1. Brian Johnson: How to teach students, not them
Big idea: Educators should prioritize student participation through teaching for Students, actively participate rather than passive reception.
Brian Johnson stressed the importance of a more interactive approach centered on students’ needs and perspectives. He believes that by creating a classroom environment where students feel heard and engaged, educators can enhance learning outcomes and promote deeper connections to the material.
2. MelonieD. Parker: Advice for leaders about creating a culture of belonging
Big idea: Cultivating a sense of belonging in educational institutions is essential to the success and well-being of students.
Melonie D. She emphasizes the role of empathy, active listening and intentional community building in creating spaces that celebrate diversity, where all individuals can thrive academically and personally.
3. Ted-ed: Why you procrastinate even if you feel sad
Big idea: Understanding the psychological roots of procrastination can help students develop better study habits and overcome academic delays.
This TED-ED animation delves into the science behind procrastination, explaining how the brain’s limbic system and prefrontal cortex interact to influence our decisions. By recognizing these internal battles, students can implement strategies to manage procrastination, such as setting clear goals and creating structured routines.
4. Kim Preshoff: Population Pyramid: A Powerful Predictor for the Future
Big idea: Analyzing the population pyramid can provide valuable insights into future social and educational needs.
Kim Preshoff explains how demographic visualizations (such as the population pyramid) predict trends that affect education systems, such as shifts in student population and labor demand. Educators and policy makers can use this information to proactively adjust courses and resources.
5. George Zaidan: We can prevent the next pandemic
Big idea: Education plays a key role in preparing society to prevent and respond to future epidemics.
George Zaidan stressed the importance of scientific literacy and public health education in mitigating the spread of the disease. By integrating comprehensive health education into school curriculum, we can empower knowledgeable individuals to make informed decisions during health crises.
6. GitanjaliRao: A guide to young scientists to solve problems and innovate
Big idea: Encouraging students to innovate and problem-solving skills can lead to meaningful social contributions.
Teenage scientist Gitanjali Rao shares her approach to identifying problems and developing innovative solutions, and highlights the importance of promoting creativity and critical thinking in education. Her approach is to integrate a blueprint for innovation-centric learning in the classroom.
7. Swati Popat Vats: Storytelling: Complete Brain Exercise
Big idea: Storytelling is a powerful educational tool that attracts multiple areas of the brain, thereby enhancing learning and retention.
Swati Popat Vats discusses how to incorporate storytelling into teaching methods to make learning more effective and enjoyable. By stimulating imagination and emotional connections, stories can help students master complex concepts and promote a love for learning.
8. Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from their kids
Big idea: Adults can gain valuable insights by listening and learning and learning from the perspective of children.
Adora Svitak challenged the notion that wisdom is unique to adults in his speech. She advocates more mutual learning environments, where adults take their children’s ideas seriously, and uses their natural curiosity and creativity to shape a more innovative educational landscape.
9. Alix Generous: How We Use the Internet to Treat Mental Illness
Big idea: Digital tools can expand opportunities for mental health education for students around the world.
Alix generously discusses how technology can help bridge mental health gaps in education, especially for students with limited access to in-person care. Her speech highlighted the need for scalable, stigma-free digital platforms that teach, support and connect young people who are dealing with mental health challenges.
10. ValerieKaur: 3 Revolutionary Love Courses in the Angry Period
Big idea: Through the practice of compassion, justice and love, education can become a force for social transformation.
Valerie Kaur shares her “revolutionary love” framework and how it applies to teaching, activism and leadership. She encourages educators to embrace love as public morality—to make others, opponents and ourselves happy to create safe, transformative and socially conscious classrooms.
Teaacthout’s mission is to promote critical thinking and innovative education.
