Listen "Joyful, Non-Toxic Learning with Dr. Deena Shaffer"
Episode Synopsis
When an educational experience is steeped in competitiveness, one-size-fits-all policies, a “grind” mindset, and an emphasis on achievement over individual growth, the classroom can feel stressful and unwelcoming. How can we create learning environments that feel healthy and supportive?Infusing Sustainability, Empathy, and Inclusivity into the ClassroomThis week, I was excited to sit down with a former teacher of mine, the wonderful Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer. Dr. Shaffer is the author of Feel Good Learning and a lifelong learning strategist who can be described as both an academic resilience coach and a nontoxic productivity coach. Our conversation is full of beautiful insights about what we can and should be doing to make learning feel better — for students and teachers alike.You’ll discover:The personal journey that inspired Dr. Shaffer’s nontoxic learning philosophy and the strategies she uses to make learning feel more welcoming and joyfulWhat needs to be unpacked and addressed when it comes to decision-making around learning and our students’ need for external validationThat all life is education — and why confining our focus to classroom strategies, institutional policies, and scoring standards is reductive and short-sighted How establishing a nurturing safe space to explore creativity can create lifelong confidence in expressing ourselves creativelyHow introverted and gentle people can find their place in a teaching world that rewards extroversion and performativityTimestamps: 00:44 Meet Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer04:49 Nurturing creativity & getting out of the way13:55 Quiet teachers & embracing aliveness17:24 Dr. Shaffer’s approach23:27 All life is education26:10 Authenticity & deconditioning30:18 External validation38:59 Finding joy47:02 Final tip & what’s next51:02 ConclusionLinks: Awakened Learning by Dr. Deena Kara ShafferInstagram: @awakenedlearningMastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!Connect with Adrienne! Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at [email protected]. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal. Ask the Expert Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast! Work with Adrienne 💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫
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