Silver Lining for Learning

Celebrating 250 Episodes: Hosts Reflect

Celebrating 250 Episodes: Hosts Reflect with Chris Dede, Curt Bonk. Lydia Cao, Yong Zhao, & Punya Mishra  Join the conversation at silverliningforlearning.org  [https://silverliningforlearning.org ]

Making Through Contemplation: Transforming How We Teach Inquiry

MAKING THROUGH CONTEMPLATION: TRANSFORMING HOW WE TEACH INQUIRY WITH RAAGHAV PANDYA AND TALYA STEIN > Reimagining STEM education: How contemplation and self-inquiry create innovative learning experiences that empower students through making, design, and creative problem-solving. This episode explores how two innovative educational initiatives are transforming STEM learning in New York City and beyond, creating powerful experiences that engage students through making and creative problem-solving. Dr. Raaghav Pandya and Talya Stein represent complementary approaches to STEM education that emphasize hands-on learning and student empowerment. Through NYC FIRST's STEM Centers, Talya has spent a decade designing learning environments where students discover their capabilities by building robots, using advanced equipment, and participating in collaborative competitions. As the Senior Program Manager who helped launch two STEM Centers, she's witnessed how making—when students design, build, and experiment—creates the most powerful learning moments and complements traditional classroom education. Dr. Pandya’s work, in education, design, and beyond, builds on this foundation of first-person experience, informed by the philosophies of contemplative and wisdom traditions. In fact, as Director of the Innervate Makerspace and co-founder of The ROOTS Movement, he designs experiences at the intersection of science, aesthetics, and self-inquiry - thereby adding dimensions of well-being and inner exploration to technical education. Together, these educators demonstrate how STEM learning can be enriched to develop not just technical skills but whole human beings ready to approach challenges with creativity, purpose, and a balanced perspective. More about our guests below the video https://youtu.be/dFPj-YURdIk [https://youtu.be/dFPj-YURdIk] OUR GUESTS Dr. Raaghav Pandya is a professor, scientist, writer, and designer, whose work is centered on revolutionizing learning through the integration of self-inquiry and creativity. Former NASA scientist, he currently serves as Assistant Professor in teacher education at the CUNY New York City College of Technology. There, he is also Director of the Innervate Makerspace: a design and engineering classroom that concentrates on developing STEM professionals, educators, & curriculum through contemplative philosophy. As a faculty fellow at Columbia University’s Gordon Institute for Advanced Studies, he studies the intersections of wisdom traditions, activism, and nature of science. He is also co-founder of The ROOTS Movement, a non-profit organization working in classrooms and media spaces through the intersection of wisdom philosophies, creativity, and wellbeing. LINKS * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/raaghav-pandya-phd-6a80031b5/] * The Roots Movement [https://www.therootsmovement.org/] Talya Stein is a Senior Program Manager at NYC FIRST, where she has spent the past decade designing and leading innovative STEM learning experiences as part of a passionate team. She helped launch the NYC FIRST STEM Center on Roosevelt Island eight years ago and, more recently, worked with colleagues and community partners to open a second center in Brooklyn’s District 13 focused on K-8 education. Talya collaborates with teachers, students, and fellow makers to build curricula, coach robotics teams, and bring FIRST LEGO League to every middle school in the district. She believes the most powerful learning happens through making—when students design, build, and experiment—and that the STEM Center’s role is to complement and support what schools are teaching, enriching classroom lessons. Join the conversation at silverliningforlearning.org  [https://silverliningforlearning.org ]

