TL;DR: Schools were designed for both teaching and learning. The top skills kids need to know are analytical thinking and innovation, active learning and learning strategies, complex problem-solving, critical thinking and analysis, creativity, originality, and initiative. The difference between teaching and empowerment is when a teacher becomes so focused on the destination that students are not allowed to drive the … Read More
Episode #195: Jen Schwanke
Jen Schwanke has been an educator for 24 years, teaching or leading at all levels. She is the author of three ASCD books, including the just released, “The Teacher’s Principal: How School Leaders Can Support and Motivate Their Teachers.” She has written and presented for multiple state and local education organizations and has provided professional development to various districts in … Read More
Curriculum Connections Blog Series
Curriculum Connections Blog Series Overview Interdisciplinary is a common buzzword in the education world, but it can seem a bit overwhelming. This blog series shares the importance of collaborating with colleagues to create meaningful and unforgettable experiences for students and teachers alike. Learn tangible strategies for incorporating interdisciplinary units or transdisciplinary learning into your classes! Posts in the Series The … Read More
The Power of We
TL;DR: Working together as a team, being a “we” is incredibly powerful. We can find creative ways to problem-solve and inspire our students. Finding ways we can collaborate to create interdisciplinary units can have a profound impact. I’m a middle school teacher, so I’m always a “we.” The team of teachers I’m a “we” with ebbs and flows from five to … Read More
Transdisciplinary Teaching and Learning
TL;DR: Transdisciplinary units allow students to bring all facets of their learning together. Student agency increases student engagement. Students create in-depth work they are proud of. I work for a school that follows the International Baccalaureate curriculum. This means that we follow a transdisciplinary approach, where learning transcends subjects. The concepts of student voice and choice spearhead the program of … Read More