The Balance, by Dr. Catlin Tucker

Building a Strong Class Culture

In this mini-episode, I explain why I've never liked the term "classroom management" and prefer to focus on building a strong classroom culture and partnering with students to establish class agreements and a clear path of consequences.

AI-powered Coaching and Feedback

In this episode, I chat with Avery Pan, an education enthusiast, former writing tutor, and cofounder of Class Companion – an AI platform, designed in partnership with teachers. Class Companion provides instant coaching and feedback for students in a way that teachers can control.

Reciprocal Teaching with Multimedia

In this mini-episode, I delve into the reciprocal teaching strategy, highlighting its power to foster critical thinking and deep engagement with media among students. I walk you through the strategy step-by-step and offer practical tips on how to onboard your students effectively.

Episode Resource

• Blog - Reciprocal Teaching with Multimedia
• Resource - Reciprocal Teaching Strategy Template with Roles Explained

Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners

In this episode, I chat with Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh about their new book Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners. We clarify what personalized learning is and talk about how data, using technology strategically, and focusing on human connection and relationships are key. Eric and Nicki share their experiences and advice about how to build a culture that supports this shift. You can connect with Eric on X @E_Sheninger and Nicki @nickiatquest.

Katie Novak Dishes About Her New Podcast, The Education Table

In this mini-episode, Dr. Katie Novak tells us all about her new podcast, The Education Table. She shares her inspiration, describes the microformat, and discusses a few of the topics she has already covered!

What Blended Learning Is and What It Is Not

In this mini-episode, I dispell some of the misconceptions about what blended learning is and is not. I highlight the benefits of this combination for positioning students to become active agents in the learning experience while freeing teachers to more effectively meet the diverse needs of students in their classes.

Rethinking Writing Instruction in the Age of AI

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Randy Laist, Dr. Cynthia Murphy, and Dr. Nicole Brewer about their book Rethinking Writing Instruction in the Age of AI. Discover how the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) form the bedrock of their innovative strategies, aimed at empowering students to discover and amplify their individual voices as writers. Want to connect with Dr. Randy Laist? rlaist@bridgeport.edu

Ask Catlin: Differentiation?

In this Ask Catlin episode, Catlin and Noelle answer your questions about differentiation and what it looks like to differentiate content, process, and products. Plus, you'll find out what song Catlin says is currently reflecting her frame of mind.

Designing Choice Boards

Choice boards are a fantastic tool for honoring learner variability and providing students with meaningful choices. Not every student enjoys the same task, so giving them options is critical to maximizing their motivation and focus in a lesson. Choice boards allow us to honor our students’ preferences, needs, and interests, making their learning experience more engaging and effective.

Additional Resources

• Blog Post: Designing a Standards-aligned Choice Board (with AI)
• Google Doc: BlendEDU: Active Reading Choice Board
  

 

Letting Students Lead the Learning with Spider Web Discussions with Alexis Wiggins

In this episode, I chat with Alexis Wiggins, 20-year teacher and author of, The Best Class You Never Taught: How Spider Web Discussion Can Turn Students into Learning Leaders. Alexis explains the purpose, process, and incredible outcomes of using the spider web discussion to engage students in collaborative inquiry and meaning-making. You can connect with Alexis on X at https://twitter.com/alexiswiggins