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 podcast episode, hosts Kareem Farah, Zach Diamond, and Monte Woodard discuss the implementation of a blended, self-paced, mastery-based teaching model in classrooms. They share insights and experiences on how educators can effectively introduce this model to students, parents, and stakeholders, both in person and remotely.

Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:

• Introducing the Model Gradually: The hosts emphasize the importance of gradually introducing students to the Modern
  Classrooms model. They suggest starting with low-stakes content and allowing students to practice using the model. This approach helps students become familiar with the self-directed learning environment and allows teachers to understand each student's learning needs better.

• Data Tracking and Communication: The podcast highlights the significance of data tracking and transparent communication with parents. The hosts discuss how tools like pacing trackers and hyperdocs can be used to provide parents with insights into their child's progress. Effective communication and data sharing can help build trust and support from parents.

• Empowering Students: The hosts stress that the model empowers students to take control of their learning. By using instructional videos and a self-paced approach, students have the flexibility to learn at their own pace. This shift in responsibility from the teacher to the student fosters self-direction, motivation, and self-awareness among learners.

By sharing their experiences and insights, the podcast aims to assist educators in successfully implementing the Modern Classrooms models, to ultimately improve student engagement and learning outcomes.

Discussion questions for PLC and PD: 

• How can educators effectively balance the introduction of a blended, self-paced learning model with relationship-building activities at the start of the school year, considering the importance of understanding each student's learning needs?

• In what ways can data tracking tools like pacing trackers and transparent communication with parents enhance the educational experience for both students and their families? How might these tools be implemented to build trust and support from parents?

• How can educators create a classroom environment that empowers students to take control of their learning while still providing the necessary guidance and support? What strategies can be employed to foster self-direction, motivation, and self-awareness among students in a modern classroom setting?

Our Hosts

Kareem Farah spent his teaching career as a math educator in Hawaii and Washington, DC. He earned his undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis and later received a master’s degree in secondary education at Johns Hopkins University. Instead of using a traditional lecture model, Kareem taught math through a blended model where students accessed content through his self-made videos. The cornerstone of his classroom was the ability for students to work at their own pace and Kareem’s ability to assess students on mastery. Kareem co-founded the Modern Classrooms Project to empower teachers worldwide to redesign their classrooms around blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning. 

Zach Diamond studied Music History and Theory at Oberlin College and received a Masters of Music in Music Education from Boston University. He taught music for five years in Lima, Peru, and is currently a Middle School music teacher at DC International School, a language-immersion school where he teaches in Spanish. He began implementing the Modern Classrooms Model in the 19-20 School Year and enthusiastically continues his work with the organization as a mentor and podcast producer.

Monte Woodard is a native of Florida who earned a bachelor's degree in science education from the University of South Florida in Tampa and is currently pursuing a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration on Problem Based Learning. She has taught at the DC International School in Washington DC as well as two public schools in Florida. She currently works at the Lovett School in North Atlanta teaching 7th grade science.

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