The Teach Different Podcast

In this episode of the Teach Different podcast, Mattew Wood joins Dan and Steve Fouts to discuss civic responsibility through the lens of Theodore Roosevelt. He shares his journey as a middle school history teacher, discussing his passion for teaching and the importance of relationships in education. Together they unpack the quote “This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in,” exploring its implications for community and individual responsibility in creating a better society. Listen for thoughtful reflections on classroom experiences, the impact of teaching philosophy, and the significance of engaging students in meaningful conversations. Chapters 00:00 - The Journey into Teaching and Personal Background 05:06 - Experiences in Diverse Educational Settings 11:07 - The Importance of Relationships in Education 16:04 - Exploring the Quote by Teddy Roosevelt 24:31 - Creating a Positive Classroom Community 27:20 - The Political Spectrum and Community Values 31:20 - Counterclaims and the Nature of Good 34:28 - Essential Questions on Community and Individual Needs 36:23 - Historical Perspectives on Community Welfare 39:54 - Reflections on Leadership and Civic Responsibility 41:04 - The Importance of Critical Thinking in Education 41:57 - Teach Different Outro Image Source: Pach Brothers (photography studio), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In this episode, Dan and Steve Fouts are joined by Mitchell Conway to explore a quote from Henry David Thoreau: “It’s not a man’s duty as a matter of course, to devote himself to the eradication of any, even the most enormous wrong, but it is his duty at least to wash his hands of it.” Mitchell shares his diverse experiences in education, emphasizing the importance of philosophy in teaching across various age groups. The discussion explores the role of age in philosophical discourse, the transformative potential of education, and the significance of the Teach Different Method. Together they unpack Thoreau's views on civil disobedience, reflecting on the ethical responsibilities individuals hold in the face of injustice. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 00:10 - Mitch's Background in Philosophy and Education 02:14 - The Role of Philosophy in Education 04:55 - Philosophy for All Ages 07:19 - The Misconception of Youth and Philosophy 10:24 - The Importance of Open-Mindedness 13:18 - The Teach Different Method Explained 16:22 - Thoreau's Quote on Civil Disobedience 18:54 - Interpreting Thoreau's Message 22:02 - Real-World Applications of Thoreau's Ideas 24:45 - The Duty to Act Against Injustice 27:49 - The Complexity of Ethical Obligations 30:57 - Conclusion and Reflections on Responsibility 41:12 - Thoreau's Moral Duty and Civil Disobedience 43:42 - The Complexity of Ethical Obligations 44:43 - Criteria for Opposing Injustice 46:17 - Exploring Civil Disobedience 48:57 - Philosophy Walk on Civil Disobedience 49:44 - The Role of Education in Philosophy 51:07 - Teach Different Outro Image Source: National Portrait Gallery, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In this episode of the Teach Different podcast, hosts Dan and Steve Fouts welcome Candace Fikis, a seasoned educator from West Chicago Community High School. Candace shares her extensive teaching experience, focusing on economics and government, and discusses the evolution of political discourse and its impact on education. Today’s episode explores a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: “In the final analysis, a riot is the language of the unheard.” With Candace, Dan and Steve unpack the claim, counterclaim and essential questions that come to mind from the quote, exploring its implications in contemporary society and education. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Candace's Teaching Journey 02:21 - The Evolution of Education and Politics 05:59 - Challenges in Teaching History 09:09 - The Importance of Student Engagement 13:02 - Teaching in a Diverse Classroom 15:59 - Implementing New Teaching Methods 18:45 - Understanding Economic Perceptions 23:33 - The Power of Quotes in Education 28:36 - Exploring the Language of the Unheard 37:37 - Justifying Riots: A Complex Discussion 41:58 - Teach Different Outro   Image source: IISG Photograph:  Ben van Meerendonk Derivative work:  Jahobr, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

In this episode of the Teach Different podcast, Dan and Steve Fouts are joined by Jason Artman to discuss a quote by William Fulbright: “In a democracy, dissent is an act of faith.” They unpack the claim of the quote, speaking to the importance of dissent in democracy, the impact of social media on political discourse, and the role of educators in fostering healthy discussions in the classroom. They unpack the counterclaim of the quote, sharing examples of when dissent could be viewed as anti-democratic. The conversation ends with some essential questions for further exploration.. Image Source: Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1159987

