Tom James highlights different practices that influence his school's continued emphasis on a 'pedagogy of joy.' From his perspective as assistant division head, he explores ideas and practices to increase joy in schools.

Guest:
Tom James is the Assistant Division Head of High School at The Grace Church School in Manhattan, New York. He's an educator of 12th years, having taught math in public, charter, and independent schools. He has also served as a math department chair and DEI coordinator.

To read more on articles discussed in this conversation, please see titles below:
16:42 - Johnson, 2019 - Joy: a review of the literature and suggestions for future directions
23:25 - Jerrim, 2022 - The power of positive emotions? The link between young people’s positive and negative affect and performance in high-stakes examinations
23:50 - Valiente et al., 2012 - Linking Students’ Emotions and Academic Achievement: When and Why Emotions Matter

Journaling App noted by Tom James
48:12 - Day One - Journaling App

Special thanks to musical artists:
Psalm Trees: https://psalmtreesbeats.bandcamp.com/
Chris Keys: https://chriskeys.bandcamp.com/

To provide suggestions for new topics in future episodes, visit:
present-mind.org/podcast

present-mind.org/podcast

This session Dr. David Naff talks over key points from a recent research brief on student absenteeism. He highlights key trends and factors that impact absenteeism, then engages on ideas to help increase student attendance.

Guest:
Dr. David Naff is the director of the Metropolitan Education Research Consortium (MERC) at VCU. Prior to starting a running MERC, Dr. Naff was a school counselor in North Carolina.

To read more on MERC projects and the MERC research brief on student absenteeism:
Strategies for Addressing Chronic Absenteeism in the Post-Pandemic Era: //scholarscompass.vcu.edu/merc_pubs/135/
MERC Website: https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/

Special thanks to musical artists:
Psalm Trees: https://psalmtreesbeats.bandcamp.com/
Probably Not Famous IV: https://www.probablynotfamous.com/

To provide suggestions for new topics in future episodes, visit:
present-mind.org/podcast

present-mind.org/podcast

We're exploring Hope Action Theory. This theory is explored with doctoral student, Jonathan Adams. He highlights contemplative practices to make space for exploring hopes and values around career decision making.

Guest:
Jonathan Adams is a doctoral student at William & Mary University, exploring contemplative practices. Prior to starting a doctoral program, Jonathan worked as a career counselor at multiple universities in North Carolina.

To learn more about Hope Action Theory:
https://hope-action.com/hope-action-theory

Special thanks to musical artists:
Psalm Trees: https://psalmtreesbeats.bandcamp.com/
Ezzy: https://ezzy0.bandcamp.com/

To provide suggestions for new topics in future episodes, visit:
present-mind.org/podcast

present-mind.org/podcast