Category: Stories

  • The Science of Attention for Better Teaching

    The Science of Attention for Better Teaching

    Myriam Da Silva, CEO of CheckIT Learning, discusses the complexities of attention in education, emphasizing realistic expectations for student engagement. Through research and practical examples, she highlights how teachers can create engaging environments. The episode also shares a poignant story about the impact of a teacher’s attention on a young girl in the 1960s.

    We want kids to “pay attention” But is it realistic that they could actually pay attention all the time? How about the attention at the beginning of class? Or multiple peaks of attention?

    Myriam Da Silva, CEO of CheckITLearning and author of the first AI neuroscience lesson planning tool, Cleo, talks today about the aspects of attention that can help us be better teachers. She dives into practical examples, research, and we share lots of ideas for helping our classroom students learn while having an engaging, exciting environment (and realistic expectations.)

    This show is sponsored by CheckIT Learning. All opinions are that of the respective person.

    The, I share a story of Sue and Mrs. Scruggs about the power of 20 minutes of a teacher’s attention of a young girl living in Alabama in the 1960’s. This is a special story and I hope you enjoy how we’ve retold and remastered it just for high quality radio.

    I hope you enjoy this show. The content is so great, I’m going to also be sharing a full blog post with the ideas in written form, but in the meantime, I hope you enjoy the show.

    This infographic was created using the transcript of this episode and Google Notebook LM’s infographic feature based on the content shared in the show.

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    The Science of Attention: How One Teacher Changed Everything

    Myriam Da Silva – Bio as Submitted

    Myriam Da Silva, CheckIT Learning CEO

    Myriam Da Silva is a visionary, entrepreneur, AI ethicist, speaker, and artist driven by a singular mission: to inspire people to believe in themselves. Through her work and her story, she empowers audiences to embrace their unique gifts as a force for contribution, leading lives filled with meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.

    As the CEO of CheckIT Learning and President of the CheckIT Foundation, Myriam is pioneering a new vision for education grounded in human development. She is the creator of Cleo, the world’s first AI neuro-mentor designed to support teachers and students through the science of learning, and she developed a widely adopted Science of Learning micro-course that helps educators bring neuroeducation into daily practice.

    Myriam works with global organizations on AI ethics and child-centered design, including UNESCO, iRAISE, and international coalitions shaping responsible AI in education. She will also be featured on Women in Power, an Inside Success TV series highlighting female leaders who are redefining impact and innovation.

    She is the author of the forthcoming book The Black Sheep (2026), a powerful call to reimagine education so that every student’s uniqueness becomes their strength, empowering them to live, lead, and contribute with lasting impact. 

    Blog: www.checkitlearning.com

    Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/myriamdasilva

    Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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  • When in Dublin… | Abbey Road Programs

    When in Dublin… | Abbey Road Programs

    Dublin is a unique, quirky city which is very walkable and full of interesting buildings and architecture. Here are my top five things to do in Dublin (although there are a lot more!).

     

     

    Dublin Castle

    Located in the heart of Dublin, the Castle is believed to have originally been an early Gaelic Ring Fort. Although the Castle is now used for State functions and presidential inaugurations, visitors can explore much of the Castle, including parts of the original 13th-century fortress. The rich history of the Castle gives a lot of insight into Dublin, and the grounds are absolutely gorgeous.

     

     

    Cliffs of Moher

    Lying outside Dublin’s walls, The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see and were a major highlight of my semester aboard. The Cliffs span for five miles, and the views are incredible. This natural attraction is a popular tourist destination but is one that should not be missed. I recommend using a tour guide company to visit the Cliffs (like “Paddywagon Tours”), as the prices are very reasonable and you get to see some cool stops along the way. The wind can be a bit chilling so make sure to bring a jacket and, of course, a camera to take pictures of the breathtaking landscape.

     

     

    St. Patrick’s Cathedral  

    St. Patrick’s Cathedral has a rich history that dates back over 800 years. One of the few buildings remaining from medieval Dublin, the Cathedral has a gorgeous interior and the many burial sites including that of Jonathan Swift, author of “Gulliver’s Travels”. After visiting the Cathedral, make your way to St. Stephens Green and take a stroll through the public park, which houses the Yeats Memorial Garden as well as many festivals throughout the year.

