Reach Every Student with Jon Bergmann

I recently returned from the Learning & the Brain Conference in San Francisco, and my head is buzzing. We are at a critical juncture in education. We can either let AI stupefy our students by allowing them to “push the easy button,” or we can use it as an engine to help them thrive.In my latest keynote, I share my “abject failure” in first implementing AI and the new paradigm I’m calling the Mastery Flip.Here are the three viral moments from the talk that every educator needs to hear:1. The “Forklift in the Weight Room” Metaphor“Using ChatGPT to complete assignments is like bringing a forklift to the weight room. You will never improve your cognitive fitness that way.”.2. Why “Efficiency” is the Enemy of LearningAI was built for the boardroom, not the classroom. Business values efficiency, but education is inherently inefficient. Our brains need the friction of productive struggle to grow.3. The Return of the Oral Exam (Mastery Vivas)You can’t fake a conversation. I’m moving toward high-frequency, 2-minute “Mastery Vivas” where students must verbally defend their work to prove they didn’t just let an AI write it.The next five years will determine the next fifty. Let’s make sure we are designing classrooms where the “Aha!” moment is preserved, not automated.Key Moments in This Keynote* 02:52 – The “Abject Failure”: Why my first attempt at AI in the classroom failed 100%.* What was AI built for? NOT education* 12:14 – The Weight Room Metaphor: Why using AI for everything is like bringing a forklift to the weight room.* 14:30 – The Scariest Graph in Education: How AI 5X’s experts but actually degrades novices.* 25:26 – The Mastery Viva: Introducing the high-impact, 2-minute oral exam.* 36:30 – AI Mr. Bergmann: A demo of the “Content Wrapper” that lets students interact with my videos.* 52:30 – Samuel’s Story: A moving example of a student who refused the “easy button” to find his “Aha!” moment.How are you handling the “Easy Button” in your classroom? Let’s discuss in the comments. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

Is your Sunday night defined by a stack of ungraded papers and a sinking feeling that your students just “filled in the blanks”?In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the most transformative part of my classroom: The Mastery Viva. After 40 years in the classroom, I’ve found that the only way to truly “reach every student” is to get away from the red pen and get back to the human voice. I call this the “Human Check,” and it is the final pillar of the Mastery Flip.In this episode, Jon explores:* The 3 Pillars of the Mastery Flip: 1. AI Engines: Using tools like Flint K12 as a positive force. 2. Analog Roots: Why paper and pencil (”Old School is New School”) is the best defense against AI shortcuts. 3. Human Checks: The Mastery Viva.* The “Viva” Logistics: How to move through 30 kids in a period without creating a “queue of doom” at your desk.* The Curveball Question: My strategy for asking the one question that proves a student actually did the mental work.* Scaling the Viva: Why I sometimes “clump” students into groups of three for a rapid-fire mastery check.* The “Big JB” Signature: The simple physical act that replaces your grading time and authorizes a student to move forward.Why it Matters NowWe are seeing a “stupefaction” of students who are incorrectly using AI to skip the thinking process. The Mastery Viva is the ultimate “cheat-proof” assessment because you can’t fake a face-to-face conversation.It’s exhausting. It’s high-energy. But it’s the most rewarding way to teach.RESOURCES MENTIONED:* FlintK12.com (AI Oral Testing)* Formative.com (For digital submission after the physical signature)If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with a colleague who needs to reclaim their weekends! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

 Episode SummaryFresh off a keynote in Manila, Jon Bergmann explores why the message of "AI Stupefaction" is resonating globally. He connects his Mastery Flip framework with the philosophical work of Prof. Rogério Giorgion and Silvio Diniz, arguing that the modern school system has been "captured" by a results-driven corporate logic.  This episode is a call to action for educators to move from being "executors of scripts" to "authors of learning" through a movement of active resistance . Key Takeaways The Captured Teacher: Understanding how global educational systems have turned teachers into "operators" of scripts and platforms, stripping away their intellectual autonomy.  The Efficient Student: Why "cheating" with AI is often a rational response from students trying to be "efficient" in a system that values metrics over the struggle of learning.  The Mastery Flip as Resistance: How the three pillars—AI Engines, Analog Roots, and Human Checks—serve as "cracks" in the corporate machine.  The Power of Paper: Why returning to paper and pencil is a revolutionary act that forces students to use their own brains without outsourcing the work to a device.  The Mastery Viva: Reclaiming the teacher's voice and authority through high-frequency, two-minute oral exams.  The Civilizational Knife’s Edge: A reflection on how our treatment of the next generation's minds defines our society. Thought Leaders Mentioned Silvio Diniz: Brazilian colleague who introduced the correlation between structural capture and AI misuse. Prof.  Rogério Giorgion: Proponent of the "Structural Capture" hypothesis and the "Captured Teacher" theory.  Stefan Bauschard: Advocate for a debate-centered model of instruction to counter AI's ability to fake evidence. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

