Renaissance Thinking in the Classroom

Former STEM educator Nathan D. Lang-Raad has witnessed the power of interdisciplinary teaching in K-12 schools. In this book, he details nine specific habits of thinking and a challenge-based framework that educators should systematically integrate to promote students' academic knowledge and lifelong learning. Lang-Raad's approach consolidates supportive research and gives clear guidance through original strategies to help teachers design lessons that foster necessary behaviors. This book will help K 12 teachers, instructional coaches, and curriculum designers: Understand why the nine habits of thinking must be embedded and applied across all grade levelsUse a detailed challenge-based framework template to design and perform interdisciplinary lessonsSee how historical polymaths practices can apply to and enhance 21st century learningComplete chapter activities to ensure the habits are appropriately incorporated for all developmental stages and grade bandsStudy research-supported examples of the habits and the framework s successful applicationContents:IntroductionPart IChapter 1: Foster the Nine Habits of Thinking in K 12 LearningChapter 2: Habit 1 Cultivate Diverse CuriosityChapter 3: Habit 2 Take RisksChapter 4: Habit 3 Use HumorChapter 5: Habit 4 Develop Creativity and an Innovative OutlookChapter 6: Habit 5 Build Self-RegulationChapter 7: Habit 6 Transfer LearningChapter 8: Habit 7 Ask Questions to Engage in Genuine InquiryChapter 9: Habit 8 Evaluate EvidenceChapter 10: Habit 9 Embrace Lifelong Learning and PerseverancePart IIChapter 11: Integrate the Challenge-Based Framework and the Habits of ThinkingChapter 12: Integrate Academic StandardsChapter 13: Integrate 21st Century SkillsChapter 14: Engage Teacher CollaborationChapter 15: Engage Student CollaborationEpilogue: Renaissance ReimaginedReferences and ResourcesIndex