The EduGals Podcast

Hosted by Rachel Johnson and Katie Attwell

Education

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160

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May 2025

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About the show

The EduGals podcast is all about current challenges in education, and how teachers in K-12 can leverage educational technology (EdTech) in the classroom. Hosted by Rachel Johnson and Katie Attwell.

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60 recent

May 25, 202526 min

From the Archives: Let's Talk About Grading Practices - E130

This week, we are starting our book study with chapter 1 of Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms by Joe Feldman. Specifically, we will dive into what makes grading so difficult to talk about and even harder to change. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two ! We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID ! Featured Content **For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/130 ** Grading for Equity by Joe Feldman Find a buddy to talk about the ideas in this book! Structure of the book: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable - try to stay open-minded Teaching is challenging - grades are one of the only places where we still have autonomy Grades and grading practices are highly personal Changing grades by admin Grading is not really something that is taught in teacher education programs Most grading practices are based on prior experience We hate grading! and grade grubbing! Stress around grading Mastery grading and specs grading and other equitable grading practices reduces stress around grades and grading Web of belief: Discussion question: What is your why?

March 26, 202428 min

Examining Traditional Grading and its Impact on Teaching - E138

In this episode, we delve back into our discussion about the book 'Grading for Equity' by Joe Feldman. The third chapter which we are exploring is titled 'How Traditional Grading Stifles Risk Taking and Supports the Commodity of Grades' and opens up the conversation about belief systems and the prevailing view on student achievement. We discuss the stark differences between the Industrial Revolution beliefs and 21st-century beliefs regarding education, and raise questions about how grading methods should shift in light of these changes. We particularly focus on the harm that a heavy focus on extrinsic motivation can cause and the negative implications of traditional grading practices on the trust and relationship between teachers and students. Furthermore, we scrutinize how grades have become a commodity leading to competition rather than collaboration and debate whether traditional grading serves the purpose of preparing students for post-secondary education or not. Towards the end, we suggest potential solutions that look beyond punitive grading policies and value both the learning process and the students' individual expressions of learning. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two ! We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID ! Featured Content **For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/138 ** 00:00 Introduction to Grading for Equity 00:37 Exploring Belief Systems in Education 01:42 The Shift in Education Systems and Beliefs 04:56 The Impact of Traditional Grading on Risk Taking and Trust 07:09 The Negative Consequences of Traditional Grading 13:48 The Commodity of Grades and Extrinsic Motivation 24:16 The Illusion of Engagement and Motivation 25:11 Conclusion and Future Discussions Support the show Connect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show

March 19, 202425 min

Creating Inclusive Learning Environments: Action and Expression in UDL - E137

In this episode, we delve deeper into the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, examining the pillar of 'action and expression'. We review the importance of different methods and accommodations that allow students to demonstrate their learning in the most effective manner. We'll also highlight potential barriers, such as physical impairments and language difficulties, while emphasizing the value of alternative strategies and physical interaction with materials. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two ! We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID ! Featured Content **For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/137 ** 00:00 Introduction to Universal Design for Learning 00:33 Understanding the Pillar of Action and Expression 01:35 Personal Experiences with Organizational Abilities 03:51 Exploring the Physical Action Guideline 04:27 Addressing Barriers in Physical Action 09:59 Optimizing Access to Tools and Assistive Technologies 11:44 Expression and Communication: A New Pillar 13:20 Exploring Multiple Media for Communication 13:26 Using Multiple Tools for Construction and Composition 13:37 Building Fluencies with Graduated Levels of Support 21:45 Conclusion and Reflections Support the show Connect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show

October 31, 202328 min

The Journey of Destreaming: Reflections and Insights - E136

In this episode, we are discussing the challenges and successes that we have experienced with destreaming in our classrooms. Specifically, we'll chat about the new grade 9 English curriculum, continuing efforts with other destreaming program areas, and how to best support teachers that are implementing destreaming. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two ! We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID ! Featured Content **For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/136 ** Challenges and experiences we have had with implementing destreaming in our schools, specifically in grade 9 English, science, and math The importance of providing support and resources for teachers during the implementation process Challenges include lack of time and resources given to educators Need for additional support in grade 10 courses to ensure a smooth transition from destreaming to academic streams Additional pressures with teaching a new grade 11 curriculum (NBE course) Other episodes on destreaming: Getting Ready for Destreaming - E081 Destreaming Education: Our Two Cents - E048 Support the show Connect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show

