Shows
O.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 33: Eric Sheninger - Disruptive Thinking in Full SwingThis episode features Eric Sheninger from USA, a best-selling author, a thought leader, an innovator, a risk-taking educator, an eloquent speaker, and the CEO of Aspire Change EDU consultancy.
Eric shares his story about breaking free from conformity and compliance and calls all schools to take that courageous step.
The talk features Eric's books, that have always been pioneers in the transformation of learning. He speaks about disruptive thinking, the non-traditional thinking that all classrooms can experience with willpower and effective planning. His latest book "Disruptive Thinking
in Our Classrooms: Preparing Learners for Their Future" presents disruptive thinking in...
2024-03-2625 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 32: Vesna Alic – Entrepreneurship in Agriculture and Food EducationThis episode is special as we talk about an area of learning that needs to be fostered in schools. Vesna Alic from Slovenia, a business and educational consultant, trainer,and project manager in agriculture and social entrepreneurship, explains the challenges in agriculture and social entrepreneurship, the concept of learning and transferring knowledge within the community, including innovative competitions. Most importantly, the episode draws attention to the importance of food education in schools and within families. For visuals, the episode can also be found via this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvoTKsGKPn0
2024-02-0623 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 31: From Human Resources (HR) to Human Power (HP): On-boarding 30-35-35 RuleThis episode is related to HR in general and on-boarding in particular. While there are always duties, there are also rights. Human resources (HR) is better seen as human power (HP), that can tremendously contribute to any institution when given well-tailored support, guidance, and appreciation, in alignment with the vision, mission, objectives, and values. For a win-win, there needs to be a certain combination that encompasses all factors in favor of both the institution and the new hires. With the 30-35-35 rule set in the best possible way, on-boarding not only succeeds, but also thrives. This episode touches...
2023-08-2815 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 30: Education is Not Enough - Learning is a Six-fold StructureThis is a core episode, as it discusses learning from my approach for conscious learning and being. Learning is a hexagon-shaped structure within which three practices operate. It sets questions, such as no matter what high credentials we receive, we still stumble and fall in both professional and personal lives. The model represents six sources of learning, and this episode introduces them, along with the three disciplines. This episode is part of a new series "Into Orbit", that is found on my visual resources page (Youtube). The first two episodes of the series were about the 7 shocks that we...
2023-06-1213 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 29: ChatGPT, Google Bard: A Deeper LookThis is an episode that discusses chatbots from macro and micro angles. Though it does not explain the technical aspects of chatbots, it does shed the light on the infinite capabilities of ChatGPT and chatbots in general and the radical facilitation they bring to the world. It also considers the other challenging side of this type of intelligence and poses serious discussion prompts at this point of having put ChatGPT at the fingertips of the public and Google Bard in the upcoming weeks. Given all these thought-provoking points, the episode ends with a call to action and three open-ended...
2023-02-2110 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 28: Inge Rozendal - Higher Ed and Primary Education: A Pendulum at Continuous SwingThis episode features Inge Rozendal (she/her) from The Netherlands. Inge is a learning designer & consultant in Higher Ed and assessment and a didactics trainer. Her focus is on regenerating education through a holistic approach that connects familiar practices and norms to our passions and drives. These passions and drives are the anchor that keep children and youth connected to their life journeys and to the world around them. As the chair of the assessment committee at the Applied University of Utrecht and a trainer at the University of Technology in Delft, Inge works on remodeling assessment. From her...
2023-01-3121 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 27: New Year 2023 - Choosing to Be "Us"This is a bonus episode, released at the beginning of this new year 2023. It is a personal outlook of a period that ended, the few years that passed, and a new one that is just starting. While the past years were years of deep thinking and clearing of old patterns, the coming one is a softer extension of deep thinking, but with a more promising light at the end of the tunnel. It is a call to speak our truth and face our fears, as we open new paths towards a more authentic "Us" ! All this comes as part...