The Movement Towards Micro-credentials in Mauritius

The twenty-first century is filled with exciting learning pathways leading to innovations in degrees and novel credentialing opportunities. One such innovation is the micro-credential. A micro-credential is a record of the skills or learning outcomes that one has acquired. Typically, the skills and competencies can be assessed and validated in a clear and transparent way by a trusted provider. Along the way, these skills might complement or contribute to other micro-credentials. Micro-credentials are also a flexible, accessible, and cost-effective way for individuals to keep up with the constantly changing demands of the workplace. Adult learners who lack time or sufficient funds for formal residential degree programs find micro-credentials highly attractive and beneficial for their life goals and ambitions as well as the practical realities of maintaining one's employment in a fast-changing job market.  Ironically, the notion of the micro-credential breaths new life into the term lifelong learning. Other terms for micro-credential include nano degree, digital badge, open badge, mini degree, and certificate. In this episode of Silver Lining for Learning, we will hear from leaders in Mauritius about what has been taking place in their country in terms of micro-credentials. Recent government reports from Mauritius describe a national framework from regarding micro-credential for both Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Higher Education (HE). For those wanting to learn more, some references are offered below. Note, in the coming months, we will likely have a follow-up to this episode or two on micro-credential in other parts of Africa. Exciting! Stay tuned. 1. National Credit Value and Transfer System and Micro Credentials Framework in Mauritius [https://inq.gov.ao/pt/programas/ppt-3_mauritius_ncvts-and-mc_hec_prof-r-mohee.pdf], Professor (Dr) Romeela Mohee, CSK, April 11, 2005; Available: https://inq.gov.ao/pt/programas/ppt-3_mauritius_ncvts-and-mc_hec_prof-r-mohee.pdf [https://inq.gov.ao/pt/programas/ppt-3_mauritius_ncvts-and-mc_hec_prof-r-mohee.pdf] 2. Micro-credentials in Mauritius: towards a national framework for TVET and higher education [https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000392521] (2025). Michaela Martin and Mairéad Nic Giolla Mhichíl, UNESCO https://www.iiep.unesco.org/en/publication/micro-credentials-mauritius-towards-national-framework-tvet-and-higher-education [https://www.iiep.unesco.org/en/publication/micro-credentials-mauritius-towards-national-framework-tvet-and-higher-education]; Available: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000392521 [https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000392521] 1. Micro-credentials in Mauritius [https://acqf.africa/capacity-development-programme/webinars/forum-of-national-qualifications-frameworks-forum-des-cadres-nationaux-des-certifications-continental/th-3c-_mauritius_microcredentials_kinshasa_r-ramdass.pdf/@@display-file/file/th-3c-_mauritius_microcredentials_kinshasa_r-ramdass.pdf.pdf] (2024, June 18). Dr Ramesh Ramdass Prof Romeela Mohee, the Higher Education Commissioner of Mauritius  Prof Romeela Mohee is currently the Higher Education Commissioner of Mauritius, whereby she is responsible for regulating all public and private universities, as well as funding of public universities in Mauritius. She is driving transformative projects at national level, and the Technology-Enabled Learning Project for public universities. Recently she had led the development of AI guidelines for Higher Education and AI capacity building for academics in Mauritius. Prof Romeela Mohee holds an engineering degree in Energy and Environment from a Grande Ecole d’Ingenieurs, the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon, France, (under a French Scholarship) and a PhD from the University of Mauritius. She has been decorated by the Mauritian government in 2014 as the Commander of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean and decorated by the French government as ‘Officier dans l’Ordre National du Merite in 2016. Prof. Mohee has 36 years of