Shows
The Science of DialogueWhat I’ve gotten wrong this semesterI came back to teaching with big ideas about curriculum and got a lot wrong. The semester taught me that none of it matters without management, routines, and the willingness to say no.
2025-12-1512 minThe Science of DialogueClearing the fog about AI in educationMost AI debates in education go in circles because we confuse different products, forget the human is always in charge, and treat solvable design problems as inevitable threats. Clearing up these three misconceptions changes everything.
2025-12-0812 minThe Science of DialogueWhat educators should know about talking with one anotherEducators rarely examine how they talk with one another, yet conversation quality directly determines student learning and school improvement. Understanding dialogue science—how brains sync, thinking forms through internalized conversation, and words create reality—transforms professional talk from routine to transformational.
2025-12-0118 minThe Science of DialogueWhat teachers need to know about framingFraming happens automatically in all teacher collaboration, shaping what problems we see and what solutions seem possible. Becoming aware of framing transforms our ability to lead and learn together.
2025-11-1715 minThe Science of DialogueWhy teaching requires managing paradoxTeaching well means managing constant tensions, not solving them. The goal is developing better judgment about when to lean which direction, not finding the one right answer.
2025-11-1012 minThe Science of DialogueWhy teachers need "withitness"Withitness is a teacher's ability to be aware of everything happening in the classroom at once. It's what makes students think their teacher has eyes in the back of their head.
2025-11-0321 minThe Science of DialogueTeacher talk without an agendaFormal teacher collaboration structures prevent genuine dialogue through predetermined protocols and forced closure, while actual learning happens in spontaneous hallway conversations that allow messy thinking.
2025-10-2720 minThe Science of DialogueWhy schools feel like a thousand different experiencesSchools struggle because their support systems send contradictory messages that fragment student and teacher experiences. Coherence requires aligning everything around fewer priorities sustained over years.
2025-10-2013 minThe Science of DialogueWhich problems get attention?Returning to teaching reveals how Kennedy's five challenges—presenting curriculum, engaging students, understanding their thinking, managing behavior, and meeting needs—compete in ways theory can't address.
2025-10-0617 min
The ThoughtStretchers PodcastA Dynamic Equilibrium Of Research And PracticeDrew Perkins talks with Rod Naquin about balancing educational research with practice as he returns to the classroom after 7 years doing educational leadership work. Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode
2025-10-021h 09The ThoughtStretchers PodcastA Dynamic Equilibrium Of Research And PracticeDrew Perkins talks with Rod Naquin about balancing educational research with practice as he returns to the classroom after 7 years doing educational leadership work. Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode
2025-10-021h 09The Science of DialogueWhy problems beat solutionsTeacher education should focus on investigating teaching dilemmas rather than implementing prescribed solutions, since real teaching involves navigating multiple competing demands simultaneously.
2025-09-2912 minThe Science of DialogueHidden barriers to teacher collaborationWhy can't teachers talk openly about classroom reality? Research shows we spend most collaborative time protecting professional image rather than addressing instruction. Real improvement requires balancing honest critique with emotional safety.
2025-09-2212 minThe Science of DialogueEverything is downstream of managementEverything meaningful in education flows downstream from three fundamentals: strategic management of classroom space, consistent routines for starting class, and accurate understanding of students' actual prerequisite knowledge.
2025-09-1510 minThe Science of DialogueUsing LLMs in writing instructionAI can change writing instruction by using language models to generate content-embedded, skills-focused materials that free teachers from mechanical tasks and allow more time for meaningful student interaction.
2025-09-0810 minThe Science of DialogueTeach writing rather than just assign itWriting instruction should focus on teaching authentic skills rather than assigning formulaic tasks that students won't use in real-world communication.
2025-09-0209 minThe Science of DialogueSentences for reading and writingTeachers focus too much on broad writing skills while neglecting sentence-level instruction. Students need explicit teaching of sentence construction to express complex ideas effectively in writing.
2025-08-2513 minThe Science of DialogueWhy I'm talking with my students a lot moreResearch from Cabell & Zucker, Gottman, and Kuhn et al. shows that meaningful student conversations—not just delivering content—are the true engine of learning, as extended dialogue builds language skills, comprehension, and emotional connection.