     

     

    Trinity College

    Visiting Trinity College while in Dublin is a must! Walk on the cobblestone paths through the grounds, buildings and dining areas to see what a selective college looks like abroad. Afterward, make sure to drop by the Book of Kells Exhibit to walk through the Old Library and other works from the 18th century, including the Book of Kells.

     

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jolie Blair is a rising senior at Emory University from Sun Valley, Idaho. She is double majoring in Theater Studies and Public Health and has a passion for the arts, writing, and traveling. She studied abroad for the 2016 fall semester in Rome, Italy and had an experience of a lifetime, which she loves to share with those who want to listen (and even those who don’t like her 140lb Great Dane!).

    Check the current list of our programs here.

    Visit our website.

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  • Top Five Things to Do in Rome |Abbey Road Programs

    Top Five Things to Do in Rome |Abbey Road Programs

    When In Rome…

    While studying abroad in Rome, I not only experienced the super touristy spots, but I also had the opportunity to live like a local and explore the hidden gems of Rome. Here are my top five things to do in Rome (although there are a lot more!).

     

    Source: https://tinyurl.com/y7837cce

    Explore The Monuments

    A trip to Rome isn’t complete without visiting all of the historical Roman landmarks, no matter how touristy – and crowded – they can get. From the Pantheon to the Colosseum, the Roman Forums, and the Spanish steps, there is an abundance of sights to see in Rome, and it never gets old experiencing ancient, Roman history. Make sure to watch your belongings carefully, however, as pickpockets are abundant in crowded, touristy areas.

     

    Source: https://tinyurl.com/ydf2jb6t

    Bike Around Villa Borghese

    A hidden, Roman gem I learned about – although it is still a bit touristy – is biking in Villa Borghese. You can bike around the gardens, stop for a picnic lunch in the grass, and walking through numerous museums and buildings. It is also close to many of the other monuments in Rome, making it easily accessible.

     

    Source: https://tinyurl.com/yd6l273b

    Visit Trastevere

    One of my favorite places in Rome is the neighborhood of Trastevere. From the cute little shops to the amazing restaurants, this area of a Rome is a must. Although there are many cool, and hidden, neighborhoods in Rome, I am biased as I lived in Trastevere and fell in love. I would highly recommend starting in la Piazza di Santa Maria – which is located right by the famous Santa Maria church – and walk around the area from there. This is a place you don’t want to miss!

     

    Market

    Source: https://tinyurl.com/kwrwqbb

    Travel around the Street Markets

    Another highlight of Rome is the street markets. Food, produce, gifts, and other goods are sold during weekday mornings and on the weekends. One of the most popular tourist markets is in Campo dei Fiori, which has food, any kind of pasta you could think of, and local, fresh produce. It is open every morning except on Sundays. Another amazing market – for fresh veggies, fruit, fish, and meat – is the Piazza San Cosimato market, which is open every morning except on Sundays. My personal market favorite, however, is the flea market located around the Via Portuense area in Trastevere. This market has EVERYTHING you could ever need at great prices! Clothing, toiletries, sunglasses, and other goods are sold here every Sunday morning-afternoon. Again, make sure to keep your belongings close at the markets, as the high volume of people brings out the pickpockets and other petty thieves.

     

    Spaghetti

    Source: https://tinyurl.com/ya85rk5k

    EAT, EAT AND EAT!!

    Of course, when in Rome you must eat! Here is a – very condensed – list of my favorite restaurants in Rome:

    • La Gelateria Frigidarium – a touristy, but AMAZING, gelato place (near Campo dei Fiori)
    • Dar Poeta – the BEST pizza I have ever had and I still dream about it (located in Trastevere)
    • Pimms – a great place for cheap salads and good risotto (in Trastevere)
    • Donkey Punch – a casual sandwich joint for a quick bite (in Trastevere)
    • Capa Toast – slightly touristy panini place (located in Trastevere)
    • Ristorante Maccheroni – a casual dinner place with some of the best pasta at great prices (in the Piazza delle Coppelle near the Pantheon)

     

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jolie Blair is a rising senior at Emory University from Sun Valley, Idaho. She is double majoring in Theater Studies and Public Health and has a passion for the arts, writing, and traveling. She studied abroad for the 2016 fall semester in Rome, Italy and had an experience of a lifetime, which she loves to share with those who want to listen (and even those who don’t like her 140lb Great Dane!).

     

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