Concurrent Session Two

Walking in Both Worlds: Preparing Students to Simultaneously Navigate Diverse Learning Landscapes

As high schools and secondary teacher preparation programs implement inquiry-based and project-based learning models in their classrooms, the reality is that many of their students may find themselves in a college course where content is delivered mostly through a lecture-based format. This style of learning can challenge students who are accustomed to “learning by doing” rather than “learning by getting.” To reflect this reality, high school teachers need to support their students in developing the skills required to adapt to any learning environment – and these skills are those of executive functioning. In this workshop, participants will use a sample Portrait of a Graduate (a structure required by all NEASC accredited schools) to discern the often overlooked and misunderstood executive functioning skills embedded within it. They will explore how this central document serves as a guide for developing curriculum and instruction that readies students for college coursework, and leave with a framework with which to look at their own school’s Portrait of a Graduate.