In this episode, Dr. Scott McLeod discusses the transformative power of mindset in education, emphasizing that the biggest barrier to change is not resources but rather deeply embedded beliefs about schooling. He explores the concept of deeper learning, where students are empowered and engaged through inquiry, relevance, and voice. McLeod shares insights from his extensive experience visiting schools that embody these principles, highlighting the importance of leadership in creating environments conducive to trust and innovation. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of technology in education, advocating for its use as a liberating force rather than a controlling one. In this conversation, Scott McLeod discusses the transformative role of principals in deeper learning schools, the challenges of creating sustainable change in education, and the importance of mindset over resources. He emphasizes the need for structural changes to foster innovation and the significance of creating safe spaces for diverse learners.
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Timestamps:
[00:00:00] The Mindset Barrier to Educational Change
[00:00:33] Introduction to Scott McLeod
[00:02:30] Where the Podcast Finds Scott: Lafayette, Colorado
[00:03:38] Scott’s Role at the University of Colorado & Founding of CASTLE
[00:05:09] Scott’s Upbringing in Virginia
[00:06:43] Boredom in School and Love for Hands-On Learning
[00:07:58] Informal Learning: Reading and Baseball Cards
[00:10:02] Academic Path: From Pediatrician Aspirations to History Teacher
[00:12:23] Teaching Eighth Grade Social Studies in North Carolina
[00:13:38] The Most Inspiring Educational Experiences
[00:15:28] What Deeper Learning Classrooms Look Like
[00:17:10] Visiting 100+ Deeper Learning Schools
[00:18:01] Where Deeper Learning Movements Originate
[00:20:08] The Unique Role of Principals in Deeper Learning Schools
[00:22:26] How Hard It Is to Create Sustainable Change
[00:23:52] The Biggest Barrier: Deeply Embedded Mindsets
[00:24:21] Push vs. Pull Models of Change
[00:26:39] Structural Levers for Enabling Innovation
[00:28:41] The Tightening of Educational Systems and Its Impact
[00:31:02] Making Space for Deeper Learning Through Narrower Curricula
[00:33:01] A Powerful Pitch to Teachers: Reclaiming Joy
[00:34:03] Two Experiences You Must See Firsthand
[00:36:26] Inclusive, Emotionally Safe Spaces for All Learners
[00:38:21] Why More Schools Haven’t Adopted the Deeper Learning Model
[00:40:23] The Founding of CASTLE and Focus on Leadership & Tech
[00:42:55] Transitioning from Data-Driven to Empowerment-Focused Tech
[00:45:03] Tech for Tech’s Sake vs. Invisible but Necessary Tools
[00:46:02] Social Media Creation Culture and Opportunities in Classrooms
[00:47:58] Siloed Learning and Lost Opportunities for Integration
[00:49:00] Opportunities and Threats of AI in Education
[00:51:11] The AI Vicious Cycle in Classrooms
[00:53:22] AI as a Personalized Tutor and Learning Tool
[00:55:22] The Future of Education: Dispersed, Individualized, Human
[00:59:05] Freeing Schools from the Tyranny of Time
[01:01:03] Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow – Why It’s Flawed
[01:02:23] Media Recommendations: Two Books on Deeper Learning