Reach Every Student with Jon Bergmann

Here are the show notes for Episode 54. Episode 54: Turn AI From "Cheater" to "Tutor" with One Change Episode Summary: Is AI making learning too easy? In this episode, Jon Bergmann explores the concept of "productive friction" and why students need a certain amount of struggle to truly develop critical thinking skills. Drawing on insights from Stefan Bauschard, Jon argues that traditional written assessments are losing their value in the age of AI. The solution? A return to the oldest form of assessment: the oral exam. Discover how you can assign "AI debate" as homework to prepare students for face-to-face assessments, turning the technology from a shortcut into a powerful coaching tool. Key Topics & Takeaways The Necessity of Friction: Why reducing cognitive load too much prevents students from developing their own critical thinking skills .  The Assessment Cycle: A look at the history of education—from the oral exams of Aristotle and Plato to the rise of paper tests—and why universities are now returning to "Blue Books" and oral defense .  Rethinking Homework: How to assign cognitively complex work by asking students to use AI as a tutor or debate partner at home to prepare for in-class verbal assessments .  AI as "Copilot" vs. "Cheater": Shifting the student mindset so they use AI to refine their understanding rather than bypass the work .  Scaling the Oral Exam: Jon discusses the challenges of doing oral exams with large class sizes and speculates on future AI tools that might act as "teacher clones" for assessment .  Follow-up on Episode 53: A brief update on Jon’s experiment with Google NotebookLM and his testing of a new interactive video tool (Skylo) .  Resources Mentioned:  Stefan Bauschard: Education Disrupted Newsletter .  Previous Episode: Episode 53 - I Tried to Flip My Class with Google NotebookLM .  Interactive Video Tool: Skylo (referenced as the "silo tool" in this episode) .  Connect with Jon: Have a question or a topic you want Jon to cover?  Visit JonBergmann.com to submit your feedback .    Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a colleague and hit subscribe to help us reach every student . 

Episode 53: I Tried to Flip My Class with NotebookLM... and It Failed YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/ls3bcbJYZ4c   In this episode of the Reach Every Student podcast, host Jon Bergmann shares a candid experiment involving Google NotebookLM and the Flipped Classroom model .  Jon attempts to solve a common problem in the "independent space" of learning: students consuming content (like videos or podcasts) without the ability to ask questions or interact .  Key Takeaways The Experiment: Jon uploaded class videos and textbook content to NotebookLM to create an audio podcast .  The goal was for students to use the "interactive" feature to interrupt the AI host and ask questions during their homework .  The Outcome: While Jon found the experience satisfying personally, the classroom implementation was a "fail" .  Sharing Issues: There is no easy way to "assign" a notebook; sharing it individually was difficult, and student data remains private to the user, meaning the teacher could not track progress .  Technical Glitches: Students reported that the audio would randomly restart, the system did not remember where they left off, and the prompt designed to summarize their activity failed to work reliably .  Feature Request for Google: Jon suggests NotebookLM needs a system similar to Google Classroom where teachers can assign content and track student interaction .  The Pivot: Despite this setback, Jon plans to use NotebookLM for final exam review guides and will test a new tool, Skylo.ai, which may better solve the interactive video problem .  AI in Education: Jon emphasizes that educators must teach students to use AI as a "copilot" to ensure they thrive in the "fourth industrial revolution" without losing critical thinking skills .  Resources Mentioned  Google NotebookLM: Used to generate AI podcasts and summaries from source text .  Skylo.ai: A new tool recommended by Hani Fidel for interactive video, which Jon plans to test next .  Gemini: Used by Jon to brainstorm the lesson plan and prompts .

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QypNvIzW3HA Episode Summary  In this episode, host Jon Bergmann argues that hardship and trial are the best ways to help students thrive .  He explores the concept of "productive struggle"—pushing students beyond what they believe is possible—and why offering too much grace can sometimes hinder growth .  Key Highlights The Power of Pushing Limits: Jon shares personal stories of how a grueling swim coach and a 42-year journaling habit taught him that physical and mental struggle leads to thriving .  From "C" Student to Author: How persistent struggle turned a science geek who got poor grades in English into the author of 12 books .  The AI Warning: A look at why educators must protect students from using AI to bypass the hard work of learning, ensuring technology supports rather than replaces the struggle .  Notable Quote  "I need to believe in them more than they believe in themselves."