In this episode of the Teach Different podcast, Dan and Steve Fouts explore the wisdom of Benjamin Franklin through the quote, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”. They discuss the claim of the quote: the importance of preparation is essential in setting yourself up for success. They explore the counterclaim: the importance of going with the flow instead of preparing too much, especially when it comes to teaching and parenting. Lastly, they pose some essential questions for further considerations in your discussions of the quote. Image Source: Joseph-Siffred Duplessis, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Benjamin_Franklin_%281706%E2%80%931790%29_MET_DP312881.jpg  

In this episode of the Teach Different podcast, Dan and Steve Fouts explore a quote by Booker T. Washington regarding success: “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” They explore the claim of the quote, the significance of measuring it by the obstacles one has overcome rather than societal position. They unpack the counterclaim of the quote, the significance of character and status in defining success. The conversation concludes with some essential questions for further discussion, emphasizing the need for a balance between spontaneity and structure in discussions, particularly in educational settings, and reflects on how success can be perceived both internally and externally. ​ Image Source: https://www.stockvault.net/photo/200299/booker-t-washington

In this episode of the Teach Different podcast, hosts Dan and Steve Fouts explore a powerful quote by Ida Tarbell: “Imagination is the only key to the future. With it, all things are possible.” They discuss the claim of the quote: the importance of imagination in shaping the future, providing examples of times when they used their imagination to preempt future success.  They then discuss the counterclaim: the importance of luck, discovery and awareness in crafting future success. Lastly, they present some essential questions for further exploration of the quote. Visit www.teachdifferent.com for more updates. Image Source: https://loc.getarchive.net/media/ida-minerva-tarbell-1857-1944

In this episode of the Teach Different podcast, we explore the quote by an unknown author "I don't like that man, I must get to know him better." We discuss the claim of the quote: the importance of understanding and communication in overcoming dislike and divisiveness in society. We also unpack the counterclaim: the significance of cutting your losses with people you don’t like instead of trying to know them better. Lastly, we propose some essential questions to help you think more deeply about the quote. Visit https://teachdifferent.com/ for more updates.

In this episode of the Teach Different podcast, Dan and Steve Fouts explore the quote, “Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it.” They discuss the claim, which is the inevitability of conflict in life, particularly in educational settings, and share personal experiences that illustrate the importance of managing conflict effectively. The conversation delves into the nature of peace, the role of conflict in personal growth, and how to approach relationships with the understanding that conflict is a part of life. They present some counterclaims and essential questions. The episode concludes with reflections on the Teach Different method and its application in various contexts.  

In this episode of the Teach Different podcast, Dan and Steve Fouts explore a Japanese proverb: 'The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists.' They discuss the claim of the quote, highlighting that the bamboo that bends symbolizes flexibility and adaptability. The conversation delves into the counterclaim calling for a balance between adaptability and standing firm on principles. The conversation ends with some essential questions such as, when is it good to bend like the bamboo and when to stand firm like an oak tree.

In this episode, Dan Fouts and Steve Fouts explore the profound quote attributed to Aristotle and Plato:”'Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” They discuss the claim of the quote which is the importance of self-knowledge. They also present some counterclaims regarding the nature of wisdom and the role of external knowledge in shaping self-awareness. Lastly, they share some essential questions like what is wisdom and why is self-knowledge important? Image source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/Aristotle._Line_engraving_by_P._FiDan Foutsza_after_Raphael_Sanzio_Wellcome_V0000205.jpg  

In this episode of the Teach Different Podcast, Dan Fouts and Steve Fouts Fouts explore a thought-provoking quote by South African writer, teacher and pastor Andrew Murray: 'Pride must die in you or nothing of heaven can live in you.' They discuss the claim of the quote: the importance of humility in fostering a sense of community and connection. They then upack the counterclaims of the quote: the role of pride in building self-esteem, and the balance between personal accomplishments and collective success. The discussion ends with some essential questions, ultimately emphasizing the need to let go of pride to embrace a more meaningful existence. Image source: (Public Domain) https://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/andrew-murray/651