Better Learning Podcast

In this episode, architect  Jennifer Grafton shares how she brings a student-centered mindset to school design, even when resources are limited. She discusses the importance of seeing spaces from a child's perspective, engaging students, staff, and communities early in the process, and encouraging educators to embrace change. Jennifer emphasizes that even small shifts can disrupt the status quo an...

In this episode, principal emeritus Lorne McConachie discusses his decades of experience designing student-centered schools, emphasizing the importance of personalization, flexibility, and trauma-informed design to create learning environments that truly serve every child.   Learn More About Kay-Twelve: Website:  https://kay-twelve.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/kay-twelve-com/ I...

In this episode, Jeff interviews Lydia Burns , an architect and designer from Bassetti Architects in Portland, Oregon. Lydia shares her insights on creating student-centered school environments, emphasizing the importance of engaging students directly in the design process. She discusses creative strategies for gathering student input, such as surveys, hands-on workshops, and design thinking curri...

In this episode, architect Kevin J. Walsh discusses the importance of making educational spaces truly student-centered. He shares how his team involves students, staff, families, and communities early in the design process to ensure all voices are heard. Kevin explains how listening, gathering feedback, and adapting to changing needs help create learning environments that are flexible, inclusive,...

In this episode, architect Angel Hosband shares how student-centered design transformed a high school in Bakersfield, California. By creating open, collaborative spaces for both students and teachers, the school fostered a stronger sense of community and support—even in a challenging environment. Angel also discusses the importance of inclusive design for students with additional needs, emphasizin...

In this episode, host Nick welcomes Danny Sewell from Muso and his innovative creation, Juice Bot. The conversation covers Danny's cross-country journey, the inspiration behind Juice Bot, and the importance of making learning both accessible and fun. Danny discusses the concept of being radically student-centered, emphasizing the need to prioritize students' diverse learning needs, celebrate cultu...

In this episode, Brian Proctor , a former educator and now architect at Ratio Design, discusses the importance of radically student-centered school design. Drawing on his experience as a principal and designer, Brian emphasizes listening to student voices, creating flexible and future-ready learning spaces, and challenging traditional adult-driven decisions. The conversation highlights the value o...

In this episode, Kevin interviews Stefee Knudsen , principal at Bora Architecture and Interiors, about designing radically student-centered high schools. Stefee discusses the challenges and opportunities in creating flexible, inspiring educational spaces that adapt to students' needs, highlighting the importance of long-term vision, community investment, and innovation in school design.   Learn Mo...

In this episode, host Jeff interviews John Pfluger of the Cunningham Group about the award-winning design of Rock Ridge High School and two elementary schools in Minnesota. John shares the philosophy of "Dancing with the Yeti"—embracing challenges with creativity and collaboration—and discusses how student-centered design and a deep connection to the local landscape shaped these innovative educati...

In this episode, Jeff Kubiak interviews Robert Dillon, an influential educator and author known for his work on intentional school design and Radically Student Centered™ learning. Robert shares insights from his experience as a teacher, principal, and parent, emphasizing the importance of adapting education to meet students' needs and creating modern learning environments. He discusses the value o...

In this episode, Michelle Klosterman , Assistant Head of School at Forsyth Country Day School, discusses what it means to be "radically student centered" in education. She shares her journey from biomedical engineering to education, emphasizing the importance of making every decision with students' needs at the forefront. Michelle describes how independent schools can be more agile in implementing...

In this episode, architect Jeremy Ortiz of Archis discusses the importance of radically student-centered school design. He explores how thoughtful planning, flexibility, and understanding diverse learning needs are essential for creating effective educational environments. Jeremy and the host reflect on the evolving role of technology, the value of hands-on and personalized learning, and the resur...

In this episode, interior designer Courtney Ter-Velde shares her approach to creating student-centered learning environments. She emphasizes the importance of involving students in the design process, understanding their unique needs, and integrating technology thoughtfully. Courtney discusses recent projects, including a new accessible playground, and highlights how technology like VR can enhance...

