Hack Learning

Hack Learning

Author: Mark Barnes Language: English Episodes: 100
Mark Barnes hosts Hack Learning, a podcast built on the idea that the most impactful changes in education often come from simple, actionable shifts. This isn't about theoretical debates; it's a toolbox of practical strategies for educators, school leaders, and parents who are ready to rethink the status quo. Each episode tackles a specific, real-world challenge, breaking down complex ideas into manageable steps you can apply immediately. You'll hear concrete methods for revitalizing classroom engagement, transforming assessment to truly measure learning, and cutting through the administrative noise to focus on what matters. The conversations explore how to leverage technology meaningfully, not just for its own sake, and how to create environments where even the most hesitant student finds a path forward. From reimagining homework and fostering a genuine love of reading to streamlining leadership and crafting effective communication, this podcast delivers concise, proven hacks. It’s for anyone who believes that better practices lead to better outcomes and wants to translate that belief into daily action. Tune in for straightforward, no-jargon insights that make improvement feel not only possible but achievable.
Episodes
146: The Lead Forward Mission [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:35
Encourage, evolve, empower. Mentor, move, motivate. Create, innovate, elevate. Always be listening. Always be learning.These are the qualities of someone who leads forward. They’re not just my words or those of the educa…
145: Impactful leadership and the backwards bicycle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:30
Why is impactful leadership like riding a backwards bicycle? It's actually quite simple, says award-winning school principal, presenter, and author of Be Excellent on Purpose, Sanée Bell. EduHacker Mark Barnes shares an…
144: How to be a pinball wizard and spark mind-blowing conversation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:48
Want amazing, even mind-blowing, conversation in your classroom? Throw out your ping pong questions, and become a pinball wizard. Mark shares--and SINGS--this powerful strategy from Hacking Questions, by Connie Hamilton.…
143: Coping with the criminals in your classroom - Uncut [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:30
Disruptive students are criminals who must be put out of your classroom. So says one educator, who Mark Barnes is taking to task, in this uncut episode that comes with this disclaimer: Beware, Mark is angry, and one misg…
142: It's time to kick the IDK bucket [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:49
In this excerpt from Hacking Questions, we learn how to set ourselves up to kick the IDK bucket by identifying the root cause for the “I don’t know” response. You see, we cannot assume that IDK means the student really d…
140: Take a breath, change your behavior, and model empathy for kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:01
Hack Learning host Mark Barnes lost his temper recently. If only he had taken his own advice, which he shares in this episode, things might have been different.What's this earth-shattering advice? Three words: Take a bre…
139: Are Teachers Doing Enough for Generation Alpha? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:42
Are you teaching Generation Alpha with Baby Boomer content? Educators are faced with new challenges from the generation that may live into the 22nd century. How can teachers cope? Mark shares what Michael Fisher and Eliz…
137: Throw out your office referral; circle up instead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:47
Handing out office referrals like candy to students who misbehave is like sending kids away from learning for a brief holiday, and Mark Barnes says, "It's time to throw out your office referral." Mark shares a powerful,…