Trending In Education

Shalinee Sharma is the CoFounder and CEO of Zearn and the author of Math Mind: The Simple Path to Loving Math. She joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about what it takes to instill a genuine love of math in all kids. We begin by hearing Shalinee's origins in consulting at Bain before she jumped into the opportunity to cofound Zearn and lead its growth to where it is today. She demonstrates ways to make math resonate with Mike as a sample pupil. Of course, there is talk of AI and how a love of math fits into the future of work and human life. And through it all, Shalinee grounds the conversation in the practical tips and surprising insights she's gleaned from students using an online math program to solve over one billion problems. Don't miss this chance to dive deep into the future of math instruction with a renowned expert in the field who imparts unique wisdom about how math instruction needs to evolve for students, teachers, and parents. Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts.

Mike Palmer welcomes Doug Lemov, founder of Teach Like a Champion, to the podcast. Lemov discusses his journey from teacher to education innovator and the evolution of Teach Like a Champion. He highlights the importance of the new book, The Teach Like a Champion Guide to the Science of Reading, co-authored with Colleen Driggs and Erica Woolway. The conversation delves into the critical role of attention in reading, the impact of technology on cognition, and the power of shared reading experiences in the classroom. Lemov also explains the significance of close reading and knowledge-based comprehension, advocating for bringing complex texts, whole books, and writing back into the classroom. Key Takeaways: The Science of Reading: The importance of understanding the research behind reading acquisition and applying it to teaching practices beyond early elementary grades. Attention in the Digital Age: How screens and social media fragment attention, and the need to rebuild students' capacity for sustain

On this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer is joined by Elliot Felix, a returning guest, to discuss his new book, The Connected College: Leadership Strategies for Student Success. The book, releasing July 22nd, focuses on how higher education can become more agile, connected, and break down silos. Elliot Felix shares his mission of student success, drawing on his experience consulting with over 120 colleges and universities to improve student experiences through transformations in physical spaces, support services, and technology systems. He explains that his new book aims to provide an evidence-based playbook for higher education professionals to collaborate better for student success. Key Takeaways: Addressing Disconnections in Higher Ed: Felix identifies five key disconnections the book addresses, including a lack of belonging among students (only 65% feel they belong), the disconnect between courses and careers, and the prevalence of siloed structures within institutions. He illustrates

Join us as Mike Palmer reveals Trending in Ed's Summer Reading List 2025! Mike shares the books that resonate most with the learning zeitgeist based on conversations with folks like Isabelle Hau, Horacio Sanchez, Kathleen DeLaski, and Eddie Watson. Plus get sneak peaks at upcoming book episodes with Elliot Felix, Doug Lemov, and Shalinee Sharma up next in the Trending in Ed feed. Don't miss this high-quality list of books that change your perspective and help move the needle in the world of education. Mike also shares book recommendations featuring Ethan Mollick, Chris Hayes, and Kevin Roose to round out the show. And keep your eyes out for the new dedicated Trending in Ed Books feed, coming to you shortly from your friends at Palmer Media. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

Join us on this episode of Trending in Education as Mike Palmer talks with Dr. Margaret Honey, President and CEO of the Scratch Foundation. We dive into the world of Scratch, the visual programming language that's empowering a new generation of creative thinkers and makers. Dr. Honey shares her unique career path, starting from her high school days reading about experimental schools to her impactful work at Children's Television Workshop (now Sesame Workshop) and the New York Hall of Science. We explore how Scratch, developed at the MIT Media Lab by Mitch Resnick, isn't just about teaching kids to code formally, but about providing an accessible, playful tool for creative expression. Discover how over 150 million young people have used the platform since 2007, creating more than a billion projects. We discuss the critical role of curiosity and imagination in a world increasingly shaped by AI, emphasizing how these distinctly human attributes help us remain in the driver's seat of technology. Learn about the

On this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer sits down with Dr. Keith Sawyer, a renowned creativity researcher and professor at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Dr. Sawyer, author of the book Learning to See: Inside the World's Leading Art and Design Schools, shares insights from his career journey and extensive research into creativity and learning. Key Takeaways: The Power of Constraints: Dr. Sawyer reveals that in leading art and design schools, creativity is often enhanced by constraints, not hindered by them. Professors use "highly constrained project assignments" or "parameters" to guide students, even in fields like painting where one might expect complete freedom. "Learning to See" Beyond the Obvious: The title of Dr. Sawyer's book, Learning to See, stems directly from his interviews with art and design professors who emphasize that their primary role is teaching students "how to see". This isn't about literal sight but a deeper, more abstract way of perceiving and

On this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer is joined by Margaret Wang-Aghania, co-founder and executive director of Subject to Climate, to discuss the integration of climate education into K-12 schooling. We explore how Subject to Climate empowers educators to teach about climate change, action, and justice across all grade levels and subjects. Key Takeaways: Margaret shares her origin story as a high school social studies teacher and how her experiences led to the founding of Subject to Climate. We learn about Subject to Climate's mission to make climate education "easy and effective" for K-12 teachers by providing vetted, standards-aligned resources and training. The conversation highlights the interdisciplinary nature of climate change, emphasizing that it's not just a science issue, but also involves social studies, English language arts, and more. We dive into the "gorillas in the room" – AI and the culture wars – discussing how climate literacy can be embedded within AI literacy

