Episode 13: “The Beyonce Experience for Deeper Learning” with Gail Higginbottom and Jal Mehta

Pod Squad, this episode just might make you cry. Join us as we walk through rural British Columbia and urban Baltimore, moving through the ancestral realm to Harvard board rooms to one guest’s grandma’s living room. We’ll talk about Indigenous fusion food (ever heard of Bannock French Toast?) and the pork chop dilemma of project-based learning: How do we neither undercook nor overcook the project? Also, what are the limitations of big studies and meta-research to help us understand the nuances and lasting impact of deep learning experiences. You’ll learn about Little Gail Higginbottom and what drove her to be the writer and fierce, heart-forward, equity-centered leader of Indigenous education she is today, and Little Jal Mehta’s pathway from an inquiry-based school (that his mom led!) to founding a community of 12 districts across North America that are blazing new trails for equity and deeper learning. 

 

Equity is vulnerable work. We have to create cultural emotional spiritual safety for students, families and communities.

 

For Further Learning:

• To learn more about the Deeper Learning Dozen, click here.

• Get Jal and Sarah Fine’s book In Search of Deeper Learning here.

• Gail’s reflection questions, inspired by the DLD teaching that “equity is structural”: 

  • How do we ensure student voice is leading this work?

  • How do we decide who to include? How do we decide who to invite?

  • How do we do that work safely?  

  • How do we ensure that students who share their stories are honoured, nurtured, and empowered?

  • How do we ensure students are heard and their voices are amplified?

  • How do we ensure these voices are listened to?

  • What do we need to do to show those students that we care, that they matter, and we believe in them?