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The ThoughtStretchers Podcast

ThoughtStretchers Education
Inquiry-Based Learning
Cognitive Load Theory
Cognitive Science
Project-Based Learning
Education
Critical Thinking
Equity In Education
Education Policy
Teaching Strategies
School Choice
Knowledge-Rich Curriculum
Dyslexia
Educational Research
Artificial Intelligence
Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives
Educational Equity
Curriculum Design
Reading Education
Civics Education
Teacher Training

Dialectic Conversations For Intellectually Rigorous Educators

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes450Founded11 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Education

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Artwork for The ThoughtStretchers Podcast

Latest Episodes

Drew Perkins welcomes back Ted Dintersmith to discuss the urgent need to move away from an education system obsessed with standardized testing and toward one that empowers students to do real, meaningful work. In his new book, Aftermath, and document... more

Drew Perkins talks with David Geary, a cognitive developmental and evolutionary psychologist and Curator's Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri. They dive into the foundations of evolutionary educational... more

Drew Perkins welcomes Patrick Graff, Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children, to discuss his recent research analyzing 15 years of Florida's tax-credit scholarship program. Graff presents a compelling case for why "competition effects" ... more

Drew Perkins talks with Valentina Devid to explore why the term "formative assessment" often fails in practice and how shifting the focus to Formative Action can lead to more sustainable, durable learning. Valentina shares her journey from a history ... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

David Geary
Curator's Distinguished Professor at University of Missouri, expert in cognitive development and evolutionary psychology
University of Missouri
Episode: Biologically Primary vs. Secondary Learning With David Geary
Patrick Graff
Senior fellow at the American Federation for Children
American Federation for Children
Episode: School Choice, Competition vs. Spending
Valentina Devid
Educator and founder of a professional development company focused on formative action
Formative Action/Netherlands organization
Episode: Moving From Formative Assessment To Action
Brendan Lee
A teacher and host of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast
Knowledge for Teachers Podcast
Episode: Engineering the Aha, What's Missing From Inquiry
John Sweller
Emeritus Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of New South Wales
University of New South Wales
Episode: John Sweller On The Foundations And Future Of Cognitive Load Theory
Oliver Caviglioli
Educator with a background in special education and cognitive load theory
Episode: John Sweller On The Foundations And Future Of Cognitive Load Theory
Brian Lamb
Co-founder of Swivl, focusing on educational technology, reflection, and feedback
Swivl
Episode: Modern Learning And The Paradox Of Edtech
Chris Papst
Investigative reporter based in Baltimore
Fox 45, Project Baltimore
Episode: Failure Factory, A Warning For Public Schools
Natalie Wexler
Education writer and author of 'The Knowledge Gap' and 'Beyond the Science of Reading'
Self-employed
Episode: Beyond Explicit Instruction, The Importance of Elaboration

Host

Drew Perkins
Host of The ThoughtStretchers Podcast

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 52 ratings
  • Always insightful conversations!

    Drew is a good interviewer and has really interesting conversations. I highly recommend this podcast anyone that works in education!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Z Cress
    United States5 years ago
  • New Educator

    This was the first podcast that I listened to and what a wealth of knowledge and insight!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ambitious Blue
    United States7 years ago
  • Every Educator and Parent Needs to Listen

    Each conversation is filled with inspiration. If you are trying to teach your children what really matters and not just the material to pass tests, this podcast is a must!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    bburtteaches
    United States8 years ago
  • Transforming education

    What a great podcast authentically changing education by providing valuable expertise in how to teach the 21st century learner!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AwesomeMontana
    United States8 years ago
  • Teacher

    I am a new teacher. It is my 3rd or 4th career. I teach in a private religious school. This podcast helped melearn about what isgoing on outside my school. It also exposed me to ideas on the cutting edge of education. Thank you

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NDCARMI
    United States9 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

High-quality conversations that challenge conventional teaching trends
Thoughtful discussions that connect theory to classroom practice
Guests bring diverse expertise from education research to edtech

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Biologically Primary vs. Secondary Learning With David Geary
Q: What is the role of domain-general problem solving (fluid abilities) in education and its heritability?
Fluid problem-solving abilities are somewhat heritable and support learning across domains, but instruction can teach problem-solving approaches that are transferable, though not perfect transfer; educators should provide explicit strategies alongside opportunities to practice in multiple domains.
Biologically Primary vs. Secondary Learning With David Geary
Q: How do we handle the balance between inquiry-based approaches and explicit instruction in early childhood?
Geary suggests that early ages can benefit from guided inquiry integrated with content knowledge, but caution is needed to avoid making inquiry the sole approach; designers should provide engaging problems and opportunities to test ideas while supplying essential knowledge.
Biologically Primary vs. Secondary Learning With David Geary
Q: Is it fair to say that biologically primary knowledge and skills don't need to be explicitly taught and biologically secondary require instruction?
Geary argues that biologically primary skills develop through experience and are assisted by a structured environment, but biologically secondary skills typically require explicit teaching and guided practice to become functional and transferable across contexts.
School Choice, Competition vs. Spending
Q: How should policymakers think about ESSER funds in light of these findings?
ESSER funds showed that only a portion was earmarked for academics, yet the observed gains paralleled broader spending research, implying that the effectiveness of school spending depends on how funds are used, not just how much is spent; a focus on targeted instructional improvements and efficiency matters more than sheer money allocation.
Moving From Formative Assessment To Action
Q: But let's talk about formative action. Yes. So, why, you know, looking at some of your work, I think I understand, but kind of explain, why should we be shifting from formative assessment to formative action? Explain that for us.
Formative action reframes the idea away from being tool- or activity-focused toward a focus on pedagogy and what the teacher actually needs to know about students to act. It emphasizes collecting information to make informed decisions and follow-up actions that directly improve learning, rather than simply checking for understanding.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The ThoughtStretchers Podcast

What is The ThoughtStretchers Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Expect thoughtful, evidence-based conversations at the intersection of education theory, cognitive science, and practical classroom practice. Episodes frequently dissect teaching methods, learning science concepts (such as cognitive load, elaboration, and inquiry-based learning), and the impact of technology on student thinking, often featuring researchers, educators, and education technologists. The show stands out for its direct critiques of prevalent educational trends, deep dives into instructional design, and a willingness to challenge conventional approaches with research-backed insights. For potential guests or sponsors, the focus on rigorous pedagogy, scalable learning strategies, and real-world classroom outcomes makes it a strong ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The ThoughtStretchers Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The ThoughtStretchers Podcast:

1. Chalk & Talk
2. Huberman Lab
3. Making Sense with Sam Harris
4. Morning Wire
5. Science of Reading: The Podcast

How many episodes of The ThoughtStretchers Podcast are there?

The ThoughtStretchers Podcast launched 11 years ago and published 450 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The ThoughtStretchers Podcast?

Recent guests on The ThoughtStretchers Podcast include:

1. David Geary
2. Patrick Graff
3. Valentina Devid
4. Brendan Lee
5. John Sweller
6. Oliver Caviglioli
7. Brian Lamb
8. Chris Papst

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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