Shows
Total Information AMHow to learn words like a spelling bee championDr Kimberly Berens, founder of Fit Learning Online and author of 'Blind Spots: Why Students Fail and the Science That Can Save Them'. She joins Megan Lynch.2025-06-0207 min
The Interview with Leslie HeaneyBlind Spots - feat. Kimberly Berens, Ph.D.Today in the US, close to 70% of all students are below proficiency in math and reading, and close to 90% of low-income students are below proficiency. With an overwhelming majority of our students graduating below proficiency in all academic subjects, the United States is in the middle of an educational crisis. Thankfully my next guest Dr. Kimberly Nix Berens is working to address this crisis. Dr. Berens is the author of Blind Spots: Why students fail…and the science that can save them. She is also the Founder of Fit Learning. Fit Learning is a powerful system of instru...2025-03-051h 09
The Authority Podcast — Expert Insights and Fresh Ideas for Education LeadersScience of Learning and Data-Driven Instruction with Kimberly Berens and Michael Mercanti-AnthonyPopular guest Dr. Kimberly Nix Berens returns to the show. She’s a scientist-educator, Founder of Fit Learning, and author of Blind Spots: Why students fail and the science that can save them. We’re also joined by Dr. Michael-Joseph Mercanti-Anthony, principal of Antonia Pantoja Preparatory Academy, a public school for students in grades 6-12 in the southwest Bronx. We talk about:Defining the science of learning, and which students and subjects it applies toHow instruction designed from the science of learning improves educational outcomesCauses of skepticism (earned and unearned) and how to comba...2025-03-0459 min
Chalk & TalkProject Follow Through: Direct Instruction's overlooked success with Marcy Stein (Ep 39)Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Marcy Stein, professor emeritus from the University of Washington, Tacoma, about her firsthand experience with Direct Instruction (DI) and Project Follow Through—the world’s largest educational experiment. Despite showing DI’s effectiveness with at-risk students, the results were largely ignored.
Marcy shares insights into the origins of DI, its instructional design, and emphasizes that it’s effective for all students, not just those struggling academically. She also addresses common misconceptions, walks through a typical DI math lesson, and gives advice on how to bridge skill gaps in the classroom. This epi...2025-01-101h 15Chalk & TalkProject Follow Through: Direct Instruction's overlooked success with Marcy Stein (Ep 39)Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Marcy Stein, professor emeritus from the University of Washington, Tacoma, about her firsthand experience with Direct Instruction (DI) and Project Follow Through—the world’s largest educational experiment. Despite showing DI’s effectiveness with at-risk students, the results were largely ignored.
Marcy shares insights into the origins of DI, its instructional design, and emphasizes that it’s effective for all students, not just those struggling academically. She also addresses common misconceptions, walks through a typical DI math lesson, and gives advice on how to bridge skill gaps in the classroom. This epi...2025-01-101h 15
Why Distance Learning?#44 The Science of Learning: How Fit Learning Drives Student Success with Kimberly BerensIn this episode of Why Distance Learning?, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring are joined by Dr. Kimberly Berens, founder of Fit Learning and CEO of Fit Learning Online, to discuss the critical role of behavior science in education. Dr. Berens shares her journey from establishing Fit Learning in a small closet to growing it into a global network of centers that use science-based methods to produce dramatic academic gains for students in just 40 hours of training. The conversation delves into why many traditional educational practices don’t align with the science of learning, as well as ho...2024-11-1155 minChalk & TalkTransforming education through behaviour science with Kimberly Berens (Ep 34)Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Kimberly Berens in Episode 34 of Chalk & Talk. Kimberly is a behaviour scientist, an author, and the founder of FIT Learning. They discuss the fundamentals of behaviour science, the importance of measurable outcomes, the role of reinforcement, and the application of behaviour science to effective instruction, particularly in math. They also cover concepts like fluency, retention, and endurance in learning. They discuss the effectiveness of Direct Instruction, precision teaching and curriculum-based measurement in bringing about significant improvements in student performance.