In this episode, Jon Bergmann—forty-year teaching veteran and pioneer of the Flipped Classroom—declares that we are at the precipice of a second, more profound educational revolution .  As AI becomes the ultimate shortcut, Jon warns of a "Great Bifurcation" in education: will we choose the path of the Crutch, leading to student stupefaction and brain atrophy, or the path of the Engine, leading to a soaring generation of thinkers? . Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/R4S_9rz4JRY  Jon introduces his new framework, The Mastery Flip, designed to protect the human mind from the very tools meant to assist it .  Inside the Three Pillars :  Pillar 1: AI Engines – Moving from static videos to vibrant, adaptive conversations where AI acts as a Socratic coach, identifying misconceptions and offering personalized metaphors rather than just providing answers . Pillar 2: Analog Roots – A resurgence of "low tech for high cognition."  Jon argues that the "deep work" must happen on paper to ensure focus remains on internal logic rather than an algorithm . Pillar 3: Human Checks – The ultimate "AI killer."  Jon explains his system of oral mastery checks—short, high-stakes conversations where students must verbally prove their understanding to the teacher . Key Takeaways:The New Rule of Homework: We can no longer send cognitively complex work home because the temptation to use AI as a shortcut is too high .  We must "clear the fog" at home and bring the "heavy weights" back into the classroom . The Tech Gap: AI was built for business productivity, not for the "productive struggle" required for an adolescent mind to learn .  A Call to EdTech: Jon outlines seven "wrappers" needed for a true Learning OS, including cognitive twins, translation tools, and AI assistants that help teachers ask better questions .  Scaling Human Connection: The goal is to solve Bloom’s "Double Sigma" problem by using technology to free the teacher from being an information provider so they can become a cognitive coach . "Let’s stop worrying about the robots and start focusing on the humans. Let’s build the engines that will help us to soar."   Link & Resources:Website: jonbergmann.com    Follow Jon: Subscribe for more visionary strategies to reach every student, every class, every day   This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

Episode Overview In this conversation (originally recorded with Robs Mesquita of the People Possibility Pedagogy podcast), Jon Bergmann reflects on the evolution of Flipped Learning and addresses the urgent challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence. He shares why the "human act of teaching" is more critical now than ever before. Key Themes & Takeaways The Origin of the Flip: How Flipped Learning started as a solution to the "homework struggle" and evolved into a tool for mastery and social justice. The AI Bifurcation: Jon discusses the "Techno-Pragmatist" view—warning that AI will either amplify experts ("Supercharged") or degrade the skills of novices ("Stupefied"). The Death of Traditional Online Learning: Why AI "agents" have made standard LMS-based testing and homework obsolete, and why the "hard thinking" must move back into the classroom. The 30-Minute Rule: Why every educator needs to spend time "playing" with AI daily to understand its potential and pitfalls. Higher Ed at a Crossroads: A look at the "demographic cliff" and why universities must shift from content delivery to active pedagogy to survive. Memorable Quote "If we use AI to bypass the struggle, we aren't learning. We have to keep the 'productive struggle' in the room where the teacher can support it." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

This episode is the audio version of my 26-lesson video masterclass for the Class of 2026. For the full visual experience and the 40-year 'Forge' visuals, visit https://youtu.be/IcelpAWhpZY Forty years. It’s a long time to spend in a classroom. In this special anniversary episode, Jon Bergmann looks back at a career that started with physical books and card catalogs and transitioned into the era of AI and biotechnology.This isn’t just a "best of" list; it’s a strategic roadmap for anyone trying to maintain their humanity and find success in an increasingly automated world.What you’ll hear in this episode:The AI Order: Why using AI to fix your work is better than using it to start your work.The Ironman Mindset: How Jon went from out-of-shape to 4 Ironmans, and how that applies to your hardest subjects in school.The Humility Edge: Why being "coachable" is the most valuable skill you can develop in 2026.The Choice: Why life is always hard, and how to "choose the right hard."Episode Breakdown:Phase 1: Mastering the Craft – How to handle school and technology without losing your ability to think.Phase 2: Building the Person – The character traits that will keep you grounded when the world gets chaotic.Phase 3: Connecting to the World – Why real human relationships are the ultimate competitive advantage.Resources Mentioned: Join the conversation and see the video versions of these lessons at reacheverystudent.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

Here are the show notes for Episode 54.Episode 54: Turn AI From "Cheater" to "Tutor" with One ChangeEpisode 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 & TakeawaysThe 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 .  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

Episode 53: I Tried to Flip My Class with NotebookLM... and It FailedYouTube 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 TakeawaysThe 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 . This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QypNvIzW3HAEpisode 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 HighlightsThe 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." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

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 & HighlightsReflections 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." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

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 49What’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! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

Link to the LetterYou can also watch the video podcast HereIn 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 learnThe powerful comparison: how the industrial revolution changed physical fitness and how AI is now challenging cognitive fitnessThe science behind “productive struggle”—effort as the key to brain growth and thinking skillsDangers 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 productHow to use AI as a training partner (not a substitute): bringing your effort first, letting AI coach and challenge you afterwardWhy discernment and critical thinking matter more than ever—trust but verify every AI answerFuture-proof skills for life and career in any automated world: adaptability, curiosity, creativity, judgment, agency, empathy, integrityThe “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 progressWhy teachers will design assignments that challenge—not waste—your effortAn invitation for students and educators to join in signing and sharing the letterKey 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 supportBring effort to your learning—use AI to amplify, not take away, your workShare 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? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

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 LinksLink 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 LearningChatGPT Graph of Percentage of Teachers Using Flipped Learning  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

Link to the MIT Study Page This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com

Link to Jon's other podcast about making a difference - The Sacred Calling: A Teacher's Reflection on Graduation Day This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonbergmann.substack.com