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 levels
• Use a detailed challenge-based framework template to design and perform interdisciplinary lessons
• See how historical polymaths’ practices can apply to and enhance 21st century learning
• Complete chapter activities to ensure the habits are appropriately incorporated for all developmental stages and grade bands
• Study research-supported examples of the habits’ and the framework’s successful application

Contents:

Introduction

Part I

Chapter 1: Foster the Nine Habits of Thinking in K–12 Learning

Chapter 2: Habit 1—Cultivate Diverse Curiosity

Chapter 3: Habit 2—Take Risks

Chapter 4: Habit 3—Use Humor

Chapter 5: Habit 4—Develop Creativity and an Innovative Outlook

Chapter 6: Habit 5—Build Self-Regulation

Chapter 7: Habit 6—Transfer Learning

Chapter 8: Habit 7—Ask Questions to Engage in Genuine Inquiry

Chapter 9: Habit 8—Evaluate Evidence

Chapter 10: Habit 9—Embrace Lifelong Learning and Perseverance

Part II

Chapter 11: Integrate the Challenge-Based Framework and the Habits of Thinking

Chapter 12: Integrate Academic Standards

Chapter 13: Integrate 21st Century Skills

Chapter 14: Engage Teacher Collaboration

Chapter 15: Engage Student Collaboration

Epilogue: Renaissance Reimagined

References and Resources

Index