2025-08-1810 minThe Science of DialogueBack to the classroomDrawing from Rosenshine's instructional principles, Shanahan's text-centered approach, and Socratic questioning techniques, I'm returning to classroom teaching with a research-grounded plan to engage students through daily conferences, careful text analysis, and systematic questioning that keeps texts rather than activities at the center of instruction.
2025-08-1113 minThe Science of DialogueIcebreakers don't suckThis week, Rod J. Naquin and the Science of Dialogue reveal how well-designed conversational icebreakers boost adult learning outcomes by creating psychological safety and structured dialogue pathways (Brooks, 2025; Carmeli et al., 2009; Sasan et al., 2023; Karge et al., 2011).
2025-05-1912 minThe Science of DialogueConstructs and their useThis week, Rod J. Naquin and the Science of Dialogue explore how educational constructs function as mental tools for understanding complex, unobservable aspects of learning. He emphasizes the need for careful measurement and validation when using these abstract concepts in educational practice (Biletzki & Matar, 2021; Brown, 2000; Uher, 2022).
2025-05-1211 minThe Science of DialogueTalk as learningThis week, Rod J. Naquin and the Science of Dialogue examine how structured dialogue reshapes learning. Drawing from classical dialogue theory (Nikulin, 2006) and contemporary classroom research (Brooks, 2025), he shows that intentional conversation does more than engage - it transforms how students think and learn.
2025-05-0514 minThe Science of DialogueText is not dialogueThis week, Rod J. Naquin and the Science of Dialogue reveals text dominates classrooms, while humans naturally learn through mimesis and dialogue (Donald, 2006; Nikulin, 2006, 2010).
2025-04-2814 minThe Science of DialogueA deep dive on interactive alignmentThis week, Rod J. Naquin and the Science of Dialogue explores how natural conversation beats formal speech in learning through 'interactive alignment' - where speakers unconsciously sync mental models (Garrod & Pickering 2004, Branigan et al. 2000, Garrod & Anderson 1987).
2025-04-2210 minThe Science of DialogueDisambiguating dialogueThis week, Rod J. Naquin explores the Science of Dialogue, revealing how educational leaders can transform communication by distinguishing between dialogue types (Angel), understanding personal interactions (Miller), and designing purposeful communication strategies (Scott).
2025-04-0712 minThe Science of DialogueVibe writing is what we should all be doingThis week, Rod J. Naquin and the Science of Dialogue reveals how AI transforms writing education, proposing "vibe writing" - teaching students to direct AI content rather than just compose. The shift mirrors workplace trends (Bowen 2014, Chen 2025, Farrell et al. 2025, Goldsmith 2011, Krishnan 2025, Willison 2025).
2025-03-3113 minThe Science of DialogueWhat does anyone mean by curriculum?This week, Rod J. Naquin and the Science of Dialogue explores how curriculum extends far beyond lesson plans, shaping the hidden and lived experiences of education (Gobby, 2021; Egan, 2003; Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2023).
2025-03-2414 minThe Science of DialogueUntimely questions in educational leadershipThis week, Rod J. Naquin and the Science of Dialogue explores how Socratic dialogue can transform school leadership through strategic questioning and reflective practice (Aliaj 2021, Callard 2025, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy 2022).
2025-03-1710 minThe Science of DialogueThe AI discourse is so wrongThis week, Rod J. Naquin and the Science of Dialogue explore the polarized views of AI in education, arguing for practical solutions over abstract debates. (Bearman et al. 2023, Kim et al. 2024, Newton 2024)
2025-03-1009 minThe Science of DialogueFrom belief to practiceThis week, Rod J. Naquin and the Science of Dialogue explore how educational leaders navigate complex conversations, testing beliefs and avoiding common argumentative pitfalls while fostering productive dialogue in schools (Hansen, 2015; Novaes, 2021; Peirce, 1877).
2025-02-2408 minThe Science of DialogueLeading through paradoxThis week, Rod J. Naquin and The Science of Dialogue explores how apophatic theory and paradox management can transform modern leadership, suggesting that breakthroughs come not from solving problems, but from transcending how we think about them (Smith & Tushman, 2005).
