The Pedagogy of Real Talk

Dr. Paul Hernandez, PhD, is a nationally recognized speaker and leader in college access and success, community outreach, and pedagogy for educators working with underserved students and students at promise. He received his doctorate in Sociology, specializing in education, social inequality, and diversity. He has served as a faculty member, non-profit administrator, and higher education administrator. Currently, Dr. Hernandez partners with higher education institutions, K-12 schools, and non-profit organizations to develop and evolve their work with students and communities. Prior to earning his degrees, he was engulfed in gang culture and deep poverty. He openly shares his personal story and how his path influenced his work. He has learned ways to empower younger people traveling a similar path and share lessons with those working to address the multitude of challenges faced by diverse populations of youth at promise. Paul has received awards such as the National Education Association Reg Weaver Human and Civil Rights Award, the Michigan Education Association Elizabeth Siddall Human Rights Award, the Equity in Education award by the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and an Honors Professor of the Year Award for teaching.

Foreword by David Osher
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
1. Introduction
Students at Risk
The Reseacher
MSU HEP
The Pedagogy
2. Real Talk
The Theoretical Foundations of Real Talk
Refinement of the Pedagogy of Real Talk
The Pedagogy of Real Talk and Other Approaches
3. The Students, Their Experiences, and the Academic Results
Inception of the Case Study
HEP Student Participants
The Results
4. Implementing Real Talk in the HEP Program
Dialogue
Relating to Students
Structure
Clarity
Redundancy
Enthusiasm
Appropriate Pace
Maximized Engagement
5. Flexibility, Adaptability, and Effort
Flexibility
Adaptability
Effort
6. Terministic Screens and Real Talk Discussions
Terministic Screens
Real Talk
7. Dealing With the Exceptions
The Case of PB
The Case of Jessie
The Case of LB
The Challenge to Teachers
8. Implementing Real Talk in Any Classroom
9. The Training of Teachers
The Basic Components and Foundations of the Pedagogy
Connections Through Real Talk
Another Real Talk Example
Maintaining Connections
10. Training: Alternative Lessons
Alternative Lesson Examples
11. Training and Feedback
12. New Beginnings
Appendices
Bibliography
Index