2023-01-1212 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 26: Pirjo Suhonen - Doubling Impact With The Finnish Double-Flip ClassroomThis episode features Pirjo Suhonen from Finland, the founder of ALO Finland Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC). Through the digital teacher training, Pirjo focuses on teachers as the Best App, who are offered the opportunity to experience digitally authentic ways and methods with Finnish teachers, all exploring core competencies of the Finnish system of education. She shares her Double-Flip concept, as a success story, in which an immersive atmosphere was weaved into the entire community. Through coding, robotics, and gamified mathematics, intertwined with innovative pedagogical practices, both children and teachers explore their potential and continue to build the connections...
2022-10-2829 min
O.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 25: Britta Simon - HeartMath Coach and Mentor Explaining Heart-Brain CoherenceThis episode features Britta Simon from Germany. Britta is a personal resilience coach certified by the Institute of HeartMath and specializes in sustainable stress management, self-regulation & sensitive trauma recovery. She works with individuals & teams to help them combat their inner chaos that result from stress, helplessness, and emotional depletion. In the middle of the episode, Britta shares a very simple exercise to connect to our inner state of calmness and balance, and consequently create heart-brain coherence. She also explains how science proved that the heart has its own intelligence and how heart intelligence empowers us to discover our potential...
2022-06-2740 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 24: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Choice, Action or BothThis episode addresses Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), fundamental themes that are interrelated and may still be underrated in "schools" with the continuous emphasis on testing and achievements. The episode is an extract from 21st Century Series (ORBITS Model), a globally-oriented series that I have been sending since September 2021 via my monthly newsletter. This series, which applies to most, if not all education systems, provides themes in the most efficient, non-demanding ways with strategies, rubrics and suggestions that can help in better understanding, implementation, and evaluation of practices. Here is the PDF of the rubrics related to this episode on (D...
2022-04-2810 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 23: Jihan Najjar - Recruitment Through the Lens of a Job Search CoachThis episode features Jihan Najjar, a job search coach and Sr. HR generalist. Speaking from Greece, Jihan shares insights from an international recruiter and a coach’s perspective about basic principles for a successful job search. She outlines strategies that ensure mutual value, professionalism, and profit for both recruiters and candidates, emphasizing positive and responsible mindset of the two parties involved. Jihan explains that the job search is a process, strategically planned and realistically conducted, and pinpoints steps to be taken and steps to be avoided for a better outcome for all. More at https://www.academicjobs.me/
2022-03-1628 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 22: Bringing Together all Disciplines - 21st Century Learning ORBITS ModelThis episode presents 21st century learning from ORBITS perspective, highlighting its four components: Cognitive rigor, technology, social-emotional rigor and global citizenship (also from ORBITS perspective). The key is to catch the essence of learning for life, learning for continuous growth, and learning for ultimate value and joy. It is time now to reset formulas and detach from fixed concepts. More from the 21st Century Learning ORBITS Model is issued in a series this academic year 2021-2022 through my monthly free newsletter: www.orbitsdevelopment.com. Presentation from Economist Impact UK mentioned in this episode can be found through this link...
2022-02-2612 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 21: Benjamin Freud, Ph.D. - Student-Centered Learning: Deeper and BeyondThis is an open talk that features Benjamin Freud, the educator who advocates more questions than answers, in a mutual exchange with the host about how skills taught in class remain limited, how curricula and assessment can be redesigned to meet our multidisciplinary real-world needs, and how those needs are far beyond students. Benjamin explains that biocentrism is our only way towards a better and more equitable future. The episode is a double call to action from Benjamin Freud and the host as they both emphasize the role of a “possible” change mindset, self-paced schools, and qualitative methods in buil...
2022-01-2428 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 20: New Year Motivational Verb Calendar for Educators and Seekers of Achievement, Peace and BalanceAs part of ORBITS conscious learning and being, this is a calendar featuring the twelve months of this new year 2022 through verb statements for every letter of every month. These statements encompass personal and professional development of educators and any person seeking achievement, balance and peace amid the hustles of life and this period of time. Share this episode with educators or anyone you know for well-being and more efficient personal and professional enhancement. Let us work smarter and not harder. Let us live with time-health prosperity, not with stress and anxiety. You can find the calendar in PDF...
