Renaissance Thnking in the Classroom: Interdisciplinary Learning, Real-World Problems, Intellectually Curious Students

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