2025-02-1710 minThe Science of DialogueWhat to know about Louisiana's NAEP resultsThis week, Rod J. Naquin andThe Science of Dialogue examines how Louisiana's Content Leaders program and curriculum reforms have boosted student achievement, contributing to the state's notable gains in recent NAEP reading scores.
2025-02-1010 minThe Science of DialogueMany voices make the schoolThis week, Rod J. Naquin and The Science of Dialogue explore how effective school leadership arises from the interplay of diverse voices. Drawing on recent research on leadership dialectics, he demonstrates why creating space for multiple perspectives is crucial for meaningful educational change. (Bakhtin, 1981; Cooren & Sandler, 2014; Fairhurst & Collinson, 2023; Zola, 2016)
2025-02-0311 minThe Science of DialogueWhy can't we all just agree?This week, Rod J. Naquin in The Science of Dialogue looks at why school discussions often go nowhere. The problem? People are using different types of argument without realizing it, while also having very different ideas about what counts as knowledge and evidence (Aristotle, trans. 2007; Neta, 2024; Rapp, 2024).
2025-01-2708 minThe Science of DialogueLearning Styles won't dieThis week, Rod J. Naquin and The Science of Dialogue examines why learning styles theory persists in education despite overwhelming evidence against it, revealing how "essentially contested concepts" in education resist simple debunking and reflect deeper complexities in how we understand learning differences (Willingham et al., 2015; Collier et al., 2006; Shemshack & Spector, 2020).
2025-01-2108 minThe Science of DialogueMoving beyond dichotomous discourseThis week, Rod J. Naquin and The Science of Dialogue explores how educational leaders can break free from "either/or" thinking, suggesting that embracing paradox leads to better solutions in schools (Lefstein et al., 2017; Smith & Lewis, 2011; Schad et al., 2017).
2025-01-1308 minThe Science of Dialogue5: Bakhtin's dialogismIn this episode of The Science of Dialogue, host Rod J. Naquin explores Mikhail Bakhtin's theory of dialogism, examining how authentic dialogue is essential to human existence and its powerful implications for transforming education.
2024-11-1811 min
Better Teaching: Only Stuff That WorksRod Naquin on the Role of Dialogue in EducationIn this episode, host Gene Tavernetti converses with Rod Naquin, a seasoned educator and instructional coach. They discuss the impact of dialogue on teaching, teacher collaboration, student collaboration, and the whole world. Their conversation also goes into psychological and philosophical underpinnings, the significance of understanding teachers' individual contexts, and effective coaching methods.02:49 The Role of Experiences in Educational Leadership04:14 Teacher Collaborative Discourse04:37 Barriers to Effective Collaboration14:11 Psychology of Teacher Collaboration31:50 Communication Dynamics in Educational Settings30:51 Reflecting on Collaborative Practices
This podcast sponsored by:The Bell Ringer, a...
2024-11-1352 minThe Science of Dialogue4: Teacher Collaborative DiscourseIn this episode of 'The Science of Dialogue,' host Rod J Naquin unpacks a landmark 2020 study that reveals what makes teacher conversations truly impactful for professional growth. Drawing from an analysis of 64 research papers, he explores proven dialogue techniques and common pitfalls in teacher collaboration, offering practical insights for educators and school leaders.
2024-11-0808 minThe Science of Dialogue3: Toward Dialogic ComputingIn this episode, host Rod J. Naquin examines Vilém Flusser's media philosophy on technical images, Roland Barthes' radical rethinking of authorship and the reader's role in "The Death of the Author," and the 2024 study "Backwards Planning with Generative AI" on teachers using AI for instructional planning. These perspectives illuminate the emerging dynamics of dialogic computing between humans and AI systems.
2024-10-0213 minThe Science of Dialogue2: Human-computer InteractionIn this episode, host Rod J. Naquin examines three influential works that have shaped our understanding of human-computer interaction. We explore Licklider's vision of "Man-Computer Symbiosis," Hoey's theory of "Lexical Priming," and Pickering and Garrod's "Interactive Alignment" model. These foundational ideas illuminate the complex dynamics between humans, language, and technology at the core of dialogic computing.
