Conversation series

MONTHLY ONLINE EPISODES

Conversations with educational leaders in professional learning to spark curiosity.

THE LEARNING LOUNGE 

In this series, we sit down with some of the most innovative minds in education to discuss new ideas, share best practices, and explore the latest thinking.

Spark your interest and challenge your thinking - a new episode available every month. 

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Exploring Disciplinary, Interdisciplinary, and Transdisciplinary Education

Navigating Concept-Based Curriculum Design

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Join Rachel French, Andrea Uhl, Jessica Humble-Crofts, and Rasha El-Haggan as they take a deep dive into their shared understanding of the meanings of disciplinary, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary learning.

Join Rachel French, Rafael Angel, Nyssa Brown, and Nancy Fairburn in a dynamic episode of The Learning Lounge as they explore the profound impact of Concept-Based curriculum design. Discover how unity, purpose, and strategic professional learning can revolutionize education, and gain insights into the journey of implementing this transformative teaching approach.

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Candid conversations with educational leaders about issues that matter to YOU. 

Mathematics Redefined: From Curriculum to Conceptual Understanding

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In this episode, educators Lisa Roy, Shanthi  Veerashingam, and Patrick Renouf share their global collaboration journey in redesigning mathematics units. Through personal stories, they reveal how The CBI Mathematics Project has transformed their teaching methods, emphasizing its potential to empower both educators and students, making mathematics much more impactful for all.

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Leading Change in CBI Schools

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Meet school leaders Michelle Simpson, Erin Witthof, and Hatem Mahmoud as they discuss their professional journeys in schools committed to implementing Concept-Based Inquiry. They each share strategies that have helped build momentum and contributed to success in different school contexts.

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Developing The CBI Mathematics Project

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Join Rachel French, Kelvin Sparks and Dani Barolo as they explore the process behind the scenes in developing The CBI Mathematics Project, their commitment to helping schools successfully integrate a Concept-Based approach to their mathematics curriculum and transform the way they teach.

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Embracing Translanguaging

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In this episode, Juliette van Eerdewijk, Cathie MacLeod, and Evelyn Hargett engage in a thoughtful discussion on translanguaging, highlighting its essential role in the teaching and learning process. The conversation delves into the significance of translanguaging in fostering a learning environment that is not only rich but also inclusive. The trio explores the intricate connection between language and identity, shedding light on strategies that nurture and respect the language development of every child.

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Unpacking Curriculum

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In this episode, experienced Curriculum Leaders Engy Olama, Kevin Nielsen, and Lucy Elliot discuss peeling back the layers to discover what is essential in the school curriculum. They also consider what makes collaborative planning meaningful and purposeful. 

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Supporting Educators Who are New to A CBI Approach

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In this episode, Educational Consultant Grace Shin reflects on the impact of the Erickson and Lanning CBCI Trainer Certification, detailing how it has empowered her with confidence and a structured workshop format to drive change in South Korea. Then, department heads Sara Wilkins McAllister and Saskia Koelewijn delved into their experience, introducing their teams to a CBI approach. 

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Rethinking Leaning

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Join Rachel French, Chee Kin Chin, Dana Itani, and Tjandra Purnama, as they rethink learning experiences and learning engagements through the lens of a Concept-Based Curriculum.

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A CBI Approach to Language Development

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In this episode, Dr Marie-Theres Whitehead, Yuanjia Fei, and Abbott Rosemary share the importance of understanding concepts like structure, context, audience, and purpose to help students develop a deeper understanding of language. The importance of understanding grammar and formal and informal vocabulary.

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Leading Change - A schoolwide approach

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In this episode, Rachel French, Manju Nair, Melissa Graham, and Eugene Low delve into school leadership and their strategic implementation of a Concept-Based Inquiry approach. Together, they explore the significant shifts in their schools that have created more rigor and intent in curriculum design and student understanding.

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The Importance of Play

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This conversation between Rachel French and Dr. Jo Fahey focuses on the significant impact the global pandemic has had on children's development and play. Dr. Fahey highlights research indicating an alarming rise in the number of children requiring extra support in schools, as well as key developmental skills that have been affected. 

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Practical strategies for sustainability and service learning

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In this episode, Rachel French, Carla Marschall, Erin Witthoft, and Sarah Harger discuss the importance of sustainability and service learning in education, emphasizing the need for practical strategies teachers can implement. 
Carla shares her experience co-authoring a book with Elizabeth Crawford on integrating sustainability into teaching, highlighting the significance of experiential learning and systems thinking. 

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EPISODE 13

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The Concept-Based Inquiry Mathematics Project

Join Michelle Simpson, Bani Barolo, and Cheryl Isles as they sit down with Rachel French to dive into The Concept-Based Inquiry Mathematics Project. 

This engaging discussion explores how this innovative program transforms mathematics education by focusing on deep conceptual understanding rather than rote learning.

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