly shift perspectives and enhance personal growth.
- Authenticity in education requires teachers to understand their own needs and emotions.
- Students often conceal their fears, which can hinder their learning and engagement in the classroom.
- Teachers must prioritize self-care to effectively support their students’ emotional and educational needs.
- Creating a supportive classroom environment necessitates a focus on students’ individual experiences and needs.
Website
https://fearlessliving.org
https://fearlessliving.org/risk/
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The Optimal Path to Modern Math Education: Insights from Dr. Del
Craig Hane, also known as Dr. Del, passionately advocates for a revolutionary approach to mathematics education, emphasizing the necessity of practical application over traditional teaching methods.
His initiative, Triad Math, seeks to transform the outdated paradigms of math education in the United States by integrating contemporary tools and techniques that align with the demands of the 21st century.
His mission is to empower students with the tools necessary to navigate modern challenges, thereby addressing the pervasive inadequacies within the current educational framework. Our conversation not only sheds light on the failings of existing systems but also presents a compelling vision for a more effective and engaging mathematical education.
Takeaways:
- Craig Hane, also known as Dr. Del, emphasizes the need for a practical approach to mathematics education that transcends outdated traditional methods and focuses on real-world applications.
- The Triad Math program aims to revolutionize math education by integrating modern tools and pedagogical strategies that cater to individual learning paces and preferences.
- A significant portion of students in the United States are failing to grasp essential mathematical concepts due to ineffective teaching methods prevalent in the current educational system.
- Dr. Del’s mission is to empower one million individuals through practical math education, thereby enhancing their prospects in technical fields and addressing the skills gap in the workforce.
Website
https://craighane.com/
https://triadmathinc.com/
https://www.wolframalpha.com/tour
Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)
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Through a Different Lens – Lessons from a Life in Education with Prof Dr Ger Graus OBE
Professor Dr Ger Graus OBE is a renowned figure in the field of education – once described as “Jean-Jacques Rousseau meets Willy Wonka”. He was the first Global Director of Education at KidZania and the founding CEO of the Children’s University. In 2019, Ger became a Visiting Professor at the National Research University in Moscow, Russia. He is also a Professor of Practice at the University of Cumbria, United Kingdom, and a Member of the PhD Advisory Council at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Ger is a frequent keynote speaker at some of the world’s leading education conferences. Driven by his famous mantra that “Children can only aspire to what they know exists”, Ger champions the cause of equity, progress, purpose, creativity, and innovation in children’s learning.
Born in the Netherlands, Ger moved to the United Kingdom in 1983 where he began his teaching career, later becoming a Senior Inspector, and Education Director.
Ger is a member of Bett’s Global Education Council; DIDAC India’s Advisory Board; and Junior Achievement’s Worldwide Global Council. He chairs the Beaconhouse School System’s Advisory Board, Pakistan; advises the Fondazione Reggio Children, Italy; supports a range of education start-ups globally; and was invited to help shape the future of education in Dubai as a member of the Dubai Future Councils. In 2023, he joined the Global Teacher Prize Judging and the World’s Best School Prize Academies as a judge. In 2024, Ger was invited onto the Board of Trustees of the Sharjah Education Academy by Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah.
In the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours List Ger was made an Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to children, and in 2018 he received the Global Education Leadership Award at the World Education Congress, India. In 2022, he was granted the award of Iconic Leader Creating A Better World For All by the Women Economic Forum (WEF) and the following year, Ger was made a Companion of the Harry Volker Genootschap in The Netherlands.
Ger’s professional autobiography, Through a Different Lens – Lessons from a Life in Education, will be published by Routledge in April 2025.
Website
https://www.gergraus.com/
Social Media Information
https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-dr-ger-graus-obe-335bb6115/
Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)
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The Power of Meditation: Building Resilience in Students
Bob Martin’s Uncommon Journey takes him from a high-powered criminal trial lawyer during Miami’s Cocaine Cowboy era to a healing force. Under the tutelage of Hua Ching Ni, a 72nd-generation Master from the Shaolin Temple, Bob has become a Certified Meditation Teacher, Mentor, and published author.
At 74, Bob draws from his diverse experiences as a criminal lawyer, restaurant owner, corporate consultant, and community leader to guide others toward clarity and peace.
Currently serving as a Professor of Wellness and Mindfulness Coordinator at Elon University, along with teaching corporate executives to the overwhelmed, Bob blends Taoist teachings, brain science, and psychology to help individuals break free from limiting beliefs. His story of transformation offers powerful insights into resilience, fulfillment, and living a meaningful life.
Takeaways:
- The concept of wellness encompasses physical, mental, financial, and spiritual dimensions, promoting holistic life skills for students.
- Meditation significantly enhances resilience, teaching individuals to recover from setbacks effectively and maintain focus amid challenges.
- Bob Martin’s diverse career journey illustrates the transformative power of mentorship and personal growth through unexpected avenues.
- The integration of mindfulness into academic settings fosters a supportive environment, equipping students with essential tools for a meaningful life.
- The importance of reframing one’s mindset from obligation to opportunity can profoundly impact personal motivation and academic performance.
- Life’s transient nature urges us to embrace each day as a unique opportunity for growth and fulfillment, emphasizing the value of mindful living.
Website
Social Media Information
https://www.facebook.com/awiseandhappylife
https://iamthewaybook.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562488613782
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-martin-995b30127/
https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?igsh=1gpcg2ts1mn3d&utm_content=afkfvku
https://www.tiktok.com/@iambobmartin?_t=ZP-8t0Mcd4uHBG&_r=1
https://www.youtube.com/@bobmartin2629
Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)
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🔥 Descript – My Editing Tool
https://educationonfire.com/descript
🔥 London School of Public Relations – https://educationonfire.com/lspr
A comprehensive 1-day CPD-accredited certificated Podcasting course.
Some of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.
The Hidden Crisis in Foster Care: Advocating for Educational Equity
Sharon Dunlevy is an educational advocate for children in foster care. It is her mission to bring the educational needs of children in foster care to the attention of those who can change policies and practices that would give more children in foster care the ability to succeed educationally, the foundation for their ability to succeed after leaving care.
Her primary work includes training foster parents on the educational laws that affect children in foster care and how to use those laws to ensure these children graduate successfully. But Sharon is not just a trainer, she is also a speaker and influencer. She has recently participated in two speaking competitions with the intent of bringing attention to those needs, winning fan favorite in the second competition.
Takeaways:
- The current foster care system inadequately supports half a million children, impacting their educational outcomes.
- Foster children often face significant challenges in graduating from high school or obtaining diplomas by age 18.
- Educational advocacy for foster children is crucial to breaking the cycle of trauma and lack of support.
- Understanding the laws surrounding education for foster children is imperative for foster parents to effectively advocate for their needs.
- The trauma experienced by foster children can severely hinder their self-esteem and ability to trust adults.
- Programs like the Family First Prevention Services Act provide essential resources to support youth transitioning out of foster care.
Website
Social Media Information
www.linkedin.com/in/sharondunlevy
Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)
Discover more about Education on Fire
🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/
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🔥 Descript – My Editing Tool
https://educationonfire.com/descript
🔥 London School of Public Relations – https://educationonfire.com/lspr
A comprehensive 1-day CPD-accredited certificated Podcasting course.
Some of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.