academic experience as a Professor and Head of Department in the field of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, as well as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering from 2009 to 2012. She has also held the position of Vice Chancellor of the University of Mauritius, the national university regrouping 10,000 students from 2013 to 2016. She was also the National Research Chair in Solid Waste Management at the Mauritius Research Council. Prof Mohee is an experienced Education Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the development of higher education models and policies. She has worked at the Commonwealth of Learning from 2017 to 2020 as an Education Specialist and has assisted many Commonwealth member states in their development of higher education policies and strategies. She expertly guided governments and institutions on e-learning for sustainable development, quality assurance and employability. She has published over 200 international research and conference papers, edited 8 books, 4 book chapters, and has supervised to date more than 50 undergraduate and 30 masters and doctoral students in the field of energy and environmental engineering. Scopus ID: 19934178700 and h-index: 29. Professor Mohee has received a number of awards and recognitions including the winner of the African Union best woman scientist award for Science Technology and Innovation in 2009. She is a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) and a Fellow of the Mauritius Academy of Science and Technology (FMAST), Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Chemical Engineers UK (F IChemE) and she is among others an Associate member of the International Association of Universities (IAU). She is also a Member of the Steering Committee for the Research Management Programme in Africa (ReMPro Africa). Dr. WJ Green, Chief Executive Officer of the Council on Higher Education Dr Green is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Council on Higher Education, an organisation mandated to conduct research on higher education, monitor trends in higher education, provide advice to the Minister of Higher Education and Training, and the apex organization for quality assurance of higher education in South Africa. He was previously the Chief-Director: Teaching, Learning and Research Development in the South African Department of Higher Education and Training. Dr Green has worked in a range of education settings, having served as a high school teacher, as a teacher education college lecturer, and as lecturer and senior lecturer at university level. He holds a Bachelor of Science, Higher Diploma in Education, Bachelor of Education Honours, Master of Education, all from the University of Natal/KwaZulu-Natal he earned his PhD from the University of Stellenbosch. Kirti Menon, Programme Director for the University of Johannesburg Associate Professor Kirti Menon is the Programme Director for the University of Johannesburg - Department of Higher Education Future Professors Programme Phase 2. She is the Project Lead for UJ on the EU funded project the Potential of Microcredentials in Southern Africa. Until 2024 she was the Senior Director of the Division for Teaching Excellence at the University of Johannesburg. She has served on several national task teams, and her research focus is higher education with a focus on access, exclusion and redress. She is a Research Associate affiliated with the UJ Faculty of Education. She is widely published in the field of higher education, curriculum transformation, social exclusion and access. More recently, publications include a focus curriculum transformation commissioned by the CHE based on institutional audit reports. * Kirti Menon: Google Scholar Profile; https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ZePBm3sAAAAJ&hl=en [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ZePBm3sAAAAJ&hl=en] * Research Profile available at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kirti-Menon [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kirti-Menon] Join the conversation at silverliningforlearning.org  [https://silverliningforlearning.org ]

