Alfonso Marín is the author of Boli or pencil?, an educational podcast that invites us to immerse ourselves in the world of education by the hands of prominent teachers and professionals in the sector. In each episode, Alfonso offers us enjoyable and enriching conversations with various education experts, who explore issues such as gamification, neuroeducation and the importance of promoting love for reading. Its objective is to inspire through the experiences of other teachers, and without a doubt, it achieves it. Today we have the opportunity to meet Alfonso a little more. I encourage you to read your interview and follow your podcast because it is an invaluable source of inspiration and learning for all who passionate about education! 😃
For those who still do not know you, who is Alfonso? Tell us a little about you.
Well, Alfonso is a musician who as a child dreamed of teaching. Since childhood, I have been very aware of the teachers who left their mark on me and, most importantly, how and why they did. Therefore, my mission as a teacher goes beyond teaching: I want my students not only to learn, but to enter the classroom happily and go even happier, wishing to return.
I have been fortunate to work in various schools, sharing experiences with very inspiring teachers/classmates (and others who, as they can imagine, not so much). These experiences have shaped my vision and my passion for education and, therefore, to be the teacher who I am today.
In addition, I take my voice to the stage as a singer of the Company of Performing Arts Murciana Belter Souls, where music becomes another way of connecting with emotions and people.
My curiosity about how our brain works led me to study a Master in Neuroeducation. I am fascinated by discovering how the teaching-learning process transforms our minds and how we can take advantage of this knowledge to teach more effectively and significantly. I believe, and I take the opportunity to say, that it is super interesting knowledge for any curious teacher.
In addition, recently, I started the adventure of creating a podcast with the help of my partner entitled Boli or pencil?, a space with the aim of inspiring other teachers and offering families Quality talks with professionals from education, health, psychology… It is my way of tending a bridge between the educational community and families, always betting on an enriching and transformative dialogue as an interview.
What inspired you to create the podcast "Boli or pencil?" And how has it evolved since its inception?
Being honest, I think two things inspired me: my desire to inspire other teachers and learn from each other, and the free time they had that moment. Just when I was about to start preparing oppositions, I launched, with the help of my girl, to play the door of incredible people to share their experiences and what made them different as education professionals.
I have always commented with colleagues who, When a teacher is given a little free time, wonderful things can arise. And I think this podcast is a good example of this.
As for the evolution, I would say that we are in a kind of pause right now while our lives stabilize a bit (between interim, changes of home, etc.). But we will return, no doubt.
What kind of feedback are you receiving from your listeners?
The podcast offers Very diverse talks, which helps break with the possible monotony of focusing on a single subject. Although the listeners are normally teachers, I think it is fantastic enriching us from other disciplines that are fundamental in our profession, such as health, psychology or neuroscience.
The feedback I have received is very positive. Of course, there is always the typical friend who tells me: “Despite not being a journalist, it shows that you have improved chapter after chapter”. And really, I'm very happy to hear something like that, because it means Effort and evolution are noticeable.
What have been the biggest challenges in producing the podcast and what lessons have you learned in the process?
I would say that one of the biggest challenges has been to find different spaces to record. We have been in Madrid, Valencia and other places, and, with the small budget we had, I think we have fixed them quite well. Fortunately, people have been very collaborative and that has greatly facilitated things.
Another challenge has been to coordinate the agendas. It is not always easy to find a hole with "top" teachers who have classes, projects and, of course, their personal life. Therefore, I have greatly valued the predisposition and the time that these people have dedicated to share their experiences in the podcast.
In the process, I have learned that, With desire and good organization, many limitations can be overcome. I have also reaffirmed The importance of collaboration and mutual support To move forward projects like this.
Could you share any experience that has been especially interesting and you have discovered through your interviews?
Well, for example, who is passionate about education, you feel that we speak the same language. I already tell you, the interviews are super different and give a brushstroke of the person and what he does for the education of this country, but in addition to that, I think that of each one I take some kind of learning. That is the beautiful thing about our profession, too. What teacher has not learned something new, in their day to day, to adapt it to their way of working, or way of understanding the child, or way of explaining…?
If you could invite any person or character, real or fictional, to your podcast, who would be and what topic do you think would contribute more interesting?
Without a doubt, I would invite Professor Dewey Finn School of Rock. Is the perfect example of How a teacher can connect with his students using something they passionate, where appropriate, music. I would love to talk to him about how he finds ways to motivate his students, adapting teaching to their interests and talents, and how it makes even the most difficult subjects are exciting. In addition, it would surely have a thousand funny anecdotes about how to survive the daily adventures in the classroom and how to transform the rebellion of students into pure creativity. I think I could contribute a lot about the importance of teaching from the heart and with passion, but also with a touch of rock ‘n’ Roll that does things much more interesting. I am convinced that it would be an unforgettable chapter!
Finally, if your podcast could influence one thing in the world, what would you like it to be?
Very humble, I would love that a single person, hearing one of the chapters, learned something new. It does not matter if it is a small detail or something that changes the perspective, with that I would already feel that the effort is worth it. Inspire even a little is a giant achievement for me.
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