2022-01-0420 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 19: Stuart Chambers - A Call to Recognize Humanity and Build on COP26Stuart Chambers, an environmentalist and a film producer, speaks about the importance of doing good and being kind in our communities. Our talk comes in unison with COP26 discussions and calls for immediate action as Stuart emphasizes the role of individuals, families, schools, and unions in claiming our right for environmental wellness and human positive energy. He also talks about his global project "Project our World", EXPO 2020 film, and sustainability solutions. This episode will also be published as a video (with content photos) on (Manal Zeineddine_ORBITS Consulting) www.youtube.com/channel/UCaP3saZBT8bza5cmFrnHU0A .Find out...
2021-12-0227 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 19 : Stuart Chambers - A Call to Recognize Humanity and Build on COP26Stuart Chambers, an environmentalist and a film producer, speaks about the importance of doing good and being kind in our communities. Our talk comes in unison with COP26 discussions and calls for immediate action as Stuart emphasizes the role of individuals, families, schools, and unions in claiming our right for environmental wellness and human positive energy. He also talks about his global project "Project our World", the film produced for EXPO 2020, and sustainability solutions. This episode will also be published as a video on Manal Zeineddine_ORBITS Consulting www.youtube.com/channel/UCaP3saZBT8bza5cmFrnHU0A .Find out...
2021-11-3027 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 18 : Assessment of STEM (Areas of Focus and Tools)This episode briefly explains STEM field disciplines, its academic and non-academic areas of focus, and the tools that can be used for assessment. When quantitative and qualitative research is put into proper implementation, STEM becomes more reliable and engaging in K-12 schools. For more on STEM, please check STEM playlist on visual resources platform. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugy47XzxwJc&list=PLnwI4gfTixbVWppvBE9lh3KUqgl2bIK3x
2021-10-2811 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 17 : STEM through ORBITS Perspective - A Way to Accelerate LearningThis is a part of a STEM conference talk that I presented in, explaining STEM from the perspective of my ORBITS approach. It is important to acknowledge the need for immediate action, even if partially at first, in order to assist in the acceleration stage needed now after the pandemic. More about STEM will come in future episodes. https://www.orbitsdevelopment.com/
2021-10-0915 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 16: Zeina Fayoumi - Youth Leadership In and Beyond SchoolsThis episode features Zeina Fayoumi, a certified John Maxwell coach, speaker, and trainer. Zeina shares significant knowledge about youth developmental stage, various types of 21st century skills needed for youth readiness for higher studies and the workplace, their empowerment both by schools and parents, impediments that hinder their engagement, such as their lack of interest, COVID challenges to youth, and insights about nurturing their leadership skills for a better future. Zeina is also a certified systemic Team Coach, Learning and Development Manager, and an independent educational consultant. For more guidance on youth leadership, you can contact Zeina : fayoumi.zeina...
2021-08-2226 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 15: Harnessing Learning and Being - An Excerpt from my New Series "The Quantum"This is an excerpt to introduce my new series "The Quantum". This series supports my approach in understanding our inner selves and the world around us. We, educators, have the opportunity to embrace the uncertainties, that outline the world and our surroundings, and in this process unlearn, relearn, and live the present. This is the only way that can ensure more sustainable interactions and less stressful environments. Video : Introducing "The Quantum" : For Conscious Learning and Being available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PLfv71kPxQ&t=1s
2021-07-2910 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 14: Home Cooperation - A Focus Urgency During the Pandemic [From O.R.B.I.T.S. EduCOVID Series]This episode addresses the fifth and last of the five urgency areas that EduCOVID handled, how schools can better utilize home cooperation for more effective teaching, learning, and social and emotional responses. The episode is an extract from EduCOVID, a globally-oriented series that I have been sending since July 2020 through my monthly newsletter, assisting schools and leaders in navigating through these sudden, highly-demanding conditions. This series, which applies to most, if not all education systems, provides checklists, strategies, and suggestions that can help in strategic planning for next year 2021-2022. Find resources per subject: www.orbitsdevelopment.com/resources. Registration for the free...
