Students doing original research: Project-based learning in Ohio (Encore)

Students doing original research: Project-based learning in Ohio (Encore)

Author: Ethical Schools February 23, 2022 Duration: 56:23
We speak with middle school teachers, Debbie Holecko and Claudia Bestor, and their former student, Rafel Alshakergi, about a student-led research project that led to ethical civic engagement. Rafel explains how the experience emboldened her to ask questions and “speak [her] mind.” The project, which got national attention, cut against Ohio’s high-stakes test orientation; many teachers are afraid to do project-based learning because Ohio doesn’t have tenure and bases 40% of teacher evaluation on student test scores. The teachers discuss how to meet standards through project-based learning. This interview is just a joy to listen to! Overview 00:00-00:42 Intro 00:42-02:23 Assignment 02:23-07:01 Projects 07:01-08:08 Student reactions to doing original research 08:08-13:47 “Colored graves” cemetery project 13:47-17:44 Project’s impact on students 17:44-19:50 Effect on understanding North Olmstead and its history 19:50-21:18 Students’ realization of their ability to make change 21:18-23:01 George Floyd’s death and BLM demonstrations 23:01-25:14 Relationships among teachers/students 25:14-27:47 Teachers and students learning together 27:47-29:35 Integrating language arts and social studies in practice 29:35-32:06 Meeting the ELA standards 32:06-36:04 Smooth and effective collaborative teaching  36:04-42:12 Inquiry learning and Ohio’s test-driven system 42:12-43:45 Students’ identifying...

Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Ethical Schools
Podcast Episodes
What’s real and who/what matters: Sentientism in schools [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:16
We speak with Jamie Woodhouse, UK educator and thought leader on sentientism. An ethical worldview informed by evidence, reason, and compassion, sentientism prioritizes the well-being of humans and animals other than hum…
Climate change education: Meeting NJ’s mandate hands-on [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:45
We speak with the New Jersey School of Conservation’s Kerry Kirk Pflugh and Tanya Sulikowski, and Garwood, NJ middle school teacher, K.C. Bree about the SOC and about New Jersey’s first-in-the-nation mandate for climate…
Cultivating layups, confidence, and community [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:31
We speak with Dave Crenshaw, founder and coach of Team Dreamers NY in Washington Heights; Blanca Battino, retired principal of PS 128; and Dr. Robert Fullilove, professor and associate dean at Columbia University’s Mailm…
Creating the conditions: Sustaining “caring for” education [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:55
We speak with Chris Lehmann, founding principal of Science Leadership Academy, inquiry-driven and project-based schools in Philadelphia. The academic model centers inquiry, research, collaboration, presentation, and refl…
Solving chronic absence: A whole-school approach (Encore) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:21
We speak with Hedy N. Chang of Attendance Works, who describes the long-term impact on student success of chronic absence in all grades. Framing chronic absence as a truancy issue can increase alienation from school. Dis…
Developing public communication skills: Speech and debate team [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:16
We speak with Denver English teacher and speech/debate coach Anna Steed about the benefits of speech and debate competition. Students acquire critical communication skills and self-confidence; students of color and low-i…
Experiential learning: Where human history and nature connect [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:16
We speak with Jackie Broder, director of the Mamakating Environmental Education Center in New York’s Catskill Mountains. The Center abuts the Basha Kill wetland, a vital self-contained ecosystem. It helps students, famil…
Cultural responsiveness: is music optional? (Encore) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:00
We speak with Dr. Anne Smith, longtime music teacher in Northern Virginia, about accommodating cultural differences. Dr. Smith created an alternate curriculum for students whose traditions don’t allow secular music-makin…