Kimberly is a passionate advocate for systematic educational change based on sci...2024-10-041h 11Chalk & TalkTransforming education through behaviour science with Kimberly Berens (Ep 34)Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Kimberly Berens in Episode 34 of Chalk & Talk. Kimberly is a behaviour scientist, an author, and the founder of FIT Learning. They discuss the fundamentals of behaviour science, the importance of measurable outcomes, the role of reinforcement, and the application of behaviour science to effective instruction, particularly in math. They also cover concepts like fluency, retention, and endurance in learning. They discuss the effectiveness of Direct Instruction, precision teaching and curriculum-based measurement in bringing about significant improvements in student performance.
Kimberly is a passionate advocate for systematic educational change based on sci...2024-10-041h 11
The Authority Podcast — Expert Insights and Fresh Ideas for Education LeadersBest of The Authority: Blind Spots with Kimberly BerensIn this "Best Of" episode, we revisit our conversation with scientist-educator Dr. Kimberly Nix Berens. Kimberly is Founder of Fit Learning and author of Blind Spots: Why students fail and the science that can save them. We talk about:We must know about and make an effort to truly see the blind spotsThe beliefs and traditions that shape education in the US create blind spots60% of students graduate below proficiency. But what does this statistic mean?Examples of blind spots in actionHow behavioral science supports effective teachingHow parents and educators can advocate for t...2024-07-0457 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyHow to design your coaching for more powerful learning outcomesSend us a textDan welcomes Dr Kimberly Berens, founder of Fit Learning and CEO of Fit Learning Online and author of Blind Spots: Why Students Fail and the Science That Can Save Them.Fit Learning is a powerful system of instruction based in behavioural science and the Technology of Teaching, and it aims to transform the learning abilities of children, which it does in the US, Canada, Europe and Australia.To find out more about Fit Learning, go to: http://fitlearningonline.com/In the podcast, they discuss:How K...2024-04-1955 min
Progressively IncorrectS3E11: Kimberly Berens on Blind Spots and Behavior ScienceIn this episode of Progressively Incorrect, I have the great pleasure of interviewing Kimberly Berens, the author of Blind Spots: Why students fail and the science that can save them and the founder of Fit Learning, an organization that combines the science of learning, precision teaching, direct instruction, and curriculum-based measurement, into one comprehensive approach. … Continue reading S3E11: Kimberly Berens on Blind Spots and Behavior Science2024-04-031h 02
Reading With Your Kids PodcastDebunking Reading MythsDr Kimberly Berens is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate the power of behavior science for accelerating reading skills. She discusses common myths around learning, including the myth that children learn to read based on their age and development rather than through instruction. She explains how this myth has negatively impacted students. Dr. Berens also talks about using the science of learning, including behavior science, neuroscience, and epigenetics, to understand that reading is a skill that must be taught. She emphasizes using phonics and decoding strategies with students of any age who have gaps in foundational reading skills. Dr...2024-01-0330 min
The Authority Podcast — Expert Insights and Fresh Ideas for Education LeadersBlind Spots with Kimberly BerensDr. Kimberly Nix Berens is a scientist-educator, Founder of Fit Learning, and author of Blind Spots: Why students fail and the science that can save them. In this episode, Kimberly and Ross talk about:“Blind Spots” connote a lack of malintent, but we have to know they exist and make an effort to see them. The beliefs and traditions that shape education in the US create blind spots60% of students graduate below proficiency. But what does this statistic mean?Examples of blind spots in actionHow Behavioral Science Supports Effective TeachingHow parents and educators can ad...2023-12-0457 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensThe Science Behind a Successful StudentOur guest today examines the beliefs, weaknesses, and practices that shape education in this country. She also looks at the myths that have been invented to explain why these traditions don't work. Dr. Berens discusses how behavioral science and neuroscience transform the effectiveness of educational practices. Finally, we discuss how parents can advocate for their teens when their educational experience is not working for them.Kimberly Nix Berens, Ph.D., is a scientist-educator and Founder of Fit Learning. She co-created a powerful instruction system based on behavioral science and the Technology of Teaching, which has transformed the le...2023-12-0449 min
