How Micro Schools and Empowered Learners Can Move Humanity Forward (ft. Kelly Smith)

05/28/24 • 42 min

Kelly Smith, author of 'A Fire to Be Kindled,' discusses his journey from traditional education to developing innovative micro schools that foster lifelong learners. He shares his insights on the importance of rekindling the love for learning, both in children and adults, by shifting from the traditional 'cup to be filled' mindset to igniting a 'fire to be kindled.' Kelly explains the principles of empowered learning, the value of student agency, and how micro schools can transform the educational landscape. Tune in to learn about the future of education and how you can contribute to a world of empowered learners.

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The Truth About Education Reform and Black Children’s Future (ft. Dr. Bettina Love)

Dr. Bettina Love and host Chris Stewart dive deep into the systemic issues plaguing the education system and its impact on Black children. Dr. Love shares insights from her new book, "Punished for Dreaming," discussing how past and present school reform efforts have fallen short and detailing her framework for meaningful change. Key takeaways include the importance of acknowledging historical wrongs in education, the case for reparations as a step towards educational equity, and the potential for community-driven solutions to enact real change. Join us for this critical conversation on how to build a more just and inclusive educational future for our children.

Dr. Love outlines her vision for an educational overhaul, the significance of culturally competent teaching, and the power of community engagement in crafting education systems that uplift Black children. Chris and Dr. Love debate various aspects of education reform while agreeing on the need for a fundamental rethinking of education to ensure justice and equity for all students.

Next Episode

Decoding the Belief Gap and Cultivating Black Math Genius (ft. Assata Moore)

In this episode of Always Learning, host Chris Stewart welcomes Assata Moore, a math educator, and founder of 'Black Math Genius,' to discuss the systemic issues in math education and how they particularly affect Black students. They delve into topics such as math anxiety, the cultural implications of mathematics, and how current teaching methods often fail to make math relevant or engaging.

Assata shares her journey, insights, and the importance of culturally responsive teaching. She emphasizes the potential for all students to excel in math through proper instruction and community support. Assata also discusses her innovative approaches in making math relatable, from integrating sports statistics to leveraging educational technology. This engaging conversation sheds light on the need for educational reform and how math can be utilized as a tool for empowerment and socioeconomic advancement.
SHOW NOTES:

02:36 Historical Contributions of Black People to Mathematics

03:56 Making Math Relevant and Engaging

07:53 Training Teachers in the Black Math Genius Way

10:44 Challenges and Solutions in Math Education

18:42 The Impact of Math on Future Wealth

26:51 Practical Math for Real Life

31:13 Cultural and Systemic Challenges

43:37 The Role of Parents in Education

47:03 Leveraging Technology for Learning

49:47 Promoting Math Through Social Media