Sora Learning Lab

by Sora Schools

Sora Learning Lab is a show where we dive into the world of learning research and innovative pedagogy. Through interviews with education researchers, leaders, and innovators, we'll explore the ideas and trends behind the future of learning.

Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • Bozena Pajak of Duolingo: Building a global language learning community

    Bozena Pajak of Duolingo: Building a global language learning community

    In this episode, Garrett sits down with the VP of Learning and Curriculum Bozena Pajak to learn about how Duolingo thinks about making language learning accessible to the global general public. A trained linguist, Bozena touches on motivating language learners, using data to guide product iterations, and what’s on the horizon for Duolingo.

  • Ted Dintersmith: What School Could Be

    Ted Dintersmith: What School Could Be

    In this episode, Garrett sits down with venture capitalist, author, and filmmaker Ted Dintersmith to talk about the need for evolving performance assessments in schools. Ted also gets into student motivation in learning environments and the effect of access to technology on the curriculum that we teach.

  • Alberto Arenaza of Transcend Network: Building a Global Network of Education Innovators

    Alberto Arenaza of Transcend Network: Building a Global Network of Education Innovators

    What would it look like to have a global community of founders building the future of education and the future of work? One where founders support each other and are provided with the resources and connections to help them thrive? That’s the idea that pushed Alberto Arenaza, recently named one of Forbes 30 under 30, to start Transcend Network.

  • Mike Flanagan of Mastery Transcript Consortium: Rethinking How We Measure Learning

    Mike Flanagan of Mastery Transcript Consortium: Rethinking How We Measure Learning

    CEO of Mastery Transcript Consortium Mike Flanagan joins Garrett to take a look at how we measure learning. Why isn’t the traditional grades system a good model and what innovative ideas are behind MTC’s work?

  • Student Spotlight: Hailey Maffett and the Importance of Teachers as Mentors

    Student Spotlight: Hailey Maffett and the Importance of Teachers as Mentors

    In this episode, I sat down with Hailey Maffett, one of our Sora Students who joined us in September 2021. Before coming to Sora, Hailey attended many different schools from private schools to public to online. These school experiences left her feeling unmotivated, unintelligent, and lost. Since finding Sora she has found a new perspective on education, the world, and herself. In this episode, we get into how Sora has changed her feelings toward school and what she is capable of.