In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer hosts Charles Beyrouthy, Managing Partner at Forma Prime, a venture capital firm, to explore the exciting intersection of deep technology and the future of education. We dive into the profound shifts happening in our world, from the cutting-edge advancements in quantum computing, new sensor technologies, and cybersecurity, as well as the impact of generative AI on all of this. Key Takeaways: Charles Beyrouthy's Journey: Charles shares his fascinating career path, from studying chemical engineering and biochemistry at UMass Amherst to accidentally falling into chemical engineering, working in microfluidics research, and eventually transitioning into oil and natural gas consulting before founding a lab software startup called LabCloud. The Boston Biotech Ecosystem: We discuss Boston's rise as a biotech hub, examining how VC firms like Flagship and Polaris provided not just funding but also operational support, placing executives and consultants to

Dr. Terri Givens is a regular "Friend of the Show" on Trending in Ed and a professor of political science at the University of British Columbia and author of Radical Empathy. She joins host Mike Palmer to discuss the current challenges facing higher education and academic associations, the importance of collaboration, and how individuals can take action in a chaotic world. Key Takeaways: Higher education faces significant disruptions, including declining enrollment, reduced research funding, and a shift towards an adjunct-focused model. Academic associations are crucial for faculty development and networking but struggle with declining membership and funding. There's a growing demand for academic associations to take political stances, which is challenging for their 501(c)(3) status. Collaboration and strategic planning are essential for academic associations and universities to navigate current challenges. The current political landscape highlights systemic issues like racism and discriminat

In the 700th episode of Trending in Ed, host Mike Palmer welcomes back Nancy, our virtual co-host, to delve into the latest and most significant developments in the world of Artificial Intelligence, viewed through the crucial lens of education. This milestone episode marks the launch of a new sub-feed, Trending in Ed - AI, which will focus specifically on the intersection of education and artificial intelligence. The discussion covers a range of thought-provoking topics, including: Canny Centaurs and the Uncanny Valley: The hosts revisit concepts like "centaurs" from Advanced Chess and the Uncanny Valley from robotics, discussing how to blend AI with human intuition and empathy to avoid the pitfalls of technology that feels "creepy" while maximizing human augmentation in teaching and learning. AI in Practice and Pop Culture: The conversation explores AI's immediate applications in education, such as personalized tutoring systems akin to Baymax from Big Hero 6, and accelerated skill development throu

On this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer sits down with Scott Cheney, CEO of Credential Engine, to discuss the evolving landscape of credentials and their vital role in shaping our future workforce. They delve into the complexities of a skills-based economy, the challenges of translating diverse experiences into recognized credentials, and the crucial need for transparency and common standards in education and employment data. The Problem of a Confusing Marketplace: With nearly a million unique credentials offered by some 60,000 providers in the U.S., individuals face a daunting task in understanding how to acquire the skills needed for career advancement. Credential Engine aims to simplify this by putting all information into a common, accessible format. Beyond Traditional Credentials: The conversation highlights that a credential is any recognition of skills, from a high school diploma to a PhD, including apprenticeships, micro-credentials, and badges. A significant challenge lies

On this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer is joined by educator, speaker, and author Mitch Weisburgh to discuss the concept of "mindshifting" and its profound implications for education, personal development, and navigating a rapidly changing world. Mitch shares his journey from teaching computer skills in the early days of personal computing to developing frameworks for resilience, resourcefulness, and collaboration that he now calls mindshifting. Check out Mitch's book on the topic to learn more. The conversation delves into the origins of Mitch's work, including his experience advising educational publishers and his pivotal trip to Niger where he first articulated the principles of "sensemaking," a precursor to mindshifting. They explore how these foundational mindsets are crucial in an era of constant disruption, from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Key Takeaways: Mindshifting as a Foundational Skill: Mitch

Step into a very special episode of Trending in Ed, where host Mike Palmer reunites with fellow co-founders Brandon Jones and Dan Strafford! Since its inception in September 2016, Trending in Ed has been a consistent voice in education, and this reunion delivers a nostalgic yet forward-looking take on education trendspotting. Catch up with Brandon and Dan, discover what they've been doing, and hear their and Mike's reflections on the podcast's journey and the evolving landscape of education over the past 8+ years. Here's the link to Tim Urban's What's Our Problem? which Brandon refers to in the conversation. Key Takeaways The Enduring Relevance of Early Discussions: Even before the pandemic, the "OG" hosts were discussing virtual learning, distance models, and the role of smartphones in the classroom, topics that remain highly relevant today. The Nuanced View of Elon Musk: The hosts reflect on their past fascination with Elon Musk's expansive thinking and ability to apply systems thinking across var

