curriculum design – High Altitude Learning

Stories and Reflections from an Imperfect Practice- Part One

“The question holds the lantern.” John O’Donohue, Celtic poet Have you ever botched a great inquiry lesson using a poorly planned sequence of questions? Here’s an epic example of my own palm-to-forehead struggle to facilitate learning using the wrong questions. During my first-, or second-year teaching IB science, I created an opportunity for sixth gradersContinue reading “Stories and Reflections from an Imperfect Practice- Part One”

The Harvest of Learning

This time of year, I find delight in the harvest after a busy summer in the garden. Each time I visit my deep beds I return with a bucket of produce… tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, peppers, basil, beans, such rich reward for months of tending. Teaching is much like gardening. We prepare the soil by fussingContinue reading “The Harvest of Learning”

Portals of Self-Discovery

A couple of years ago I worked with a student I’ll call Jade as a mentor throughout the personal project experience. Using conventional methods of judging achievement, Jade struggled in school. Her grades were poor, as was her attendance; it would be easy to assume the personal project would not be her thing. Still, sheContinue reading “Portals of Self-Discovery”

“Inspiration Porn”

As the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games come to an end, I appreciated reading Gwen Knapp’s article “Paralympians Know “Inspiration Porn” When They See It” in this morning’s New York Times. Knapp brings awareness to the term “inspiration porn,” originally coined by the late Australian activist and journalist Stella Young and used to describe behaviorsContinue reading ““Inspiration Porn””