Finding "Talent Together" for Free Teacher Training in Michigan

Episode 247 | Finding "Talent Together" for Free Teacher Training in Michigan We need teachers. Despite the rumors of AI replacing teachers, in 2025, the country and the entire world is in need of teachers . And we need a society concerned for and supportive of education. In Michigan, there is one solution called Talent Together. Is it a success? Well, it is currently the largest registered apprentice program for teacher certification in the country. Listen or watch Episode #247 of Silver Lining for Learning and find out more.  During this episode, we will hear from Dr. Sarena Shivers who is the CEO and Excecutive Director of the program. Dr. Shivers will describe how Talent Together helps Michiganders become certified teachers. Amazingly, candidates receive their education FREE while earning an income. Importantly, it offers flexible pathways that center on each candidates needs. For more information, see Talent Together:  https://mitalenttogether.org/team. See Talent Together [https://mitalenttogether.org/team/] Dr. Sarena Shivers- Talent Together CEO/Executive Director Dr. Sarena Shivers is currently the CEO/Executive Director of Michigan’s Talent Together, the nation’s largest registered apprentice program for teacher certification in the country and the largest grow-your-own program in Midwest. With over three decades of experience in education – including over 20 years as an administrator. Dr. Shivers has a profound background of serving children, families and educators. Her career has spanned roles as a teacher, principal, program director, assistant superintendent and superintendent. In 2018, Dr. Shivers was recognized as a nominee for Michigan’s Superintendent of the Year. Most recently, she served as the Deputy Executive Director of Professional learning for the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators (MASA), where she supported and fostered professional growth for superintendents and education leaders statewide. In addition to her storied career as a school leader, Dr. Shivers has also earned national recognition, including serving a four-year term on the Board of Directors for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASDC). Known for her compassionate, adaptive, and resilient approach Sarena has made a tremendous impact on the education landscape here in the state of Michigan. In 2022, Dr. Shivers founded The Elijah Shivers JPS Foundation of Hope, a non-profit focused on research, awareness and patient advocacy for a rare disease, juvenile polyposis syndrome that her son was diagnosed with in 2012. In 2025, Dr. Shivers also launched her own leadership pipeline program—Midwest School Leaders of Color Network. Sarena is focused on leaving a legacy of BIPOC principals, central office administrators and superintendents in Michigan and 5 surrounding Midwest states. Dr. Shivers stays close to teaching, learning and leadership and remained on faculty at Eastern, Concordia and Madonna Universities working with undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level education candidates. On a personal level, Sarena is a writer and enjoys writing poetry and short stories. Dr. Shivers for years has worked across business, ministry and the healthcare sector and trains in ministry, public speaking, and public safety. She is active in the community through various board appointments, organizations, volunteerism and social justice/equity activism. Education at every level and in every way has and will always be her purpose and passion! Amy Peterson-Talent Together Regional Program Director. Amy Peterson Bio. Ever since childhood, I’ve had a passion for teaching. After graduating from Central Michigan University, I spent 27 years at Collins Elementary in Houghton Lake, Michigan, serving as a preschool teacher/director, first grade teacher, and elementary/middle school principal. I then became Superintendent/Principal of Mackinac Island Public School, where I worked to expand opportunities and build strong connections with stakeholders. Now as Regional Program Director for Talent Together in Northern Michigan, I’m committed to supporting educators, fostering collaboration, and helping students and staff succeed. I live in Thompson in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where my husband and I enjoy visits from our three adult children at our cabin on Lake Michigan. Chelsea Burke- Talent Together Educator Development Specialist Chelsea Burke is an Educator Development Specialist with Talent Together, supporting teachers across Northern Michigan, primarily in the Upper Peninsula. She earned her undergraduate degree in K–12 Special Education from Northern Michigan University, a master’s degree in special education with a focus in Autism from Oakland University, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from Northern Michigan University. Before her current role, Chelsea spent over a decade as a special education teacher and served as a behavior and autism consultant. Over the last decade she has worked as a contingent instructor at Northern Michigan University, supporting future special educators. She lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with her two daughters and enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors whenever possible. Ken Taylor- Talent Together Teacher Graduate  Ken Taylor Bio. My path to the classroom has been anything but traditional—but every step led me closer to where I was meant to be. I began with a degree in Theatre & Entertainment Arts from Northern Michigan University, followed by careers in law enforcement, funeral service, and over a decade as a school resource officer at the Hannahville Indian Community. With an inspiration to make an even greater impact in children’s lives I applied and was accepted as a Talent Together Resident Apprentice for the 2024-2025 school year.  I have since graduated from Talent Together and am now teaching my own 4th grade classroom at Menominee Elementary School in Menominee, Michigan. Join the conversation at silverliningforlearning.org  [https://silverliningforlearning.org ]

Hosts Reflect

Hosts reflect with Yong Zhao, Curt Bonk and Punya Mishra  Silver Lining for Learning is an ongoing conversation on the future of learning with educators and education leaders from across the globe. Hosted by Chris Dede, Curt Bonk, Lydia Cao, Punya Mishra & Yong Zhao, these conversations began under the “dark cloud” of the COVID19 crisis and continue today. We see these conversations as space to discuss the creation of equitable, humanistic and sustainable learning ecosystems that meet the needs of all learners. These conversations are hosted every Saturday and are archived on https://silverliningforlearning.org Join the conversation at silverliningforlearning.org  [https://silverliningforlearning.org ]