2021-07-1324 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 13: Inclusion - A Focus Urgency During the Pandemic [From O.R.B.I.T.S. EduCOVID Series]This episode addresses the fourth of the five urgency areas that EduCOVID handled, how schools can strengthen their inclusive education, focusing on all learning needs and merging them within a healthy class environment. The episode is an extract from EduCOVID, a globally-oriented series that I have been sending since July 2020 through my monthly newsletter, assisting schools and leaders in navigating through these sudden, highly-demanding conditions. This series, which applies to most, if not all education systems, provides checklists, strategies, and suggestions that can help in strategic planning for next year 2021-2022. Find resources per subject: www.orbitsdevelopment.com/resources. Find v...
2021-06-3022 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 12: Alignment to School Statement and Curriculum- A Focus Urgency During the Pandemic [From O.R.B.I.T.S. EduCOVID Series]This episode addresses the third of the five urgency areas that EduCOVID handled, how schools maintain and strengthen their alignment to their visions, missions, objectives, and values and alignment to curriculum. The episode is an extract from EduCOVID, a globally-oriented series that I have been sending since July 2020 through my monthly newsletter, assisting schools and leaders in navigating through these sudden, highly-demanding conditions. This series, which applies to most, if not all education systems, provides checklists, strategies, and suggestions that can help in strategic planning for next year 2021-2022. Find resources per subject: www.orbitsdevelopment.com/resources. Find videos an...
2021-06-2150 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 11 : Academic Achievements and Losses- A Focus Urgency During the Pandemic [From O.R.B.I.T.S. EduCOVID Series]As schools prepare for 2021-2022, this episode addresses the second of the five urgency areas that EduCOVID handled, how curriculum, instruction, and assessment can increase learning gains and curb learning losses. The episode is an extract from EduCOVID, a series that I have been sending since July 2020 through my monthly newsletters, assisting schools and leaders in navigating through these sudden, highly-demanding conditions. This series provides checklists, strategies, and suggestions that can help in strategic planning for next year. Find resources per subject: www.orbitsdevelopment.com/resources. Find videos and more resources on my new Youtube Channel: Manal Zeineddine_ORBITS C...
2021-06-1436 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 10 : Nominate an "Invisible Hero" with Isabelle Blum and Manal ZeineddineIsabelle Blum, an environmental scientist and art creator from Switzerland, and Manal Zeineddine are bringing the attention of education, environment, and the overall community, to individuals, who have been silently contributing to their communities. "Invisible Heroes" is a simple initiative, aiming at recognizing people, who might not be noticed, but their presence is a blessing to many and even to one. Nominate an individual from your school community and let it be a gift of appreciative attention at the end of this academic year, or from your community and let it be a gift of appreciative attention during these...
2021-05-1913 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 9 : Carl Garner - Emotional Intelligence Mapping Tool for Verbalizing and Qualifying EmotionsCarl Garner, director of psychology and education, speaks about the Emotional Intelligence Mapping tool that he has created. This proactive tool, that resembles London tube map, simplifies complicated emotions for the purpose of enhancing emotional literacy in schools and other types of institutions. Through navigating lines, such as happiness line, anger line, stress line and more, users of the EIM can better understand emotions and make wiser decisions. Carl shares interesting research and examples of how linguistics affect our memories, and the new app being developed based on EIM for more data-based plans to foster engagement, curiosity, and self-regulation...
