Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Megan Meachum, a fifth-grade teacher who is implementing the Modern Classrooms model.

They discuss the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from traditional teaching methods to a blended, self-paced, mastery-based approach. They emphasize the importance of student agency and engagement, highlighting the positive impact of the Modern Classrooms model on student motivation and learning.

Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:

• Student agency and self-pacing are essential: Megan found that students thrive with the ability to work at their own pace. "They were so happy to move at their own speed," she shares.

• Differentiation is key to meeting diverse needs: By implementing the Modern Classrooms model, Megan gained more time for individualized instruction and support. "I'm able to differentiate and give them those different kinds of lessons and work with them, one on one and in small groups," she explains.

• Collaboration and communication are vital: Students benefit from opportunities to work together and explain their learning to peers. Megan notes, "They're like YouTube stars for the day, and then they get to comment on each other's videos."

Megan’s journey illustrates both the academic and personal benefits students and educators can experience by trying new approaches to teaching and learning.

Discussion questions for PLC and PD: 

• How can educators effectively balance the need for structured learning with fostering student autonomy in a self-paced model? 

• What strategies can be implemented to support students who struggle with time management or motivation within a self-paced learning environment? 

• How can we create a school culture that values and supports collaboration among teachers to implement and refine modern classroom practices?

Our Host

Toni Rose taught MS English for 10 years and will forever identify as a teacher. Toni Rose strives to be the teacher that they never had growing up, so they focus on anti-bias, anti-racist work and wants to create a brave space for everyone around them. As a queer Filipinx, they understand just how important it is to be represented, be valued, and belong. They especially love being a thought partner for and celebrating teachers.

Our Guests

Megan Meachum

Megan has been an educator for 15 years. She currently teaches 5th grade. Her personal mission is to make learning enjoyable for her students. She joined the Modern Classroom movement in 2023, and is now an Expert Mentor. She loves helping teachers discover how MCP can benefit their classroom and make teaching enjoyable too!

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