As some schools return back to in-person learning, we take a look at a few of the ways teaching has changed this year, including new safety precautions and the use of continued e-learning technology. Kelly Rigg is an eighth-grade teacher in Ephrata, Pennsylvania and shares what’s it’s been like to be back teaching in the classroom full-time during a pandemic.
21-04 Segment 1: A Pandemic Education: It Continues On Into 2021
It’s been ten months since many schools across the nation shifted to online learning. Students, parents and everyone working within education have braved the many challenges of learning within a pandemic. With vaccine distribution underway, many within the field are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and the eventual return to classrooms hopefully later this year. We speak with two education experts about the changes happening in the field as technology plays a bigger role.
21-04 Segment 2: The Competitive Nature of Today’s Youth Sports
The world of youth sports can be incredibly stressful. Long practices, hefty investments and increasingly selective teams can add up to parents pushing their kids to the brink. We speak with Rich Cohen, a hockey dad, about the modern pressures of the competitive sport and why some parents end up caring more about the sport than their own kid does.
21-01 Segment 1: The Psychopath Inside
Who do you think of when you read or hear the word, psychopath? Rarely does anyone think of the mild-mannered neuroscientist next door. We speak to two experts about what the term actually means in the medical world, how it’s tested for in various people and why many people who have psychopathic tendencies are able to function in a non-violent, productive manner.
20-52 Segment 2: Game Show History
Before the game shows of today, there were countless series of the past that defied our notion of showmanship. Full of grandiose props, charismatic hosts and the perfect, hand-picked contestants, these series kept viewers hooked till the very end and were (really) too good to be true. We discuss some of the most popular game shows in American history and how the industry has evolved over the last 70 years.
20-51 Segment 1: The Unending Toll Of Discrimination
Segregation not only divides cities but leads to divided people as well. It fuels biases against people who may look or act different than us, leading to generations of inequity and discrimination. Viewpoints speaks with social justice activist, Tonika Johnson about the many impacts’ segregation has had on the city of Chicago.
20-48 Segment 2: I Spy Delicious Pie
Boozy Pecan, Cranberry-Pear, Banana Crème. The many flavors and textures of pie are endless. Just because Thanksgiving and all-things pumpkin have passed, doesn’t mean an end to sugary holiday sweets. Viewpoints speaks with cookbook author Ken Haedrich about the prevalence of pie in American culture and how anyone – at any skill level – can bake a delicious pie in no time.
20-47 Segment 1: Surviving Parkland: The Perspective Of One Teacher
The 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Florida was the deadliest high school shooting in U.S. history. A teen gunman opened fire killing 17 students and faculty and injuring 17 others. Viewpoints speaks with high school teacher Jeff Foster who was there that day and is still an active voice in ending gun violence.
20-46 Segment 2: The State of Science
Before the pandemic, roughly 4 in 10 people across the world believed that if science didn’t exist their lives would be no different, according to a global survey conducted by 3M Corporation. We dig into this staggering statistic and how COVID-19 has altered people’s perception of the field.
20-42 Segment 1: The 12 Million Undocumented Immigrants In The U.S.
In 2016, President Trump ran on a platform that vowed to deport all of the undocumented immigrants in the country. However, four years later and this population is still relatively the same. Is it a practical plan to deport millions who have lived in the U.S. for more than a decade, are law-abiding and fill important jobs that would otherwise be vacant?
20-39 Segment 2: Young Learners & Their Development During Covid
The 2020 school year feels a bit different for the millions of students ‘back to school’ in whatever form that may be. We speak with two child development experts, Dr. Irene Koolwijk and Lindsay Jones, about some of the available resources and methods that parents can use to keep their young ones on track.
20-38 Segment 1: Back To School 2020: Learning Through Tech
Navigating back to school this year has been challenging to say the least. With switching policies and protocols, everyone is just trying to get through the fall one day at a time. Viewpoints speaks with two education experts about the biggest barriers to learning and what online education technology can really offer students.
20-38 Segment 2: The Hidden Gems Across Chicago & In Every U.S. Town
Suffering from a travel bug that can’t be quenched this year? Chicago writer, Jessica Mlinaric believes that if you look hard enough you don’t have to leave your town or city to experience something new. We cover some of the interesting, historical sights around Chicago and how you can explore your own area.
20-29 Segment 1: The Many Faces Of Homelessness
On a single night in the U.S. there are more than 550,000 people homeless – and this number is only set to rise as COVID-19 has put millions out of work and shattered the stability of the U.S. economy. As a child or teen who has to deal with homelessness at a young age, it can be a tough road of shifting from temporary housing to another shelter. Giselle Burgess and her five kids were in this position in New York City, so Burgess decided to start a Girl Scout Troop named Troop 6000 to help her girls and others in this situation. We cover the inspiring story of Troop 6000 this week on Viewpoints.
20-28 Segment 1: Poker: A Game Of Skill & Luck
Texas Hold ‘Em is the most popular poker game in the U.S. today. It’s a game of strategy, psychology and quick decision-making. Writer and professional poker player Maria Konnikova joins Viewpoints’ to share how she was able to use her background to master the game and amass more than $300,000 in winnings in just three years.
20-26 Segment 2: Is Your Child Feeling Anxious Right Now? Giving Support Without Shielding Them From The World
The days when election and campaign news dominated the news cycle seem so distant. It’s safe to say that no one could’ve imagined this year would be such a curveball. Learning’s been disrupted, many parents are continuing to work from home and fears over COVID-19 are still very much present. We speak with a family trauma expert, Dr. Abigail Gewirtz, about dealing with these anxieties as an adult and how to have important conversations with your child or teen if you’re sensing that they’re more irritable, worried or anxious lately.
20-15 Segment 1: Deploying School Meals To Those Who Need Them Most Right Now
On a typical day, the National School Lunch Program serves 20.2 million free lunches to students in need, according to the USDA. With sweeping school closures across the U.S. in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of students are going hungry. Viewpoints discusses the new reality foodservice workers face and the balance between staying safe and serving meals.
20-15 Segment 2: Why Do Crosswords Never Go Out Of Style?
The first published crossword was created in 1913 by journalist Arthur Wynne. Since then, the timeless puzzle has stayed in style and graces newspapers from the New York Times to USA Today. Self-acclaimed lovers of crosswords are known as ‘cruciverbalists’ and compete online as well as create these puzzles for publishing. We speak with crossword expert, Adrienne Raphel to find out more about this beloved word game.
20-12 Segment 2: The Resurgence Of Hand Embroidery: Craftivism Through Cross-Stitching
In a moment where many are practicing ‘social distancing’ it can be a good opportunity to put down your phones and pick up a stress-relieving solo hobby. We speak with Shannon Downey, creator of Badass Cross Stitch, about the simplicity and art of cross-stitching as well as how she’s used it to channel local and national social issues.
20-08 Segment 1: Redefining Sugar: Enjoying Sweet Treats Without The Guilt
From Starbucks lattes to grocery staples like yogurt and bread, sugar still seems to be lurking everywhere. And even if you are diet conscious, it can still be hard to avoid the cookies and cake if you’re craving something sweet. Viewpoints Radio speaks with baking blogger, Elif Yamangil and cookbook author, Jennifer Tyler Lee about the importance of limiting sugar in your diet and how to do so without completely restricting yourself and still indulging your sweet tooth.