2021-04-2829 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 8 : Accountability - A Focus Urgency During the Pandemic [From O.R.B.I.T.S. EduCOVID Series]As schools prepare for 2021-2022, this series of episodes provides a coverage of aspects, encountered through the past months, as we tackled COVID disruptions in schools. This is an extract from EduCOVID, a series that I have been sending, and will continue to send, through my monthly newsletters, assisting schools and leaders in navigating through these sudden, highly-demanding conditions. EduCOVID provides checklists, strategies, and suggestions that can help in strategic planning. These episodes will be alternating with other episodes and themes on the schedule of this podcast. www.orbitsdevelopment.com
2021-04-0920 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 7: My Initiatives - Soft Skills and Sustainability Projects for Learners and Quality Ed Programs for LeadersThis episode provides more information about the two initiatives that I have launched for learners and leaders. The two projects for learners endorse 21st century skills, mainly critical thinking, self-regulation, communication, agency, accountability, and innovation. The projects foster self-discovery, real-life learning, and global engagement. They do not demand study or effort. The program for leaders involves school improvement planning for 2021-2022. Both initiatives are a contribution from me, supporting and reviving school spirit during these challenging times. The application forms are found on my website: www.orbitsdevelopment.com/programs. Let's endorse conscious learning and being.. together!
2021-02-1516 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 6: Marghanita Hughs: How Nature Art Fosters Creativity and ConnectionThis episode welcomes the first guest – Marghanita Hughs, a nature art educator, who facilitates her classes in nature. She speaks about the need to rethink education, allowing children to explore their creative intelligence. Marghanita shares strategies to make nature part of the learning process through project-based learning and STEAM as well. The episode ends with a very important message that we both send to educators during these critical times. You can find more about Marghanita Hughs on her website: www.marghanita.com
2021-02-0753 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 5 : Our Finland Expo 2020 Dubai Entry on Sustainability : Green and White Contracts !This is a BONUS episode, inspired by our entry on the theme of sustainability for Finland Expo 2020 Dubai competition. The competition shared ingenious ideas of children, as they expressed wishes for a greener and more sustainable world. My daughter's entry, shared in her own voice in this episode, speaks about conscious vibes of love and appreciation, which go parallel to the 3 Rs and other environmental strategies. While governments and organizations speak about "green contracts", we, families and educators, can amplify their efforts through green and white contracts!
Manal Zeineddine www.orbitsdevelopment.com
2020-12-1216 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 4 : O.R.B.I.T.S. - My Transdisciplinary Approach for Quality Education and LeadershipThis episode highlights the approach that I have devised over the past twenty years as a teacher and a director. O.R.B.I.T.S. entails multiple disciplines towards a deeper, more conscious, and thriving education. The episode includes the three phases of the research, reaching its name and theme.
O: Own you way - R: Raise your standards - B: Believe in your assets - I: Integrate your mind and positive "e-motion" - T: Tailor to your needs and aspirations - S: Spot and solve your programs practically.
This is the approach that I us...
2020-11-2933 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGEpisode 3 : From an Experience into an Approach: Sharing My Story - Part 3This episode signals the ending of a three-part story of my twenty year journey in education as a teacher and a director, building an overview of future epsiodes. Real-life experiences are powerful because through experiencing, one activates the mind, the heart, and the senses, sharpening analytical skills, creating purposeful communication, understanding individuals and societies, and fostering innovation.
This episode mainly focuses on curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Manal Zeineddine
www.orbitsdevelopment.com
2020-10-3122 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGFrom an Experience into an Approach: Sharing My Story - Part 2This episode is the second part of my story in the field. It paves the way towards O.R.B.I.T.S. , the approach that I have developed over the past 20 years. More hands-on lessons, through which my role as an educator was being carved, giving me the chance to create a brighter community for me and those around me.
It is always about the journey. Without a keen eye and an open heart, values throughout that journey might be left unnoticed. Stay alert, tuned to your inner voice. It will surely open doors to strong, s...
2020-09-3012 minO.R.B.I.T.S. CONSULTINGFrom an Experience into an Approach: Sharing My Story - Part 1Every journey has a trigger, and a path, that does not fully unfold at the beginning. However, when we observe with a caring heart, record observations with a keen eye, and act with a clear, unbiased intention, we realize that, as educators, we are here to explore and develop potential. As years pass by, we also discover that institutions can be happy, engaged communities, yet fulfilling 21st century high expectations and data-driven plans.
This episode is an introduction to O.R.B.I.T.S., the approach that I have developed over the past 20 years. Education does...
2020-08-0211 min