In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, Gary Stager shares his insights on education, emphasizing the importance of making learning engaging and meaningful for students. He reflects on his own educational experiences, the influence of music and programming, and the need to reclaim the art of teaching in a system often dominated by rigid pedagogical approaches. Stager discusses the potential impact of AI on education and envisions a future where schools foster creativity and personal expression. He draws parallels between jazz and education, highlighting the value of collaboration and improvisation in the learning process. Ultimately, Stager advocates for a transformative approach to education that prioritizes student agency and joy in learning.
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Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Opening Reflections On Learning
[00:00:34] Setting The Stage For Human Purpose
[00:02:58] Gary’s Current Work And Philosophy
[00:04:26] Growing Up In New Jersey
[00:06:36] Early Encounters With Math And Music
[00:08:53] The Fastest Way From The Top To The Bottom
[00:10:58] Teachers Who Opened Doors
[00:12:57] Independence And Childhood Freedom
[00:14:59] Discovering World-Class Teachers
[00:16:49] The Path Toward Education
[00:21:07] Accidentally Becoming A Teacher Of Teachers
[00:23:11] Early Vision Of Computing For Children
[00:27:28] The Most Inspiring Classrooms In The World
[00:31:20] Why Greatness In Learning Matters
[00:33:45] The Rise Of Pedagogical Authoritarianism
[00:38:37] The Project As The Unit Of Concern
[00:40:26] The Question That Transforms Teaching
[00:42:18] When Systems Undermine Good Teachers
[00:45:24] The Cost Of Assessment-Driven Schooling
[00:47:40] University Myths And The Culture Of Scarcity
[00:49:59] The Power Of Purpose And Passion
[00:54:21] AI Will Force A Reckoning
[00:56:08] Why Most AI Talk In Education Is Misguided
[01:00:28] The Learner’s Apprentice And New Possibilities
[01:02:50] The Real Threats Of AI Policy
[01:05:13] Why Schools Must Stop Building Walls
[01:07:30] A Dystopian Future Of Schooling
[01:09:57] A Hopeful Future Of Possibility
[01:12:25] Learning From The World’s Best Educators
[01:14:33] What Jazz Teaches About Learning
[01:19:15] The Wonder Of Mastery Across Generations
[01:20:52] What Gary Would Do With A Magic Wand
[01:22:47] Closing Thoughts And Gratitude