Chapters International

Student engagement skyrockets when learning opportunities are connected with issues that directly affect student’s lives. There is a legitimate and timely fascination in school with phenomena-based learning. How do we design learning experiences collaboratively with learners to dig into emergent topics, problems and themes? Quest-based learning is a critical life skill at every age from primary through graduation. Dr. Jacobs will share specific steps and a new model to support the development of independent self-navigating students.

Interdisciplinary curriculum design has been a staple of schools for decades yet often can turn into a potpourri, a sampling of subject areas. Key is the thoughtful integration of perspectives that a rigorously designed unit of study that involves students as curriculum designers. Both interdisciplinary and phenomena-based curriculum are essential for preparing contemporary learners for the future. The takeaway will be a draft of a unit or learning experience that can be co-created with your students that will be relevant, emergent and engaging! The session will be lively and creative. Join us!

6 April, 2022 - Designing Interdisciplinary Learning Experiences that Engage

Exploring a step by step model for engaging students in interdisciplinary design
Viewing each discipline as a perspective
Brainstorming possibilities
Using essential questions as the connection between disciplines
Creating exciting learning opportunities and purposeful assessments

13 April, 2022 - Designing Phenomenon-Based Experiences that Capture Emergent Learning

Define phenomena-based learning and what distinguishes it from other approaches
Locate sources for emergent learning on a personal, local, global level
Help students pitch ideas for PhB learning
Develop and plan inquiries into phenomena-based learning with students
Consider developmental approaches to emergent learning in planning.
Create products and performances of authenticity with students

Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs

Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs is internationally recognized for her seminal work in contemporary curriculum design, vertical mapping and modernizing responsive school environments. She prizes her work directly with schools in all settings of every kind, whether public, private, secular, sectarian, on-site, or virtual. Dr. Jacobs’s models on curriculum mapping world are the basis for software solutions used throughout the world. Dr. Jacobs has engaged in projects with a wide array of both national and international organizations and companies such as ASCD, NAESP, Learning Forward, the European Council of International Schools, the Near East School Association, the College Board, ADK International Sino-Canadian Schools in China, New Zealand’s Learning Network, the Kennedy Center, the Peace Corps World Wise Schools, Carnegie Hall, Australia ISV, the United Nations Council on Teaching about the UN, the Near East School Association, the International Baccalaureate, the NY State Higher Education Commission, the CCSSO workgroup on Global Competencies, AASA, Newsela, Amazon Studios, and the Waterford Institute. The author of thirteen books including the best-selling Bold Moves for Schools: How We Create Remarkable Learning Environments (ASCD) with co-author, Marie Alcock. Dr. Jacobs is laser-focused on how professionals, learners, and families can make choices to best prepare students for the future and is currently in collaboration with Allison Zmuda on developing tools, approaches, and a book on how to move forward post-pandemic with fresh approaches and building on lessons learned.