The Student-Centered World Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Student Centered World Podcast! In this episode, Jen Brei Sacher, a teacher turned consultant, delves into a critical issue impacting the education sector—chronic absenteeism in schools. The Rising Issue of Chronic Absenteeism : Chronic absenteeism has surged post-pandemic, raising concerns about its long-term effects on student performance and engagement. Factors...

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Student-Centered World Podcast, we dive into the challenges that make teaching feel unmanageable, exploring the contradictions that educators face daily, and discussing what needs to change to keep teachers in the classroom. Key Points: Introduction: Overview of the low satisfaction rate in the teaching profession. Mission to help teachers retain their passi...

Episode Summary: In this special episode of the Student-Centered World Podcast, Jenn discusses the critical importance of decompressing during summer vacation for teachers. After a challenging school year, it’s vital to recharge and focus on well-being. Tune in to hear three actionable tips that will help you eliminate burnout and prepare for the next school year with renewed energy and enthusiasm...

Introduction: In this episode of the Student-Centered World Podcast, Jenn discusses strategies for teachers to unwind and yet remain productive over the summer break. As the school year wraps up, it's essential to balance relaxation with a bit of preparation to start the next year strong. Episode Highlights: Welcome Message: Jenn welcomes listeners and acknowledges the end of the school year....

Key Points Discussed: The Need for a New Normal : Discussing the evolution of the educational landscape and the importance of embracing these changes rather than clinging to outdated methods. The Classroom Renaissance : Introducing the concept of fundamental changes needed in the education system, framed around four key pillars that ensure a structurally sound approach to learning. Insights Shared...

Episode Overview: Welcome to the fourth installment of our five-part series on the Student Apathy Crisis. This episode focuses on bridging the gap between traditional educational methods and the current needs of our students, influenced by rapid technological advancements and significant societal changes. Key Points Discussed: Impact of Generational Traumas and Experiences : Exploring how the comb...

Episode Overview: Welcome to part three of our five-part series on the Student Apathy Crisis. Today, we explore the pre-existing conditions in education that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a deeper understanding of how these issues have developed over the years. Key Points Discussed : Misconceptions About the Pandemic's Role : While many attribute current educational chall...

Episode Overview: Welcome back to part two of our five-part series addressing the Student Apathy Crisis in contemporary classrooms. This episode explores a key factor influencing student engagement: the unique parenting styles of Generation X and their impact on today's students. Key Points Discussed: The Garden Analogy : We begin with a scenario comparing a gardener tending to a garden with t...

Episode Overview: Today’s episode marks the beginning of a five-part series aimed at dissecting the student apathy crisis, a topic that has been widely discussed yet often misunderstood. Our journey will delve into the roots of this issue, moving past common misconceptions to uncover the true underlying factors that contribute to student disengagement in the classroom. Key Points Discussed: Introd...

Episode Highlights: Welcome Back: Jenn discusses her break from podcasting and the unexpected popularity of her previous episodes. Focus of the Season: This season, Jenn will explore the widespread issue of student apathy. She shares insights from her recent research, detailing the complexities beyond the usual suspects like smartphones and social media. Practical Solutions: Expect to hear about e...

As our 3rd season comes to a close, let me know if you would like to be a participant on next season's podcast (or if there is someone you would like to nominate to participate): Fill out this form if you are interested . Thanks again for another great season of the podcast.

Episode Summary: When it comes to simple engagement strategies, teachers often get nervous. There is a common misconception that in order to have all students engaged, it is way more work on the teacher. I am here to tell you that not only is that not the case, but once these student engagement strategies are routine, they almost run themselves. Episode transcript: Visit here for the full transcri...

Episode Summary: A simple Google search will show you that teachers trying to find the classroom management skills that will work for their students are not only plentiful but can be completely overwhelming. We know a solid classroom management routine is vital in running an effective classroom, but finding that system that incorporates behavior, student engagement, and (less) teacher stress seems...

Episode Summary: In today’s global society, students want to learn how to use the technology around them along with understanding how the uses for technology in the classroom correlate with life outside of school. Before we even go into how you can use technology as a way to measure how students are engaged, let’s first look at how technology helps you in the classroom. Episode transcript: Visit h...

Episode Summary: When you are looking for behavioral engagement in the classroom, you are trying to observe students being actively involved in the learning process. Commonly deemed “participation”, behavioral engagement flourishes with routines, assignments, activities, and cues that help students know not only what is expected of them but is also conducive to learning overall. Episode transcript...

Episode summary: There are many Engaging Classroom Activities for Middle Schoolers that can be used in school, at home, or at after-school activities. Engaging Classroom Activities for Middle Schoolers which are fun and interesting can help increase the flow of learning, which is always the goal. However, sometimes it is difficult with this “too cool for school” age group. It is hard to find the b...

Episode Summary: When it comes to simple engagement strategies, teachers often get nervous. There is a common misconception that in order to have all students engaged, it is way more work on the teacher. I am here to tell you that not only is that not the case, but once these student engagement strategies are routine, they almost run themselves. Episode transcript: Visit here for the full transcri...

Episode Summary: There is nothing worse than thinking a lesson is going well and then realizing once you are at the point of no return that it is missing the mark with your students. It is important to be doing checks that are automatically implemented into any lesson to make sure that not only is the information sinking in, but plainly stated, you are able to measure student engagement in the cla...

Episode Summary: A student-centered curriculum is developed based on the premise that the students have both choice and the responsibility to determine what their learning needs are and how to proceed in meeting those needs. It allows them to dive deeper into context and to find ways to engage in classroom content on a deeper level than they would with a traditional teacher-centered model. This al...

Episode Summary: Teacher-Directed vs. Student-Centered Instruction is a common comparison in today’s educational spectrum. However, there is generally some confusion between not only what each one is, but the similarities and differences between them. The number one piece to remember in both instructional techniques is that wholeheartedly the teacher is 110% in charge of what is going on in the cl...

Episode Summary: One topic that always comes up when discussing the student-centered model in the classroom is classroom management. A lot of days it is a work in progress, but over time your students really do understand what is expected of them and how to behave in that type of class. Creating a classroom management plan that not only encourages student engagement but propels it, is not difficul...

Episode Summary: As teachers, so often we are trying to find the latest gimmick to get our students involved in the classroom. But it seems to be a very difficult task to determine whether or not a student is truly engaged in the classroom. The definition of student engagement varies not only from state to state, but school district to school district, and sometimes even teacher to teacher. So, wh...

Episode Summary: While the conversation about student engagement is always the rage in educational circles, it’s important to be able to specifically answer the question, “what IS student engagement?” Teachers, administrators, and even parents can talk about this concept all day long, but if they don’t have a true answer to that question, then there is no point in pursuing techniques or strategies...

Episode Summary: On this episode of the Student-Centered World podcast, I had the opportunity to talk with Drew Purcell, who is a history teacher by trade, but now is moving more into the tech sector as a Google certified trainer. We had a great conversation about the future of technology in the classroom, Drew goes out and he helps teachers whether they can barely draft an email or are always loo...

Episode Summary: On this episode of the Student-Centered World podcast, we're going to start off by looking at the five characteristics of student-centered learning. And basically, that means, how do you know if something is truly student-centered? So, you might do an activity and you might think this is great, they're on their own but is it truly student-centered learning or is it the kids are ju...