October 24, 202330 min

Opening Routines For a Mastery-Based Classroom - E135

This week, we are talking all about how we start out using various opening routines in our mastery-based classrooms. Specifically, we will share how we set up our courses and some daily activities you can use with your students to get them ready for learning. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two ! We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID ! Featured Content **For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/135 ** Opening Routines For The Semester/School Year: Unit Zero - 2 to 3 lessons long to learn about the logistics of a mastery-based classroom and learning Diagnostics - first 2 to 3 weeks, works well for ELL learners (oral, reading, writing skill levels) Focus on getting to know you activities and building classroom community as the premise to learn about the mastery-based learning model Use mastery-based learning terminology: lesson classifications, guided notes, etc Google Slides and YouTube for getting to know you activities, lessons etc Use of conferencing with students Lots of opening, whole class activities throughout the first few weeks of school Thinking classrooms, game-based learning ( GimKit for example) are great ideas to engage students in whole class activities and build classroom community Daily Opening Routines For The Classroom: Regular conferencing Group-based work based on STEP levels (ELL learners) Whole class lessons with all levels modelled (helps to set high expectations for all learners and builds motivation) Thinking Classrooms model (but not in a traditional sense) - use randomized groups of 3 ( Flippity Random Name Picker ), at the whiteboards, solving 1-2 problems related to on pace lessons, use mastery as checks for understanding Mix approaches up - other collaborative activities, demos, thinking classrooms, other whole group activities to set the tone, etc Do Now or Check-In (goal setting and/or SEL check-in) - can be done daily, weekly, more sporadic (end of unit/module) Weekly agenda slide deck Progress Tracker for informal check-in and goal-setting Modern Classroom Project: Guide to Opening and Closing Routines Accountability groups Tell me something good - students can share announcements and good news Support the show Connect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show

October 17, 202324 min

Unpacking the Evolution of Schools and Grading - E134

This week, we are continuing our book study with chapter 2 of Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms by Joe Feldman. Specifically, we will dive into the history of schools and grading and examine what's changed and what's not changed (which is a lot!). If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two ! We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID ! Featured Content **For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/134 ** Chapter 1 - E130 Changes in society that affected our model of school Manufacturing - need for factory workers, prepare students to be good employees, critical thinking is highly valued now Migration and Immigration - assimilation, movement from rural to urban, FNMI, history repeats itself Intelligence Testing and Categorization - IQ tests used for streaming purposes, IQ tests not equitable, created barriers to pathways for students, de-streaming is beginning to address these inequities, college vs university pathway (college is much more career-focused which is great) Progressive Educators - John Dewey was ahead of his time, he saw the inequities that existed and saw school as a way to improve position in society, other behaviourists (BF Skinner, Pavlov) - operant conditioning applied to our education system How did this impact schools? Quiet vs noisy classrooms - humans are social, quiet is no longer as valued, mastery-based learning supports active and collaborative classrooms where all students are on task Learning skills - not a lot of change, skills like following directions, punctuality are still highly valued History of Grading Very descriptive and individualized and shifted to letter grades for efficiency reasons Now we are returning to more descriptive and individualized feedback Bell Curves - if grades fit within a bell curve, it means that the approach taken had no impact on student learning; instead, we want to see skews towards higher achievement to show a positive impact Support the show Connect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show

October 10, 202332 min

From The Archives: Getting Started With Station-Based Learning - E102

This week, we are chatting all about station-based learning. This instructional model is frequently used at the elementary level, so our focus for this conversation is how to implement station-based learning in the secondary classroom. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two ! We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID ! Featured Content **For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/102 ** There are many different ways to set up stations - by activity, by curriculum strand Can be done over a day, several days, or even a week Catlin Tucker - Blended Learning in Action book and Balance with Blended Learning book Station Rotation Model: Teacher-led, small group work, individual practice, online learning, collaborative stations Doesn't need to be physical locations in your room although this can help your students stay on task! Other ideas for stations: makerspace, research, project-based learning, design & create, virtual field trips, role playing &/or performance, feedback Feedback station suggestions: Peer review, teacher led, self assessment Provide sentence starters and/or frameworks to guide peer and self assessment Behind the scenes: Lots of upfront work with a big payoff Consider approaching the topic using different modalities Think about those topics that students often struggle with to target for stations Help students learn the model by starting with low stakes stations (getting to know you activities for example) Consider interactions: teacher-student, student-student, student-content Have clear objectives, tasks, instructions Works well with mastery-based learning Mix up the activities you use Look at UDL framework for inspiration Logistics in the classroom: Limit the number of students per station Use a timer and project it to keep students on task It's ok not to finish all tasks Consider lesson classifications from Modern Classrooms framework Add in a fun station (curriculum-related board games, etc.) Tech vs no-tech - not all stations need tech! If using tech, consider all aspects - headphones, headphone splitters, chromebooks, adapters Expect a learning curve - try, fail, learn! Support the show Connect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show