What if AI could level the playing field in higher education? This episode of Trending in Education explores that very question with Cecilia Marshall, Chief Advancement Officer at Ed Advancement. Host Mike Palmer and Marshall delve into the complex and compelling potential of AI, focusing on its impact on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other institutions serving under-resourced students. Marshall, whose journey winds from corporate advertising to the heart of educational advocacy, shares Ed Advancement's vital work: strengthening mission-driven colleges to fuel social mobility. The conversation moves beyond the hype surrounding AI to address the crucial need for ethical implementation, data sovereignty, and genuine collaboration with students and schools. We discover how AI enablement—building robust data infrastructure—can unlock personalized learning, streamline advising, and ultimately drive student success. Marshall doesn't shy away from the challenges: algorithmic bias, the di

Forget everything you thought you knew about digital signage – it's not just for the front office anymore. In this episode recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit, host Mike Palmer sits down with Juliana Finegan, VP of Educator Experience @ Vivi to explore the evolving landscape of education and the crucial factors that drive teacher success. Drawing from her experience as a former high school chemistry and 8th-grade science teacher and her work with organizations like the Learning Accelerator, Juliana shares valuable perspectives on blended learning, teacher empowerment, and the innovative ways technology can transform classrooms. Then we dive into Vivi's work in providing tools like digital signage, emergency alerts, and wireless screen sharing and how these tools are being implemented to build community, enhance safety, and create student-driven learning experiences.   The episode also unpacks the findings of a research study conducted by Vivi in partnership with the Learning Accelerator, revealing the

In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer interviews Desmond Stinnie and Addison Wiggin, the co-founders of Dealing with Debt, a platform focused on financial literacy and community support. Desmond shares his lifelong passion for financial education, tracing back to his childhood curiosity about money. Addison brings his 30 years of experience in financial publishing and macroeconomic analysis, highlighting the evolution of consumer culture and debt. Together, they discuss the importance of understanding one's relationship with debt, the distinction between good and bad debt, and the need for accessible financial education.   The conversation also explores the role of community and advocacy in empowering individuals to navigate their financial challenges.   Key Takeaways: Financial Literacy is Essential: Understanding how money works and developing a healthy relationship with debt is crucial for financial well-being. Not All Debt Is Created Equal: Learning to distinguish

In this enlightening episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer is joined by Dr. Mark Milliron, the President of National University, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of higher education. Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit to the unique needs of non-traditional students and the impact of AI, Mark shares invaluable insights on the future of learning.   Key Takeaways: The Changing Face of Higher Ed: Discover why the traditional image of a college student is outdated and how institutions like National University are catering to "Anders" – the parents, employees, caregivers, and service members who make up the majority of today's student population.   Value-Rich Education: Learn about the importance of providing a return on investment for students through "value-rich education" that focuses on being credential-rich, connection-rich, and experience-rich. Navigating the Higher Ed Maze: Gain clarity on the diverse pathways in higher education and how to help students find the

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Alvin Crawford, CEO of EdVice K12 and a seasoned expert in the field of education and technology. Alvin takes us on a journey through his career, from the early days of the internet, working with major players like Digitas and Ogilvy, to his pivotal role in the growth of Schoolnet, and his current work as a consultant with Edvice K12.   Alvin dives into the critical topic of adolescent literacy and highlights innovative solutions like World Book ClassMate, which leverages AI to personalize learning and boost student engagement. He also shares valuable insights on navigating the complexities of ed tech entrepreneurship, the importance of trusted resources in the age of disinformation, and the future of AI in education.   Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit, this episode offers a blend of experience, expertise, and forward-thinking perspectives on the ever-evolving world of education.   Key Takeaways: Ed tech solutions should focus on solving urgent prob

Join Mike Palmer live from the ASU+GSV conference in San Diego for an illuminating conversation with Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer at Coursera. In this dynamic episode, Marni shares her inspiring origin story, from her early days at UCSB during the dawn of web browsers to her time as Provost of Western Governors University to her pivotal role today at Coursera, shaping the future of online education.   We dive deep into the evolving landscape of EdTech, discussing Coursera's impressive growth to 168 million users worldwide and its strategic partnerships with industry giants like Google, Meta, and IBM, as well as top universities. We tackle the complex relationship between AI and content development, the importance of accessible education through Coursera Coach and translations, and the ever-changing demands of the job market.   Marni’s insights will make you feel like you’re right there with Mike and her, experiencing the energy of ASU+GSV, charting the forefront of educational innovation.

In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer interviews Nate Eklund, founder and CEO of Vital Network, about the critical issues of teacher and administrative burnout in the U.S. Nate shares his journey from a high school teacher to an expert in education workforce development, driven by a passion for creating sustainable and engaging work environments in schools. We also touch on Nate's groundbreaking work: How Was Your Day at School: Improving Dialog About Teacher Job Satisfaction.   The conversation delves into the core of the problem: the lack of focus on retention within the education sector. Nate highlights the often-overlooked importance of the educators' daily working experience and the necessity of addressing issues such as time management, voice and decision-making, and support.   Key Takeaways: The significance of designing school environments that prioritize teacher well-being.   The impact of administrative turnover on school culture and stability.   Stra