October 21, 2019

Focus: Remembering (the first "R" in R.O.T.A.R)

Dear Colleagues,

The Learning Resource Center and the Kravis Center have been working collaboratively since last winter to identify a set of academic skills that, if deliberately integrated into the curriculum, would not only help students find continued and perhaps enhanced academic success at Loomis Chaffee, but also "level the playing field" for those students who may not have had access to the deliberate teaching of these skills prior to their arrival al LC.

After identifying the five key skills (known as R.O.T.A.R skills), Lena and I presented to the Curriculum Committee and then developed a survey that we sent to each department, asking teaching faculty several questions about their teaching practices and the level of intentionality in teaching each of these skills. Our hope was that each department would be able to identify one skill over the others that they already prioritize and integrate into their curriculum. We understand the challenge that each department faced in choosing just one skill because each skill plays a role in all teaching and curriculum development. Below is a list of the R.O.T.A.R. skills and the one that the department felt most closely aligned to their curriculum.

R = Remembering (Modern and Classical Languages: verbal / Math: non-verbal)

O = Organization (Science)

T = Taking Notes (History)

A = Actively Reading (English)

R = Reflection (Social Science)

Understanding the variety of pedagogy that takes place in the Visual and Performing Arts departments, it was not a surprise that they identified more than one skill that is key to teaching in the arts. We look forward to working with them to best integrate these skills into their teaching.

Over the next few months, we will use Monday Musings to highlight each of R.O.T.A.R. skill. This week, we begin with "Remembering" (verbal = MCL; non-verbal = Math). Prior to beginning these discussions surrounding R.O.T.A.R. skills, however, it is important to remember that our ultimate goal is to increase students' ability to think critically. R.O.T.A.R. skills will help our students to develop a solid foundation of knowledge as they work toward analyzing, evaluating, and creating (Bloom's Taxonomy) and develop higher-level thinking skills.

Have a wonderful week, enjoy the excitement of upcoming Family Weekend, and have a enjoy your day off next Monday.

Best,

Sara and Lena, on behalf of The Kravis Center

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Memory resources

The Learning Center at UNC Chapel Hill lists several memory strategies that we can teach students in their quest to remember information. The video linked on the webpage is short and informative.

A Simple Way to Better RememberThings: Draw a Picture, NYTimes Tim Herrera. A very good repost.

Two articles out of the Center for Development and Learning: What strategies can be used to Increase Memory by Glenda Thorne, Ph.D and What Will Improve a Student's Memory by (my personal favorite) Daniel Willignham.

Here is a helpful list of memory techniques that the Learning Resource Center provides for students.

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CAIS PD opps

Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) professional development opportunities for November - Click here to access all event information

On November 15, there will be a People of Color in Independent Schools (POCIS) meeting at Westover School.

On November 7, Fairfield Country Day is hosting an event for all CT Art Teachers.

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Upcoming Internal PD

Open Classroom Week!

November 4-8: Open Classroom Week (OCW).As someone recently so wisely described OCW "it's the best, freest, PD that you can get." We are looking forward to an OCW gathering in the Lyon's Den on Thursday evening November 7 after dinner. Please sign up here.

PD Opportunity! CT Forum: Climate Crisis

The Alvord and Kravis Centers are excited to co-sponsor a two-part PD opportunity for faculty. Faculty who participate will attend the Friday, November 22 CT Forum on Climate Crisis in Hartford, during which panelists will engage in "a call-to-action conversation about climate change". Faculty will then engage in a morning PD discussion on Thursday, December 5 about how to leverage lessons from the Forum in our classrooms and around the Island. We have 10 spots available to attend this exciting and important CT Forum event. To secure your spot, please email Meg Stoecklin by noon on October 22.

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External PD Options:

Harvard Graduate School of Education has a plethora of online professional development opportunities on a wide range of topics.

Reminder! The link to the external PD opportunities is always available. Once in the document, click on the bookmark to find conferences that may interest you. Don't forget to add a comment/feedback next to a conference that you attended. Please excuse the "expired" dates. Most conferences do not update dates until January.

researchED national conference

November 16, Philadelphia

researchED is an organization designed to promote the research literacy of teachers.

Learning How to Learn - Learn & the Brain

November 22-24, Boston

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Resources to bookmark

Vanderbilt's Center for Teaching is a resource that I consult frequently. Here is their link to the first day of classes. You will find a number of helpful links on their site.

Deans for Impact and the pdf of The Science of Learning - a must read on teh neuroscience of learning.

Academic Tenacity by Dweck, Walter, and Cohen The New Faculty Cohort (NFC) read excerpts for orientation. A must read on creating a sense of belonging and classroom motivation.