Episode Summary In this "hodgepodge" episode recorded just before Thanksgiving break, host Jon Bergmann reflects on his 40th year in education. He discusses the importance of gratitude and staying present with students, even amidst the chaos of the holiday season. Jon also pivots to practical tech integration, sharing how he is currently using AI to streamline his consulting workflows and why he believes AI is the key to unlocking true mastery learning by identifying student knowledge gaps. Key Topics & Highlights Reflections on Gratitude: Jon shares appreciation for his school and colleagues, noting that despite the "organized chaos" of high schoolers before a break, he is grateful to be in a positive environment         .  The Anxious Generation: Observations on modern students who are sleep-deprived and struggling with mental health due to high societal expectations and screen time    .  Finishing Strong: A look at the mindset of a veteran teacher. Jon discusses his desire to remain "committed to the end" and present for his students rather than "coasting" into retirement    .  AI Workflow Strategy: How Jon uses Google Gemini and "Agentic" browsers to digest meeting notes and generate comprehensive progress reports for his consulting clients    .  AI & Mastery Learning: The potential for AI to identify specific learning gaps (e.g., missing math skills in a physics class) that new teachers might not spot, allowing for better personalized intervention         .  Quotable Moments "I want to be that teacher who's there, and I'm present until I'm not."   "I think the best use of AI in schools is it's going to be so good at doing that quick formative assessment and then identify weakness and strengths."   "AI is going to up my game... I believe there's a higher expectation for me."

How is AI challenging and reshaping what it means to be human? In this thought-provoking episode, Jon Bergmann dives into the growing tension between tech-driven self-autonomy and the foundational values of Western civilization. Explore how AI, culture, and worldview are colliding at a civilizational crossroads—and why holding on to our humanity has never been more important.

Here is a link to Jeffery Selingo's original article:  https://jeffselingo.com/resources/the-ai-ready-graduate 🎧 AI vs. College: Are Today’s Grads Ready for the Real Future? | Episode 49 What’s the REAL value of a college degree in an era where AI can do entry-level work better and faster? Best-selling author Jeffrey Selingo’s “AI Ready Graduate” sparks a lively discussion: Is higher ed preparing students—or falling behind? Shocking job market stats: Why are companies hiring fewer college grads? What skills are truly in demand now? Exclusive insights for educators: Jon Bergmann breaks down the “LADDER Principle”—the new playbook for student success in an AI-driven world. Ladder up! Why students need to leap beyond entry-level skills. Align, Develop, Design, Engage, Reinforce: Discover actionable strategies for teaching with and about AI. Controversial hot take: Is AI creating a society divided between those who rise with it and those who fall behind? Real classroom examples: Hear how professors are already unleashing AI’s power in creative, practical ways. The ethics dilemma: When does using AI help—and when does it hurt? How can we protect and empower young minds? If you’re an educator, parent, employer, or student concerned about the real future of work and learning, don’t miss this thought-provoking episode! 👉 Listen now, share with a friend, and let’s reimagine education together!

Link to the Letter You can also watch the video podcast Here In this special episode of the Reach Every Student podcast, Jon Bergmann shares insights from an AI symposium hosted by the Sloan Foundation at Rockefeller Center, where he joined top academics in rewriting his “Letter to Students” for a broader audience. This episode dives deep into what real learning means in an age when artificial intelligence can automate so many aspects of education. Key Topics & Highlights: Why teachers want to help students flourish—not just survive—as AI changes how we learn The powerful comparison: how the industrial revolution changed physical fitness and how AI is now challenging cognitive fitness The science behind “productive struggle”—effort as the key to brain growth and thinking skills Dangers of letting AI do all the thinking (why it’s like bringing a forklift to the weight room!) Maria Gleason’s perspective on writing and learning: why the process matters more than the product How to use AI as a training partner (not a substitute): bringing your effort first, letting AI coach and challenge you afterward Why discernment and critical thinking matter more than ever—trust but verify every AI answer Future-proof skills for life and career in any automated world: adaptability, curiosity, creativity, judgment, agency, empathy, integrity The “Cognitive Fitness Plan” for students (8 actionable steps): Warm up with curiosity, Do your own reps, Invite AI to coach, Find a human mentor, Cross-train across disciplines, Rest and reflect, Work out together, Track and test your progress Why teachers will design assignments that challenge—not waste—your effort An invitation for students and educators to join in signing and sharing the letter Key Quotes: “Using AI to do your thinking makes you weaker, not stronger.” “Every major advance offers shortcuts, but understanding still requires struggle.” “Don’t ask what AI can do—ask what you can become.” Action Items: Read, remix, and share the letter; sign to show support Bring effort to your learning—use AI to amplify, not take away, your work Share this episode with students and fellow educators to keep the conversation going! More Info:Creative Commons license—teachers and students are invited to personalize and use the letter in their own learning communities. Join the Conversation:Comment, share your thoughts on mental fitness in the era of AI, and let us know: How are you using technology to challenge yourself?