2024-09-1810 minThe Science of Dialogue1: Foundations of Dialogic ComputingIn this season premiere of The Science of Dialogue, we explore the fascinating world of dialogic computing. Host Rod J. Naquin examines three influential ideas: Mikhail Bakhtin's theory of dialogue, Alan Turing's work on machine intelligence, and John Searle's Chinese Room thought experiment. These perspectives illuminate the complex landscape of human-computer interaction, setting the stage for our season-long investigation into how dialogue shapes and is shaped by advances in artificial intelligence and computer science.
2024-09-1011 min
Conceptually SpeakingRod Naquin Talks Large Language Models & Dialogic ComputingFor this episode I'm joined by friend of the show Rod Naquin, a Louisiana based education leader and doctoral student whose research and writing explores the intersection between dialogue, learning, and large language models. Drawing on thinkers and theories from his research, Rod invites educators to stop viewing artificial intelligence as a completionist tool or sentient machine and instead regard it as a new form of dialogic computing. His articulation of LLMs challenges common perceptions of AI as merely a productivity tool, instead proposing a more interactive, discourse-driven approach to using language models in educational settings.Rod...
2024-08-271h 03The Science of Dialogue9: What is the science of dialogue?In the season finale of The Science of Dialogue, host Rod J. Naquin tackles a fundamental question: Is there truly a science of dialogue, and if so, what does it entail? To unravel this, Rod examines three influential frameworks - Bakhtin's dialogism, Austin's speech act theory, and the interactive alignment model. These diverse perspectives, from language as inherently social to dialogue as collaborative performance, shed light on the rich complexity involved in developing a rigorous scientific understanding of this quintessentially human activity. As the season comes to a close, Rod aims to provide invaluable insights into the prospects for...
2024-05-2914 minThe Science of Dialogue8: How does uncertainty intersect with dialogue?In this episode of The Science of Dialogue, host Rod J. Naquin explores a fundamental question: How does dialogue help us navigate uncertainty and generate knowledge? To unravel this, Rod examines three influential perspectives - epistemology's approach to knowledge amidst doubt, Kuhn's theory of scientific revolutions, and Wittgenstein's insights on certainty. These diverse viewpoints, from philosophical inquiry to paradigm shifts in science, shed light on the complex role of dialogue in expanding our understanding. As we delve into these ideas, Rod aims to provide valuable insights into how we use communication to grapple with the unknown and advance our...
2024-04-3012 minThe Science of Dialogue7: What does mysticism say about dialogue?In this episode of The Science of Dialogue, host Rod J. Naquin explores what mystical traditions have to say about the nature and purpose of dialogue. We'll examine the teachings of the Sufi poet Rumi, who integrated mystical intuition with reasoned discourse. We'll discuss the Hindu philosopher Bhartrihari's view of dialogue as unveiling the oneness connecting consciousness, language and reality. And we'll revisit Plato's critique of writing in Phaedrus, which implies interactive verbal dialogue cultivates wisdom more profoundly than passive texts. Join us as we find that while mystics prioritize inner spiritual experience, many still see philosophical exchange as...
2024-04-1110 minThe Science of Dialogue6: Does dialogue require an open ending?In this episode of The Science of Dialogue, host Rod J. Naquin examines whether dialogue requires an open ending. We'll discuss discursive leadership's embrace of open-ended conversation without predetermined outcomes. We'll cover Wendy Smith's paradox mindset research, showing continuous engagement with tensions rather than resolving them. We'll revisit Mikhail Bakhtin's concept of dialogue as an evolving, "unfinalizable" interplay of voices. Join us as we explore if resolving dialogue complements or conflicts with its participatory nature.
2024-03-2609 minThe Science of Dialogue5: What psychological processes underpin dialogue?In this episode of The Science of Dialogue, host Rod J. Naquin explores how seminal research reveals the social origins of thinking and communicating. We examine Lev Vygotsky's theory that reasoning skills develop first socially, then individually. We discuss Jerome Bruner's work showing how caregiver-child interaction fosters communication. We also explore Mikhail Bakhtin's view of thinking as socially-influenced inner dialogue. Together, these perspectives illuminate how key cognitive and linguistic processes emerge through interpersonal dialogue.
2024-03-1111 minThe Science of Dialogue4: How does dialogue relate to action?In this episode of The Science of Dialogue, host Rod J. Naquin explores how philosopher Fernando Flores and research on teaching reveal deep links between dialogue and coordinated action. We examine how Flores' theory of "conversations for action" proposes structures enabling people to negotiate commitments through language. We also discuss how teachers use strategic "talk moves" to facilitate classroom dialogue guiding collaborative inquiry and learning. Together, these perspectives highlight how authentic dialogue allows joint pursuit of goals and understanding.