Edtech InsidersAccelerating Learning with Behavioral Science with Dr. Kimberly Nix Berens of Fit LearningSend us a textKimberly Nix Berens, Ph.D., is a scientist-educator and Founder of Fit Learning. She co-created a system of instruction based in behavioral science and the Technology of Teaching, which has transformed the learning abilities of thousands of children worldwide. Fit learning programs use virtual instruction to target areas a wide range of skills: early learning skills, basic classroom readiness, phonemic awareness, reading fluency, comprehension, inferential language, basic and advanced mathematics, logical problem solving, grammar, and expressive writing. From her early beginnings in a broom closet at...2023-09-131h 03
Masters in Psychology Podcast60: Kimberly Berens, PhD – Scientist-Educator, Founder of Fit Learning, and Author of Blinds Spots Shares her Journey, Passion, and AdviceDr. Kimberly Berens grew up around psychology as her father was a psychiatrist. Her mother was a biologist, so she was also very interested in the natural sciences. She recalls that family dinner time conversations were always interesting as they talked about various mental health issues, general psychology, and human behavior and development. As a result, Dr. Berens originally planned on majoring in biology and minoring in psychology when she started her undergraduate career at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. Although her introduction to psychology class was unique in that each section of it was taught by a professor...2023-08-2956 min
Cheri Hill ShowDr. Kimberly Berens, Ph.D, Scientist-Educator & Founder of Fit LearningThe education system in the US is in crisis. An astounding 60% of students graduate below proficiency, and this number only increases for students of color and those living in poverty. Dr. Kimberly Berens lays out the solution to stop the vicious cycle of school failure in her book "Blind Spots".
https://www.amazon.com/Blind-Spots-Students-Fail-Science/dp/1951412095/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35NGMCUOFX84P&keywords=Blind+Spots+book&qid=1675712400&sprefix=blind+spots+book%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-1
drkimberlyberens.com
drkim@fitlearners.com
empoweryouthfoundation.org2023-01-2525 min
School Psyched!SPP 157: Harnessing The Science Of Learning For The Design Of Assessment And Instruction
SPP 157: Harnessing The Science Of Learning For The Design Of Assessment And Instruction
#psychedpodcast is pleased to welcome Dr. Berens!
https://www.drkimberlyberens.com/
Kimberly Nix Berens, Ph.D., is a scientist-educator and Founder of Fit Learning. She co-created a powerful system of instruction based in behavioral science and the Technology of Teaching, which has transformed the learning abilities of thousands of children worldwide, including those who are struggling, average, gifted, or learning disabled. For more than 20 years, her system of instruction has produced one year’s worth of academic growth in only 40 ho...2023-01-1600 min
School Psyched Podcast!SPP 157: Harnessing The Science Of Learning For The Design Of Assessment And Instruction
SPP 157: Harnessing The Science Of Learning For The Design Of Assessment And Instruction
#psychedpodcast is pleased to welcome Dr. Berens!
https://www.drkimberlyberens.com/
Kimberly Nix Berens, Ph.D., is a scientist-educator and Founder of Fit Learning. She co-created a powerful system of instruction based in behavioral science and the Technology of Teaching, which has transformed the learning abilities of thousands of children worldwide, including those who are struggling, average, gifted, or learning disabled. For more than 20 years, her system of instruction has produced one year’s worth of academic growth in only 40 ho...2023-01-1600 min
The ABA and PT PodcastEpisode #14 - The Truth Behind Neuropsychological Testing with Dr. Kimberly BerensBe prepared for Dr. Kimberly Berens’ extraordinarily important message regarding learning disabilities!
In the US, 20% of kids are considered to have a learning disability of some kind. Dr. Berens explains in Episode 14 of the podcast that only a tiny fraction of children—less than 1%—have a real neurological impairment. This suggests that more kids are being labeled with learning disabilities that are Explanatory Fictions, as opposed to measuring learning across time and assessing for skill deficits that account for why a child struggles with reading or other learning.