Are online classes/homework officially dead? In this eye-opening episode, Jon Bergmann pulls back the curtain on the shocking reality every educator needs to face: AI-powered browsers can ace ANY online assignment in minutes—so, is the traditional take-home task doomed forever? Hear gripping personal stories, candid debates with education thought leaders, and bold ideas for surviving the wild new world of Agentic AI. Discover why “flipped classrooms” might be the only way forward, how testing centers and oral exams are making a comeback, and what every teacher needs to know right now to keep students learning for real. Tune in, get inspired, and join the revolution that's reshaping the future of education—one courageous teacher at a time! Link to the new and improved Letter: A Letter from Your Teachers: Learning to Think in the Age of AI

In this episode, Jon answers the question: Is Flipped Learning dead? There have been several people in the blogosphere who have posited that perhaps Flipped Learning is dead. Jon addresses these and more issues, including the role of AI in Flipped Learning's future. Important Links Link to Peter's Medium Article: The History of Flipped LearningAnd Its Possible Future (If It’s Still Alive) ChatGPT Graph of Published Journal Articles on Flipped Learning ChatGPT Graph of Percentage of Teachers Using Flipped Learning  

Link to the MIT Study Page

Jon had a frank conversation with his students about AI. He used his post: An Open Letter to My Students About AI to frame this conversation

Do you wish your students could "raise their hand" when watching a flipped video at home? With AI, you can. Listen in to Jon Bergmann's new hack.

Link to Jon's other podcast about making a difference -  The Sacred Calling: A Teacher's Reflection on Graduation Day

To get access to Jon's Courses on Flipped Classroom, go to jonbergmann.com/courses Jon's Intro to Class - For His Students Jon's Intro to Class - Parent Version  

Are your students secretly using AI to complete their homework? In an age where ChatGPT can solve complex problems in seconds, how can educators ensure that genuine learning is still happening? Join us for a critical discussion with veteran educator Jon Bergmann, who initially embraced AI as a revolutionary tool but quickly discovered its pitfalls. He shares a pivotal moment watching a top student shortcut her learning with AI and realized that the "hard stuff" can no longer be sent home. In this episode, Jon argues that Flipped Learning is the essential strategy for the AI era. Discover how to shift the cognitively demanding work back into the classroom, freeing up class time for deep thinking, problem-solving, and authentic assessment. Learn why productive struggle is crucial for developing students' brains and how to use AI as a tool without sacrificing critical thinking. This is a must-listen for any educator navigating the disruptive new landscape of artificial intelligence. Key Takeaways from This Episode: The AI Dilemma: Why a tech-savvy teacher grew concerned about AI's impact on student learning and critical thinking. The Problem with "Hard" Homework: How AI makes it nearly impossible to assign complex tasks for students to complete at home. What is Flipped Learning? A clear explanation of the Flipped Learning model (flipping Bloom's Taxonomy) and why it's more relevant than ever. In-Class is the New Homework: Practical strategies for bringing the "hard stuff"—like writing essays, solving physics problems, and language practice—back into the classroom. The Power of Productive Struggle: Understand the neuroscience behind why students need to struggle to learn effectively and build their own "neural networks." A Balanced Approach to AI: How to use AI tools like AI tutors in a controlled, effective way that enhances, rather than replaces, learning. The Memory Paradox: A discussion of new research on why foundational knowledge is still essential in the age of AI. Resources Mentioned: Blog Post: Is AI Cheating Your Students Out of Learning? Referenced Article: AI will Stupefy our Students Unless we do these Six Things Research Paper: The Memory Paradox: Why Our Brains Need Knowledge in an Age of AI Flipped Learning Courses: Visit JonBergmann.com for courses on implementing Flipped Learning.

