The Old School

156 episodes — Page 3 of 4

Ep 56Episode 56: On Teacher Unions

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discuss the impact of teacher unions on the profession and their continued utility. While largely experienced in non-union states, the two plow ahead and discuss the merits and deficiencies of teacher unions. The dynamic duo have published a book! Check out The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education. The book takes the reader though some of the major challenges facing education and our humble suggestions on how to improve what is taking place within the classroom.https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DLY0CMTRK95F&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold%3A+a+critical+look&qid=1670184214&sprefix=%2Caps%2C613&sr=8-1Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Feb 11, 202340 min

Ep 55Episode 55: On Retirement

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller ruminates over the latter's announcement that he is retiring and whether it is a good idea or not.Do you want to connect with your elders? Go a little old school like your two favorite curmudgeons and read their ideas between attractive front and back covers? Then we have a book for you.https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1K5U8IEUTKGPB&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold%3A+a+critical+look&qid=1674416159&sprefix=%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Jan 22, 202343 min

Ep 54Episode 54: On Civics Education

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller talk of the importance and lack of good civics education and the repercussions that this dearth of instructions has on our democracy and what schools can do about it.Many of the ideas that are discussed on this podcast can now be found in a handy, easy to carry book. Check out The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education exclusively on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6C3AW0PQL82Q&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold%3A+a+critical+look&qid=1673125515&sprefix=the+center+cannot+hold+a+critical+look%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-1Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Jan 7, 202349 min

Ep 53Episode 53: On Motivation Research

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discusses the former's recent published review of Dr. Edward Deci's new work on motivation and self-determination theory. We also banter in a witty sort of way. Dr. Bourgeois' review on "Why We Do What We Do" by Dr. Edward L. Decihttps://classicaledreview.substack.com/p/why-we-do-what-we-doDo you like reading? Do you like books? Check out our new book, available exclusively on Amazon entitled, The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education.https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=150L55GOQFPT9&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold+education&qid=1671288211&sprefix=the+center+cannot+hold+education%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-1Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Dec 17, 202258 min

Ep 52Episode 52: On the Ethical Teacher

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller try to reconcile a "code of ethics" with an ethical teacher...with mixed results.Do you listen to our podcast and say to yourself, "I wish there was a book version of these ideas?" Well, you are in luck. Check out the link below for our book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1E87K00V3TDKG&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold%3A+a+critical+look&qid=1670102195&sprefix=%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-1Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Dec 3, 202245 min

Ep 51Episode 51: On the Future of Rigor

Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Ross Miller discuss the firing of NYU Chemistry professor, Maitland Jones and what it means for the future of rigor in the classroom.Do not forget to our amazingly insightful, occasionally humorous book from Amazon. It can be found at:https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MZP9PYEA39U3&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold%3A+a+critical+look&qid=1668278369&sprefix=%2Caps%2C479&sr=8-1Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Nov 12, 202246 min

Ep 50Episode 50: On The 50th Attempt to Fix Education

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois recounting their experience leading informal philosophy groups among high school students.Musical credit:"Thinking of You"Steven and Jim BourgeoisFrom Thinking of You (2017)©All rights reserved

Oct 29, 202255 min

Ep 49Episode 49: On the Philosophy Club

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois recounting their experience leading informal philosophy groups among high school students.Musical credit:"Track 11"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness (2004)©All rights reserved

Oct 4, 202248 min

Ep 48Episode 48: On Sanitizing the Classroom

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois discuss challenges to classroom speech and a tendency to shield the classroom space from difficult conversations.Musical Credit:Steven Bourgeois Piano Improv July 24 2021a©2021 All rights reserved

Sep 15, 202251 min

Ep 47Episode 47: Book Launch

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois raise a glass to celebrate the release of their new book: The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education . . . available now on Amazon.com . . . click here to order . . .Musical credit:"My Shining Hour"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Aug 28, 202248 min

Ep 46Episode 46: On Mentors

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois reflect on mentors who guided them through their respective teaching careers. Musical credit:"Thinking of Your"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Aug 7, 202246 min

Ep 45Episode 45: European Travel Part 2

Jul 17, 202250 min

Ep 44Episode 44: European Travel Part 1

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller provide playful banter as they travel through Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.Musical credit:"Blithe and Bonny"Steven BourgeoisFrom Presence (2005)©2017 All rights reserved

