Learning Unboxed

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Dr. Manfred Stapff, physician, researcher, author of Real-World Evidence Unveiled, and host of The Real-World Evidence Perspective. Together, we explore how educators can help students navigate a world overflowing with information, misinformation, statistics, and AI-generated answers.Dr. Stapff shares practical ways to teach learners how to evaluate data, trace information back to its source, and ask better questions before accepting something as true. From clinical trials and real-world evidence to ChatGPT, journalism, and old-school library research, this conversation is a thoughtful reminder that information literacy is now an essential life skill. Join us to explore how we can help students become more discerning, curious, and responsible users of information.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Why reliable information matters for decision-making in education, medicine, politics, and everyday lifeHow students can learn to question data, statistics, and sources before accepting them as trueThe difference between controlled scientific studies and messy real-world evidenceHow AI can help gather information while still requiring human judgment and critical thinkingWhy educators should teach learners to trace information back to original sourcesThe growing responsibility of the receiver in evaluating misinformation and biasResources:Real-World Evidence Unveiled: Navigating the Maze of Modern Misinformation by Dr. Manfred StapffThe Real-World Evidence Perspective on Spotify Dr. Manfred Stapff’s LinkedIn Candid AdvisoryProduced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jefferson Pestronk, Executive Director at Modern States, to discuss how their free online courses and College Board’s CLEP exams make college credit accessible to everyone. Learners can take self-paced courses, earn vouchers, and bring passing CLEP scores to nearly 3,000 colleges—no tuition required on the Modern States side.Jefferson shares how this model supports high schoolers, college students, and adult learners alike through flexible, scalable pathways. We also talk about AI tutoring, virtual cohorts, and statewide programs like Ohio’s new policy recognizing CLEP in diploma metrics.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How Modern States + CLEP unlocks free, transcripted college credit for learners anywhere.Who it serves—from teens to comebackers—and flexible ways schools embed it.Funding the path: philanthropic support, employer benefits, and state policies.New supports for self-paced success: AI tutoring and virtual cohorts.Ohio’s policy shift elevating CLEP in accountability and diploma seals.Resources:Modern States — Create a free account and browse the full course library; look for the green “Sign Up” buttons.College Board CLEP — Check which colleges accept which exams and the score needed to earn credit.Connect with Jefferson Pestronk on LinkedInProduced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Craig Randall, author of Trust-Based Observations, to explore how great teaching thrives when educators feel psychologically safe. We look at why traditional evaluation systems—rubrics, ratings, and high-stakes observations—stifle innovation, and how Craig’s trust-first model creates space for teachers to take risks and grow.Craig shares his three-part approach: short, unannounced, strengths-based classroom visits; reflective conversations that begin with questions rather than judgments; and concrete, teacher-chosen support. From asking permission before offering suggestions to co-teaching or modeling strategies, each step builds trust so educators feel safe to experiment.We also talk about scaling impact—aligning professional learning to core pedagogy, tapping in-house expertise, and working within mandated systems without losing sight of trust. The result is what John Hattie calls “collective teacher efficacy in action”—a culture where teachers share wins, iterate openly, and drive stronger student learning.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Why ratings of pedagogy erode trust—and how mindset-focused feedback changes the game.The mechanics of a strengths-based observation cycle (short, unannounced, reflective, supportive).“Marbles in the jar”: lowering vulnerability to unlock risk-taking and innovation.Turning observations into ongoing PD and collective teacher efficacy.Practical ways to work within evaluation mandates while centering trust.Resources:Learn more at TrustBased.comRead Trust-Based Observations by Craig RandallConnect with Craig on LinkedInProduced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome David Solomon, CEO of Lightspeed Technologies, to unpack “instructional audio”—low-volume, high-clarity sound that makes the teacher’s voice equally intelligible in every seat. We explore why clarity beats volume for attention, language development, and early learners, and how speaking in a natural tone calms the room and boosts comprehension.We also dig into real-world use: integrating classroom audio with displays, computers, PA, and security so pages and emergencies cut through, and teachers can route any audio evenly across the room. David shares quick-win adoption tips—from simple in-class demos to funding paths like bond measures, Title I, and local foundations—and how Lightspeed’s Activate tool supports small-group instruction by letting teachers listen in and jump in at the right moment.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What “instructional audio” is and why clarity beats volume for K–12 learning.How to integrate classroom audio with displays, computers, PA, security, and phones.Funding routes: bond measures, Title I, and school foundations.Avoiding sound bleed and creating an even sound field in every seat.Small‑group instruction with Activate and boosting student agency.Resources:Learn more: Lightspeed TechnologiesConnect with David on LinkedInProduced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Dr. Aimee E. Ketchum and Dr. Crystal Corle Loose, co-authors of The Early Childhood Promise. With a wealth of experience in pediatrics, occupational therapy, early education, and community outreach, they guide us through the transformative power of early childhood through evidence-backed strategies and a commitment to equity.Throughout our conversation, Aimee and Crystal shed light on how play shapes children's brain development, language, and emotional resilience—and why high-stakes accountability and underfunded early childhood systems have eroded these critical opportunities. They also offer inspiring solutions for educators, parents, and policymakers to restore play, support vulnerable communities, and revitalize early learning ecosystems.Join us as we explore tangible, research-informed steps—from engaging families at birth to nurturing play-based environments—that champion every child’s potential to thrive.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The science behind play and its role in brain development, language, and problem-solvingHow federal policies and high-stakes testing pushed play out of classrooms—and why it must returnThe undervaluing of early childhood educators and its impact on children’s futuresWhy risky play and unstructured time are critical for building resiliencePractical steps for schools and communities to engage families from birth and support early learningResources:Read: The Early Childhood Promise: Sparking Change for Parents, Early Childhood Professionals, and PolicymakersLearn more at developingchild.harvard.eduProduced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jeff Utecht, co-host of the Shifting Schools podcast and a consultant focused on generational change and AI in education. We explore how different generations—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and even Gen Alpha—bring unique values and expectations to both learning and work, and why understanding these differences is crucial for educators navigating today’s evolving classroom and workforce.Jeff shares practical insights on adapting to digitally native students who expect gamified, collaborative experiences and discusses how tools like generative AI can help educators meet these changing needs.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How generational experiences shape learning styles and valuesNavigating the challenges of four generations in the workplace and classroomWhy Gen Z and Alpha learners expect gamification and collaborationThe importance of authenticity and embracing failure in educationLeveraging AI to bridge generational gaps and support new approaches to teachingResources:Listen to the Shifting Schools Podcast – Weekly conversations on modern schooling, leadership, and educational innovation.Connect with Jeff Utecht for consulting or speaking via his website or on LinkedInRead: Generations by William Strauss and Neil HoweProduced by NOVA