This episode explores the reasons behind children's academi...2022-10-191h 27
Leaders Of Transformation428: Transforming Your Child's Learning Ability with Dr. Kimberly BerensStatistics reveal that more than 60% of children in America are scoring below proficiency across all academic subjects. Why is this happening and what can we do about it? Kimberly Nix Berens, Ph.D. is a scientist-educator and Founder of Fit Learning. She co-created a powerful system of instruction based in behavioral science and the Technology of Teaching and has been transforming the learning ability of thousands of children worldwide for over 20 years, including those who are struggling, average, gifted, or learning disabled. Join us as we discuss her groundbreaking new book, Blindspots: Why students fail a...2022-08-2246 minLeaders Of Transformation428: Transforming Your Child's Learning Ability with Dr. Kimberly BerensStatistics reveal that more than 60% of children in America are scoring below proficiency across all academic subjects. Why is this happening and what can we do about it? Kimberly Nix Berens, Ph.D. is a scientist-educator and Founder of Fit Learning. She co-created a powerful system of instruction based in behavioral science and the Technology of Teaching and has been transforming the learning ability of thousands of children worldwide for over 20 years, including those who are struggling, average, gifted, or learning disabled. Join us as we discuss her groundbreaking new book, Blindspots: Why students fail a...2022-08-2246 min
Chirping with ABA OwlsThe Hoot Chronicles XIII - Blind SpotsHappy Monday!
For today, we will be discussing Blind Spots, by Dr. Kimberly Nix Berens.
This book takes a deep dive into the world of education - we think anybody who has been part of the school system will find the content interesting.
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Here are some links you might find useful:
https://fitlearners.com/
https://www.drkimberlyberens.com/
The Behavioral Observations Podcast with Matt Cicoria has an episode with Dr. Kimberly discussing her book - session 136
The Controversial Exchange...2022-03-2119 min
The Skinny Confidential Him & Her ShowDr. Kimberly Nix Berens On Behavioral Habits, How We Learn, & How To Utilize Discipline#438: Kimberly Nix Berens, Ph.D., is a scientist-educator and Founder of Fit Learning. She co-created a powerful system of instruction based in behavioral science and the Technology of Teaching, which has transformed the learning abilities of thousands of children worldwide. Today we discuss behavioral habits, how we learn, and how to utilize discipline. To connect with Lauryn Evarts click HERE To connect with Michael Bosstick click HERE Read More on The Skinny Confidential HERE For Detailed Show Notes visit TSCPODCAST.COM To Call the Him & Her Hotline call: 1-833-SKINNYS (754-6697) 2022-02-241h 16
The Behavioral Observations Podcast with Matt CicoriaDiscovering ABA and PT... A Truly Inspirational Story: Session 172 with Mandy MasonMandy Mason's road to discovering Behavior Analysis is a little different than most of my guests. When her daughter was diagnosed with Autism, she literally traveled the globe to find out how best to help her. I don't want to spoil the story too much, but what I will say is that Mandy's search for an effective treatment changed not only her daughter's life, but the lives of countless others. That's because once Mandy discovered ABA, and combined it with the power of Precision Teaching and Precision Measurement, she was off to the races. Mandy...2021-12-061h 09The ABA and PT Podcast#3 Dr Kim - The State of Play in ABAIn this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Kimberly Nix Berens; a scientist-educator and Founder of Fit Learning. As she shares her story of how she found her way through Behavior Science and Precision Teaching, Dr. Kim also provides tons of anecdotes from her learning experiences with mentors, the development of Precision Teaching, and her personal encounter with Ogden Lindsley. She speaks of her vision for automation of data to allow the collection of data in classrooms, the challenges faced in Behavior Analysis, and her hopes for the upcoming students in the field.
Dr. Kim has recently pu...2021-11-241h 12
Turn Autism AroundUsing Behavior Science to support children with Learning Challenges with Dr. Kim BerensFIT Learning Center is a worldwide program founded by Dr. Kimberly Berens. The focus of her center is rooted in using behavior science for direct instruction and precision teaching for rapid growth in students with learning challenges, disabilities, and delays. We are discussing how she emulates importance in order of teaching, utilizes virtual teaching, and teaches students on varying levels to improve past their best in a regular school setting.2021-09-2848 min
Now to Next with Nick NantonNow to Next with Nick Nanton Feat. Dr. Kimberly BerensDr. Kimberly Nix Berens is the Founder of Fit Learning and Regional Director of Fit Learning Tri-State. She is an educational researcher who has published and presented extensively on science-based approaches to education, speaking at over 30 regional, national, and international conferences. Nick and Dr. Berens sit down today to discuss several talking points from her first book, "Blind Spots: Why Students Fail and the Science That Can Save Them".In 1998, as a doctoral student in learning and behavioral science, Dr. Berens founded Fit Learning in a broom closet on campus at the University of Nevada, Reno. Since...2021-06-091h 02The ABA and PT PodcastThe ABA & OT Podcast #15: How to Teach Spitting for Toothbrushing, Rinsing and Other Oral Care SkillsSpitting is a complex ADL that can be a real challenge to teach to kids in the spectrum. Especially when kids are nonverbal or have conditions like pica, ABAs and OTs have to use prompts as imitation and language are simply ineffective.
