Think Differently and Deeply Podcast

There are conversations in education that challenge not just what we do in classrooms, but how we think about learning itself. Today's conversation with educator, researcher, and The Scaffolding Effect co-author Alex Fairlamb was exactly that kind of conversation. Alex joins us at the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning after a whirlwind stretch of presentations across China, New York, Maryland, and beyond — and somehow still brought clarity, energy, and practicality to one of the most misunderstood ideas in education today: scaffolding.
In this episode, Alex insists that scaffolding is not about lowering expectations or making work easier. It is about maintaining ambitious goals for every learner while thoughtfully removing barriers that prevent students from reaching them. In a moment when schools are wrestling with AI, personalization, differentiation, and equity, Alex offers something refreshingly grounded: responsive teaching rooted in the science of learning, teacher expertise, and a deep belief that all students deserve access to rigorous curriculum and high expectations.
"Success equals motivation. So the more that I saw the success of what I was doing in the classroom with the students, the more that I was motivated to find out more and more and more." - Alex Fairlamb.
What You'll Learn:
Why is scaffolding fundamentally different from "watering down" instruction

What is the difference between differentiation, adaptive teaching, and responsive teaching

How does effective scaffolding support equity and academic belonging

Why "teaching to the top" matters for all learners

How checks for understanding drive responsive instruction

What teachers often misunderstand about I-We-You instructional models

Why teacher expertise—not programs or scripts—remains central to learning

How can AI support scaffolding without replacing student thinking

What is the role of coaching and professional learning in improving instruction

Why the science of learning should shape how schools think about curriculum, assessment, and support systems
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"It's about being absolutely and unapologetically ambitious about what each child can do." - Alex Fairlamb.
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Today's guest Kristin Webster taught middle and upper school Latin at St. Andrews for four years and is currently a class dean and Latin teacher at the Nightingale Bamford School in New York City. Kristin has also continued to be a translation group leader at the CTTL'S Annual Science of Teaching and School Leadership Academy, and authored an article for volume four of Think Differently and Eeeply titled Emotion and Cognition: Creating a Positive Classroom Culture.
In this episode, Kristin explains her role when teaching tricky topics and the importance she places on the transparency of her thought process with her students as she teaches. We also talk about how the topic of latin is evolving and which recent research in the science of learning has influenced her teaching style.
"Most of us aren't gonna remember a lot...I am so much happier if you leave and you know how to study, how to advocate for yourself, what are effective strategies, because you're gonna take that to every subject throughout your educational journey." - Kristin Webster
What You'll Learn:
How to know if study strategies are sticking
What's to love about teaching Latin 
How is teaching Latin evolving
Which topics in Latin are difficult
How important is mindset in learning
What is it like to be a translation group leader
Research that informs teaching
What is the next frontier in the science of learning
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"I want them to feel good about learning and know that they're capable of learning. They just need, might need to pivot on what strategy they're using." - Kristin Webster
SUBSCRIBE TO THINK DIFFERENTLY & DEEPLY ON iTUNES/APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3JCpK1u
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE: https://www.thecttl.org
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Today host Glenn Whitman talks about practical instructional design with instructional coach Gene Tavernetti. Reading to learn has been an integral part of both of their journeys and they co-authored the article "Let's Talk More About Instructional Design (and the science of learning)."
Gene is also the author of the book "Teach Fast: Focused Adaptable Structured Teaching." In this episode, we discuss Gene's educational journey and the benefits of training in the fast framework method.
Listen in to learn what teachers can learn from coaches and how to "shift the lift."
"Being right was never enough. In fact, thinking you were right all the time was a detriment to assisting teachers to open up to try things." - Gene Tavernetti
What You'll Learn: 
What is Gene Tavernetti's educational journey
How to transition from coach to teacher
Ways teachers can use humor in the classroom
How to get the attention of your audience
Why should teachers talk more about Instructional Design
What is the connection between the science of learning and fast framework methods
Which book is Gene reading now
What does training look like in the fast framework
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"The power of this fast framework is if you just get better at a few of the components you're going to see a change. And the change is in the kids. And that's, that's when I know that I've been successful. - Gene Tavernetti
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE: https://www.thecttl.org
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It is rare to have St. Andrews students on the podcast, so one of today's guests is a special addition. Daphne is a St. Andrews language teacher and a returning guest on the podcast. In this episode, Daphne brings one of her students along to rethink the concept of homework.
We talk about the ways that teachers can promote collective efficacy through homework assignments and what makes a good or bad homework assignment. We also discuss ways that teachers can reduce barriers to learning and encourage motivation to do school assignments.
Listen to this episode to learn how teachers can learn more from their students and improve the connection between homework assignments and classroom learning.
"Presenting at conferences is a great way to pause and ask myself, what do I believe and how can I communicate that with others." - Daphne Clyburn
What You'll Learn: 
How do St. Andrews students study
Why should teachers be learning more from their students
How can teachers reconsider the goal of homework
Why do teachers assign homework
How to make homework a continuation of class
What is the difference between good and bad homework
How has the concept of homework changed
Is AI affecting homework in the ways predicted
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"In everything we do as teachers, we need to be incorporating student voice into making our teaching practice stronger. If we're not getting a perspective, then we're missing the mark." - Daphne Clyburn
SUBSCRIBE TO THINK DIFFERENTLY & DEEPLY ON iTUNES/APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3JCpK1u
And to support our work, please leave us a 5-star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE: https://www.thecttl.org
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Sean Hurney has been the athletic trainer at St. Andrews for over 24 years. In this episode, we discuss his article, "Taking Care of the Whole Student Athlete," and Sean shares what he has learned during his career and how his outlook has changed over time.
We also discuss factors that can impact student-athletes off the playing field and how AI has affected athletic trainers.
"The injury data is showing that these sports specializations are causing injuries. Orthopedics, the amount of office visits, time lost is, are going up at an astronomical rate." - Sean Hurney
What You'll Learn: 
Should athletes play through pain  
Why are relationships with student athletes important
How to approach questions for a student athlete
Should student athletes play multiple sports
What is the relationship between stress and student athletic performance
How has athletic training changed
Has AI impacted student athletic trainers
What are the pros of being an athletic trainer
How to stay healthy as an athlete
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"You can pretty much pinpoint when the kids hit their breaking point." - Sean Hurney
SUBSCRIBE TO THINK DIFFERENTLY & DEEPLY ON iTUNES/APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3JCpK1u
And to support our work, please leave us a 5-star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE: https://www.thecttl.org
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