Welcome to the Education Espresso podcast, tailored for educators and brimming with concise, research-backed classroom warm-up activities that can be customized to any teaching context. Listeners will tune in for quick, 5-minute episodes during their morning commute, and start their day with fresh teaching inspiration.
In this episode of Education Espresso, Ahmed Yousof serves up a quick, powerful classroom activity designed to unlock students’ imagination: “I got you a gift!” You’ll explore why imagination is not just for the arts, but a critical component of learning across all subjects—including science and math. Drawing on research from thinkers like Kieran Egan and Gillian Judson, this episode highlights how imagination fuels creativity, discovery, and deeper engagement in the classroom. Then, you’ll...
19 Mar 2026
Episode 14: Ques-cussion!
Turn your classroom into a space powered by curiosity with “Ques-cussion!” In this episode of Education Espresso, Ahmed Yousof introduces a fast-paced warm-up activity where students can only speak in questions. Rooted in Socratic questioning, this strategy boosts critical thinking, encourages participation, and helps students explore complex or controversial topics with confidence. You’ll learn the theory behind Ques-cussion, simple rules to run it effectively, and practical tips to br...
5 Mar 2026
Episode 13: Woo-hoo I Failed
In this episode of Education Espresso, Dr. Yousof returns with another take on one of the podcast’s most engaging classroom warm-up ideas: “Woo hoo! I failed!”. This episode offers a new variation of the previous episode (Episode 12), revisiting the same powerful concept of celebrating failure or little efforts while exploring it from a slightly different angle to help educators deepen its impact in the classroom. Fear of failure often fuels self-criticism and prevents students from taking r...
8 Nov 2024
Episode 12: High Five! You're Awesome!
Join host Ahmed Yousof as he explores “High Five! You’re Awesome!” – an empowering warm-up activity designed to boost students' confidence and cultivate a growth mindset. Discover how a simple high-five can encourage students to celebrate each other’s efforts, fostering motivation and resilience in the classroom. Perfect for dynamic educators ready to make a positive impact!Visit my website www.educationespresso.net for more resources.
27 Oct 2023
Episode 11: Let go! Move on!
In this episode of 'Let Go! Move On,' we explore a transformative warm-up activity designed to provide emotional support for students in the classroom. Discover how this engaging exercise empowers students to release negative emotions and create a safe space for emotional well-being, setting the stage for a positive and productive learning experience. For more information and downloadable materials and research, visit the website Education Espresso. Visit my website www.educationespresso...
12 Oct 2023
Episode 10: Think / Pair / Re-pair
In this episode, discover the art of challenging students' creative thinking through the power of collaborative questions. Explore a dynamic activity that seamlessly blends individual, paired, and group work to inspire brilliance. Grab your downloadable handout at www.education.espresso.net and start this creative journey with usVisit my website www.educationespresso.net for more resources.
29 Sept 2023
Episode 9: The Intellectual Gym
Did you ever consider that employing active learning throughout your entire class could transform it into an intellectual playground? Today's topic is similar to a recipe for fostering student participation and engagement to such an extent that you'll witness them taking on a teaching role while you facilitate and observe. Dr. Nick Artman will be our guide in cooking up this recipe. For more information about Active Learning, visit the Education Espresso Website. &n...
22 Sept 2023
Episode 8: Clash!!
In this episode of Education Espresso, our special guest, Ms. Marwa Ghoneim, takes us on a journey through an interesting warm-up activity focused on the dynamic potential of disagreement within the classroom. She will explain to us how students can delve into the art of respectful opposition and discover how to engage in constructive conversations even when faced with differing viewpoints. For additional resources pertaining to this episode, please explore our website at www.educationespress...
19 Sept 2023
Episode 7: The Map
In this fresh episode of Education Espresso, we will dive into the world of dialogic teaching. The featured activity, 'The Map,' serves as a captivating warm-up exercise, enabling students and trainees to openly express their values, ideas, and opinions through geographical connections. This dynamic activity fosters inclusivity and promotes a deeper understanding of diversity within the classroom. Explore further dialogic teaching research and access class materials at www.educationespresso.n...
13 Sept 2023
Episode 6: What's the Alternative?
In this episode, we will encourage students to push the boundaries of their creative thinking by exploring alternative uses for everyday objects. How far can their creativity carry them? Tune in to find out. To access the research article on the Critical Thinking Framework, please visit www.educationespresso.net for a downloadable copy.Visit my website www.educationespresso.net for more resources.
8 Sept 2023
Episode 5: Mind Escape
In this episode, Dr. Beth Sockman delves into the power of Mind Escape, a warm-up activity, to boost mindfulness, foster classroom dialogue, alleviate stress, and, crucially, forge social bonds among students. Dr. Sockman will guide you through the step-by-step process of implementing this activity and elucidate its profound advantages for students.For more information, articles, and handouts, visit www.educationespresso.net Visit my website www.educationespresso.net for more resou...
6 Sept 2023
Episode 4: Realia
In this new podcast episode, discover an innovative approach to energize your classroom with a dynamic warm-up activity. The episode is about the use of everyday items that students already have, such as keys, watches, and more, to kickstart your lessons. The best part? It's incredibly simple to set up, requiring no handouts or special preparation.If you're interested in delving deeper into the research supporting the effectiveness of using realia in the classroom, don't miss the opportunity ...
1 Sept 2023
Episode 3: Life Circle
In this episode, my special guest Pam Al-Alfy will unveil an incredibly engaging warm-up activity designed to create laughter and add fun to your classroom. For access to the in-depth research supporting this activity and a set of accompanying class worksheets, be sure to check out www.educationespresso.net Visit my website www.educationespresso.net for more resources.
30 Aug 2023
Episode 2: Visuals
This episode is about the use of visuals to spark conversations at the beginning of the class. To download and select from more than 100 images, visit (www.educationespresso.net). Visit my website www.educationespresso.net for more resources.
19 Aug 2023
Connection!
In this episode, we present a novel warm-up activity tailored for the first week of classes. Through this activity, students will uncover the threads that bind them together, discovering the profound interconnectedness that unites us all. As they engage with the activity, students will grasp the essential lesson that each of us belongs and shares connections in diverse and meaningful ways.Visit my website www.educationespresso.net for more resources.
19 Aug 2023
Welcome to Education Espresso Podcast
In Episode 0, we embark on a journey to unveil the essence of the Education Espresso Podcast. Join me as I lay the foundation for what's to come and explore the core concept behind this podcast.Visit my website www.educationespresso.net for more resources.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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