Jul 2, 202247 min

Ep 43Episode 43: On Student Exchanges

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller reflect on previous student exchange programs, highlighting the benefits and challenges.Musical credit:"Everything Happens to Me"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Jun 4, 202248 min

Ep 42Episode 42 On Tutoring and Videos for Advanced Placement Tests

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois weigh the costs and benefits of Advanced Placement courses, tutoring, and test prep.Musical credit:"Exit"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness

May 9, 202239 min

Ep 41Episode 41: Preliminary Thoughts on the End of the School Year

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller make preliminary comments on how school years eventually end.Musical credit:"Thinking of Your"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Apr 18, 202235 min

Ep 40Episode 40: On Teaching Foreign Languages

Mar 20, 202242 min

Ep 39Episode 39: On the Great Retirement

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois take a new perspective on what has been termed "the great retirement" of teachers in recent years. They examine teacher autonomy as a factor that may supersede issues relating to instructional technology and current events. Musical credit:"It Never Entered My Mind"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Mar 6, 202244 min

Ep 38Episode 38: On Perceptions of the Teaching Profession

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois discuss perceptions the teaching profession and the status of teachers in the United States.Musical credit:"Rock Myself"Steven BourgeoisFrom Presence (2005)©All rights reserved

Feb 12, 202242 min

Ep 37Episode 37: On Parents and What is Taught

Jan 31, 202245 min

Ep 36Episode 36: On Tired Teachers

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller theorize on why teachers lose energy after spending 18-odd weeks in the classroom entertaining students. Reflections just prior to Christmas Break.Musical credit:"Track 7"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness (2004)©All rights reserved

Jan 13, 202240 min

Ep 35Episode 35: On School Counseling with Wes Upton

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller are joined by Mr. Wes Upton, a high school counselor, on advanced coursework, college preparation, and career pathways.Musical credit:"Track 2"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness (2004)©All rights reserved

Dec 29, 202143 min

Ep 34Episode 34: On Advanced Placement Courses

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller consider the pros and cons of advanced high school coursework including Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment.Musical credit:"Track 4"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness (2004)©All rights reserved

Dec 11, 202132 min

Ep 33Episode 33: On School Holidays

Nov 24, 202127 min

Ep 32Episode 32: On Classroom Discourse with Dr. Matthew Post

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome Dr. Matthew Post of the University of Dallas for a continuation of their discussion on classroom discourse.Musical credit:"Track 11"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness (2004)©All rights reserved

Nov 9, 202139 min

Ep 31Episode 31: On Class Discussions

Oct 29, 202143 min

Ep 30Episode 30: On Dress Codes

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois navigate the precarious waters of school dress codes. Musical credit:"Thinking of Your"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Oct 9, 202136 min

Ep 29Episode 29: On Student Voice with Dr. Larry Nyland

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome Dr. Larry Nyland, former Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, to a discussion on student voice. Musical credit:"Skylark"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Sep 18, 202134 min

Ep 28Episode 28: On 9 /11

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois reflect on their time in the classroom on September 11, 2001.

Sep 11, 202125 min

Ep 27Episode 27: On the First Day of School

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller reflect on the first day of a school year and all such a momentous occasion entails.Musical credit:"Good Morning Heartache"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Sep 4, 202140 min

Ep 26Episode 26: On School Athletics (and the Colts)

Aug 22, 202138 min

Ep 25Episode 25: On Motivation and Learning

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discuss how teachers and parents can foster or thwart quality motivation of children.Musical credit:"Dark Places Part II"Steven BourgeoisFrom Presence (2005)©All rights reserved

Aug 11, 202137 min

Ep 24Episode 24: On US History and the Great North

Jul 29, 202139 min

Ep 23Episode 23: On Learning Styles

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller tackle the controversial issue of learning styles, identifying unintended consequences. Specifically, they address how the idea of learning styles has become embedded in teacher education programs, teacher certification exams, teacher evaluations, and textbooks.Musical credit:"Rock Myself"Steven BourgeoisFrom Presence©2005 All rights reserved

Jul 19, 202140 min

Ep 19Episode 19: On Summer Vacation

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois reflect on summer vacation for teachers, turning what is universally considered a joyful activity into a problem.Musical credit:"Dancing on the Edge"Steven BourgeoisFrom Presence (2005)©All rights reserved

Jun 13, 202138 min