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High Noon
How do you inspire a generation of students to make a difference? Simple – publish a book that details the problems of the near future students will face, while underscoring the importance of immediate action. This is just what Jean-Francois Rischard, a Luxembourgian economist, did through the 2002 publication of his seminal book, High Noon:…
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Opportunities and Challenges
It is not hyperbole to state that educational systems and pedagogical approaches are in the throes of a revolution. While most of us accept the premise that we are in the midst of a historical transformation in education, the challenge is to make sense of these changes while also seeking to find our own footing…
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Enduring Any How
Two significant events framed this week that left me with feelings of gratitude and hope. The first event took place last Monday, during the early evening, when I decided to visit some of Brasilia’s famous landmarks to capture photographs of the unique lighting and evening colors. With a camera in hand and my faithful dog,…
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Learning Mathematics
Erma Anderson’s professional development work with our faculty this week left me with three reflections about the learning of mathematics and the Common Core. Number Sense Let us start with a quick math quiz. Quickly answer the following question relying only on your sense of numbers (i.e. do not calculate the exact value): If you…
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Hope Collides
The professional faculty days at the start of this school year included a reflection on key words that would serve to guide us both as an institution and as individuals. Drawing from EAB’s mission statement, words such as innovate, excellence, service, and leadership were identified as guiding ideals. Others added inspiration, community, and relationships as…
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Celebrating History and Building for the Future
In August of 1961, EAB opened its doors for the first time and offered classes to a small group of students in an apartment in 113 Asa Sul. A few years later, the construction of the school’s first building, located at EAB’s current site, was completed. It was this move, in part, to a permanent…
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Technology’s Impact on Writing
The August 5th edition of Education Week highlights the impact of technology on the development of student writing. The research presented in the article Digital Education: Teachers Say Tech Helps Student Writing, But Encourages Shortcuts indicates that the majority of teachers feel that technology encourages students to share their writing, leads to greater degrees of collaboration, and increases creativity…
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The Rule of Law and its Enemies
Each year, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) presents the Reith Lectures. The most recent version of these lectures featured the economic historian Professor Niall Ferguson. BBC’s website describes the focus of the lecture on exploring, “the role of man-made institutions on global economic growth and democracy, referencing the global economic crisis and financial regulation, as…
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20-Mile March
The word ‘leadership’ is highlighted in both EAB’s mission and vision statements and represents a key element of our school’s educational program. To implement the leadership component, EAB offers students and teachers a variety of leadership opportunities and learning experiences that foster a culture where community members embrace, excel, and are supported in their leadership…
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The Learning Process
Last week, I was invited by a group of EAB students to participate in a formal debate over whether or not cell phones should be allowed in classrooms. While listening to the students’ arguments for and against the proposition, I reflected, as I often do, on the process of learning and what constitutes effective instruction.…