October 3, 202327 min

Evolving Grading: A New Classroom Approach - E133

This week, we are chatting about how Rachel's grading approach is shifting this year. Specifically, we will chat about standards-based grading, how Rachel is applying standards-based grading in her classroom, and where she hopes to be with her grading approaches in this school year. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two ! We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID ! Featured Content **For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/133 ** What is standards-based grading (SBG)? It's a system of grading that is closely tied to mastery of the standards in the curriculum Disclaimer: we don't have all of the answers! Rethinking Your Grading Scale - E122 Specifications Grading - E107 Standards-based grading vs specifications (specs) grading ChemEd talk on Standards-Referenced Grading in Chemistry Classrooms SBG - 4 levels vs 7 levels (IB) Mastery Scales ( example 1 and example 2 ) Building up skills from basic, to simple, to target, to complex Putting specific expectations into a hierarchical order Evaluations still don't have points grades - mastery scales are dependent on demonstration of mastery of those skills within each level Learning is broken down into modules (smaller than units) Overlap of skills between modules is possible Still doing multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery of skills (2-3 attempts) Due dates are the same as any other school year Consistent test day each week Conferencing at midterm and final reporting periods to collaborate on grades Feedback practices remain the same, lots of 1-1 support Mastery - defined as 80% or greater (can be individual for each teacher) A slight step away from UnGrading Do you show the level conversions or not? How will students react? Mastery-based learning works for content retention! Support the show Connect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show

September 26, 202326 min

From Classroom to Home: Tech Strategies for Families - E132

This week, we are chatting about technology use with students and how parents can best support that at home. We will share a little bit of our own struggles as parents and also some ideas that we have as educators to help support families. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two ! We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID ! Featured Content **For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/132 ** How Technology Influences Student Thinking - E125 This Week In Ontario EduBlogs - Stephen Hurley and Doug Peterson Technology use has exploded - how much should kids be using it? Limiting screen time (focus on educational apps, limited time/devices, TV time, require activity before screens, get outdoors) Getting off task while on technology (virtual or remote learning, YouTube, lack of focus) Canadian Paediatric Society screen time recommendations TV watching time as a family activity Too much screen time can affect mood, sleep, etc - decide how much time is right for you, your kids, and your family Parental controls (chromebooks, e-readers, iPads) Teaching digital citizenship skills (share weekly resources in your classroom newsletter) Balance screen time, social activities Cell phones - when do you start? Safety, maturity Smart watches for kids - Apple Watch, other brands Educator Tips: Tech breaks (25 min focus, 5 min tech break) Open lines of communication home with parents Support the show Connect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show

September 19, 202326 min

Podcasting 101: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Our Process - E131

This week, we are sharing our podcasting process. We'll get into our past and current podcasting practices, as well as the apps and tools that we use and love! Whether you are interested in podcasting for yourself or with your students, this episode is packed full of great tips and tricks to get you started. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two ! We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID ! Featured Content **For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/131 ** Nerves, giggles, bloopers, and more Started with easily accessible tools - GarageBand , Audacity Recording tools - GarageBand, Hindenberg Pro ($, great for editing too with voice profiles) Editing tools - Hindenberg Pro, Descript ($, creates transcripts, uses AI for editing, decreases editing time, voice regeneration) Transcripts - Descript, can hack with Google Read and Write, etc Remote recording now built into Descript with SquadCast Other remote recording tools - Zencastr (free option), Riverside.fm, SquadCast, Zoom End-to-end recording - Google Meet and individual recording Microphones - Samson Q2U , condenser vs dynamic mic, Rode PodMic (XLR, requires interface) Cloud Lifter to amplify sound Interface - Rodecaster Pro Just starting out? Find royalty-free music, dynamic USB microphone Hosting - Buzzsprout ($, Ads, magic mastering, cohost AI), Anchor/Spotify (free) Posting to social media, newsletter - using Chat GPT for idea generation Website - Wordpress ($) for blog post "shnotes" Support the show Connect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show

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