In Pixar's WALL-E, a lonely robot's quest to clean up a deserted Earth becomes a sweeping meditation on sustainability, technology, and the human spirit. As WALL-E and Eve spark change aboard the Axiom, the film asks: what does it take to break free from comfort, complacency, and the status quo? And how can educators plant the seeds of curiosity and responsibility in a world shaped by screens, sys...

In Can't Hardly Wait , a graduating class gathers for one unforgettable night — a chaotic, emotional, and often hilarious collision of cliques, identities, and expectations. Beneath the 90s nostalgia and party anthems, the film poses a timeless question for educators: how do young people find belonging and purpose in a world so quick to label and divide them? Through characters like Preston, Amand...

In Real Genius , a group of brilliant college students are pushed to their intellectual limits in a high-pressure, high-stakes environment. But beneath the humor and chaos, the movie explores a question educators still wrestle with today: what happens when learning becomes more about achievement than curiosity? Through characters like Chris Knight and Mitch Taylor, we see two sides of education co...

Sometimes the best insights about learning don't come from research studies or professional development - they come from the stories we see in pop culture. In  Ferris Bueller's Day Off , a high schooler skips class for one unforgettable adventure across Chicago. But beneath the comedy, Ferris is doing something educators talk about every day: he's owning his learning . His day is filled with explo...

Sometimes the best lessons don't come from textbooks or classrooms... they come from the stories we see on screen. In Metal Lords , a coming-of-age Netflix film, two high school outsiders form a heavy metal band in hopes of competing in the "Battle of the Bands." What starts as a quest to play loud music quickly turns into a journey of self-discovery, belonging, and resilience. So how does a movie...

Released in 2007 and inspired by true events, The Great Debaters tells the story of Wiley College's debate team in the 1930s, led by Professor Melvin B. Tolson. At a time when segregation and systemic injustice were defining forces, this small but determined team rose to national prominence, even going head-to-head with Harvard University. More than a story about competition, the film highlights t...

What does it take to bring out the best in a group of individuals and transform them into something greater than the sum of their parts? In this episode of our school-related movie review series, we dive into Miracle (2004), the powerful retelling of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team's unbelievable upset over the Soviet Union. It's a story of vision, discipline, belief, and building a culture of e...

What happens when the challenges students face outside the classroom overshadow everything happening within it? In this episode of our school-focused movie review series, we dive into  Rich Hill —the 2014 Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning documentary that offers an unfiltered look into the lives of three teenage boys growing up in rural Missouri. The film captures the challenges they face in pover...

It's easy to remember Annie for its catchy tunes and iconic optimism. But what if we told you this classic musical also offers a surprising amount of insight into our education system? In our latest episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we take a fresh look at the 1982 film adaptation of Annie through the eyes of school designers and changemakers. From the harsh institutional feel of Miss Hannig...

What if a group of students created their own college because no one else would accept them? That's exactly what happens in the 2006 movie Accepted, where a handful of students—rejected by every school they applied to—decide to take matters into their own hands. They invent a fake university, build a website, rent a building, and unknowingly attract hundreds of other students who also felt pushed...

If you've ever rooted for the underdog, Hoosiers probably lives rent-free in your head. The 1986 classic isn't just about basketball—it's about second chances, small-town pride, and what happens when people start believing in themselves and each other. Set in 1950s Indiana, the film follows a high school basketball team no one expects to win… until they do. In this episode, we explore why Hoosiers...

If you grew up in the '90s, there's a good chance Matilda made you believe two things: libraries are magical, and adults DEFINITELY don't always know best... The 1996 movie, adapted from Roald Dahl's classic book, gave us a hero who wasn't loud or flashy - but smart, kind, and quietly powerful. Oh, and she had telekinesis. So yeah, iconic. In this episode, we dive into why  Matilda still hits all...