They discuss the case of Andre and how strategies like TAG teaching and tools like straws were effective in teaching mouth manipulation. They also discuss the many advantages of video modeling as a standardized way of teaching, as well as the best way social stories can be applied in toothbrushing.
HIGHLIGHTS
02:33 S...2021-05-0543 min
Why We Do What We Do187 | GaslightingPeople have been manipulating one another for most of human history. But the term for this kind of manipulation and abuse is fairly new. Coined in a play, people use gaslighting because they can successfully control other people. It works because it undermines pretty much every aspect of our psychology. We cover signs of gaslighting and strategies for escaping it. Links for Today: Abramson, K. (2014), TURNING UP THE LIGHTS ON GASLIGHTING. Philosophical Perspectives, 28: 1-30. doi:10.1111/phpe.12046Linder, C., Quaye, S. J., Lange, A. C., Roberts, R. E., Lacy, M. C., & Wilson, K. O. (2019). "A...2020-12-0941 minThe ABA and PT PodcastThe ABA & OT Podcast #4: Sensory vs. Behavior - Do you see what I see? Early learningABAs and OTs look at early learning from two very different lenses. Mandy and Aditi define terms according to their sciences and give their insights on the case of Stella, a premature baby.
They take a closer look at the sensory and behavioral aspects of early motor development and the roles of classical and operant conditioning. Mandy and Aditi also explore tactile defensiveness, habituation, and desensitization which are all used to accelerate early learning and therapeutic outcomes.
HIGHLIGHTS
01:27 Shoutout to Dr. Kimberly Berens
08:38 Debunking myths: ABA's only deal with ASD clients2020-11-2556 min
Issues Today RadioIssues Today 20-48(#20-48-Nov. 23-Nov. 29) Today Show Financial Editor Jean Chatsky discusses Medicare options. Dr. Kimberly Berens details why students fail. Dr. Satjit Bhusri details Diabetes symptoms. 2020-11-2328 min
Overnight AmericaDr. Kimberly BerensDr. Kimberly Berens, author of the new book, “Blind Spots: Why Students Fail and the Science That Can Save Them,” joins host Ryan Wrecker for an all-encompassing discussion about the state of American education. Later, Wrecker asks listeners for help on how to cook his family’s turkey this Thanksgiving. Listen to the show on Apple Podcasts? Leave us a 5-star review: apple.co/2Of49Bv and subscribe to Overnight America on other great apps like Radio.com If you like what you hear, we're live weeknights on KMOX 1120AM. We welcome your calls at 800-925-1...2020-11-1937 min
The Behavioral Observations Podcast with Matt CicoriaBlind Spots in the American Education System with Kim BerensDr. Kim Berens (@KimberlyBerens5) joins me for a third time to discuss her new book, Blind Spots: Why Students Fail and the Science That Can Save Them.* In this show, we talk about her motivation to write this book, what she believes is wrong with the current approach to educating children in the United States, and what can be done to remedy this situation. Like our recent episode with Amelia Bowler earlier this month, this is another great example of people trained in Behavior Analysis stepping out of our community and speak directly to a broader community. In...2020-10-281h 49
The Behavioral Observations Podcast with Matt Cicoria44: Kim Berens talks about Fit LearningKim Berens joins me in Session 44 of The Behavioral Observations Podcast in what I originally thought was going to be a discussion about the company she co-founded, Fit Learning. While we spoke about Fit Learning a-plenty, Kim also provided tons of historical anecdotes on the development of our field, the development of Precision Teaching (where she recounted many personal conversations with Ogden Lindsley), and her take on where our field's challenges lie. If you haven't heard about Fit Learning, you'll want to check out their website. Their unique instructional model typically results in 1 year of academic growth for every 40 h...2018-01-171h 49