2024-02-2911 minThe Science of Dialogue3: How is dialogue examined?In this episode, host Rod J. Naquin explores three analytical approaches used to study real-world dialogue. We examine discourse analysis, which considers contextual factors in communication to accomplish goals. We explore linguistic ethnography, linking micro-analysis of talk to identity and culture. We cover conversation analysis, uncovering methods people use to smoothly coordinate exchanges through turn-taking and repair. Together, these frameworks reveal how meaning arises through contextual language use, shedding light on the cooperative nature of authentic dialogue.
2024-02-1311 min
Transformative PrincipalUnlocking AI’s Capabilities with Rod Naquin Transformative Principal 583How to converse with Chatbots using other toolsBackground in ELA teachingThinking of the tool as a reading assistantWhat is a reading assistant?Getting an executive summary Get an idea if I should really dive into this idea. Process - find the text, ask what it is, then zoom in, Zoom out as neededHallucinations exist, but they are reduced when the text is there. AI For the rest of us - AugmentationHow does this make Rod a better learner?Focuses my time better and helps me know what I should spend my time on. How leaders talk to one another. Finding a gap...
2024-02-0940 minThe Science of Dialogue2: How does language shape dialogue?In this episode of The Science of Dialogue podcast, host Rod J. Naquin explores Ludwig Wittgenstein's theory of language as a set of rule-governed "language games" and J.L. Austin's concepts of speech acts and performativity. Together, they provide influential perspectives on how language obtains meaning through shared contextual use rather than fixed definitions. We examine how their insights reveal the cooperative, goal-driven nature of dialogue and the importance of pragmatic factors in communication.
2024-01-3009 minThe Science of Dialogue1: What defines dialogue?In this episode of The Science of Dialogue podcast, host Rod J. Naquin explores Mikhail Bakhtin's theories of dialogism, polyphony, and responsiveness as core features of meaningful dialogue. We also examine how Socrates uses sustained question-and-answer exchange and debate to engage in philosophical inquiry. Together, Bakhtin and Socrates provide influential perspectives on dialogue as an open-ended, co-constructive process between multiple voices and viewpoints.
2024-01-1607 minThe Science of DialogueTrailer: The Science of DialogueEducator Rod J. Naquin investigates the science of meaningful dialogue in this podcast. Drawing on philosophy, linguistics, and psychology, he explores the historical, ethical, and practical dimensions of conversation. Follow Rod's interdisciplinary inquiry into the mechanisms of communication that shape society. Discover new perspectives on language, technology, organizational dynamics, and more. Join an educator thinking critically about the essence of human connection. Follow Rod on Twitter @rodjnaquin and at rodjnaquin.substack.com.
2024-01-0901 min
Progressively IncorrectS2E16: Rod Naquin and North Landesman on researchED USIn this episode, I will be speaking with Rod Naquin and North Landesman, two fantastic educators who are going to be talking to us about the researchED conference that was held in Frederick, Maryland, back in October. For listeners who are unfamiliar with researchED, it is a UK-based organization that puts on affordable, evidence-informed conferences … Continue reading S2E16: Rod Naquin and North Landesman on researchED US
2022-12-0546 min
The Big E.D idea PodcastEpisode 2.4 with Rod Naquin: Lasting change demands changing the discourse!Cultivating lasting changes requires cultivating effective discourse! My new friend from Louisiana, Rod Naquin, shares his doctoral topic with us.
Rod J. Naquin is a ten-year educator, instructional coach and professional learning consultant based in Bayou Gauche, Louisiana. He is a doctoral student at Southeastern Louisiana University researching teacher collaborative discourse.
You can find Rod on Twitter @rodjnaquin.
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2022-01-2252 min
Podcasts of Timmy BauerSkills-based vs. Knowledge-based: What Should Be the Focus? w/ Rod Naquin@rodjnaquin
; French language learnerI love learning! This is my desk—
Instruction & Technology Coach
@SCPPS
; Doctoral student of learning discourse
@oursoutheastern
2020-11-2412 min