In an open letter to his students, 40-year teacher/author Jon Bergmann shares 7 critical tips for navigating the age of AI. Learn how to use AI without harming your critical thinking skills and how to prepare for an AI-driven future. You can read the open letter on my blog HERE We are living through the Fourth Industrial Revolution, an era of change as monumental as the dawn of electricity. But as AI tools become embedded in our lives, how can students use them without sacrificing the skills that make them human? In this special episode, veteran teacher Mr. Jon Bergmann reads his open letter to students on how to navigate the complex world of AI. He frames the current moment with a powerful historical lens, comparing it to past industrial revolutions, and delivers a message of both caution and profound optimism. This isn't a lecture against technology. It's a roadmap for thriving. Mr. Bergmann shares seven essential rules for using AI as a powerful tool while strengthening your own mind, building real relationships, and becoming a leader in a future that is still unwritten. This is a must-listen for students, parents, and educators trying to find their footing in the age of AI. Key Takeaways from This Episode: The Forklift in the Weight Room: Understand why using AI to bypass "productive struggle" is one of the biggest threats to your education and cognitive growth. The Right Way to Use AI: Learn the critical difference between letting AI do the work versus using it as an expert would—to amplify and accelerate your own effort. Don't Believe Everything You See: A warning about AI "hallucinations" and deepfakes, and why developing your own discernment is more important than ever. The Poison of AI Companions: Why you must avoid counterfeit AI relationships and embrace the messy, glorious reality of connecting with real humans. 7 Rules for Thriving: A clear, actionable list of seven suggestions to prepare for your future, from choosing a college major to the immense value of mentorship. People & Resources Mentioned: Andrew Ng: Founder of Coursera and top AI researcher. Ted Chiang: Author of the "forklift in the weight room" analogy. Moria Gleason: Hillsdale College student, on the importance of writing to learn. Scott Latham: Business professor, on the performance of students who use AI. Jim Rohn: Motivational speaker, on the influence of the people around you. Mentioned Concepts: The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Productive Struggle, AI Hallucinations, Deepfakes, AI Companion Apps (e.g., Character AI).

After 40 years, why keep teaching? Veteran teacher Jon Bergmann shares 5 powerful reasons he’s still in the classroom, from the joy of inspiring students to the urgent need to protect Gen Z in a digital world. With teacher burnout at an all-time high and disruptive technologies like AI changing the education landscape, why would a veteran educator choose to start his 40th year in the classroom? In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Jon Bergmann answers the question he gets all the time: "When are you going to stop?" He shares the five powerful reasons that keep him energized and committed to his students. From the infectious optimism of teenagers to the urgent need to protect them from the dangers of the digital world, this is a heartfelt look at the enduring purpose of teaching. Whether you're an educator feeling worn out, a parent concerned about the future, or just someone looking for a dose of hope, this conversation will remind you why investing in the next generation is the most critical work of all. Key Takeaways from This Episode: Amazing Students: Why the energy, curiosity, and optimism of teenagers are the primary fuel that keeps a veteran teacher going. Amazing Colleagues: The profound impact of working in a supportive school culture with a shared vision for developing the whole child. Our Kids, Our Hope: A passionate argument for why dedicated adults are more crucial than ever and how students today crave mentorship and guidance. The Need for Protection: A stark warning about the "poison soup" of the digital world, from addictive platforms to the rise of AI Companion Apps, and why teachers must be a line of defense. Optimism for Gen Z: A powerful counter-narrative to the negative stereotypes about today's youth, highlighting their purpose, resilience, and potential to solve the world's real issues. Resources Mentioned: Original Blog Post: 40 Years and Counting - Why I am Still Teaching Common Sense Media: The organization mentioned for its study on AI Companion Apps and teenagers.

Jon's Upcoming Conferences where he will speak about AI in Education Christian Schools AI Leadership Conference Learning and The Brain - Teaching Generation AI-Z

My personal journey and the profound impact teachers have, even when they don't immediately see the results of their work.