Making School Matter: The University Liggett School Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning Podcast

Want to learn more about CITL's Growth and Partnership Plan for educators? Send us an email at citl@uls.net 

Background on the UN Sustainable Development GoalsEducator resources on the SDGsThe World's Largest Lesson  

In this episode, Mike Medvinsky talks with Adam Hellebuyck, University Liggett School's Dean of Curriculum and Assessment, and Chris Hemler, University Liggett School's Cynthia N. Ford Chair of History and the Social Studies, about the place-based education model in the study of the humanities. More than eight years ago, Hellebuyck and Hemler redesigned University Liggett School's 10th grade United States History class to be taught through a Detroit and Michigan lens. A focus on the places, people, and events in the students' communities has made a tremendous impact on the learning and engagement. It was also made a positive impact on their teaching approach.  If you're interested in learning how to integrate place-based humanities education in your classroom or school, please contact us at citl@uls.net. 

Hear from Bart Bronk, University Liggett School's Head of School, as he reflects on what is important in education today and the role school leadership has in supporting it.

What is Scientific Modeling? It's a practice of teaching that emphasizes active student construction of conceptual and mathematical models in an interactive learning community. Students are engaged with simple scenarios to learn to model the physical world. As one expert shares, "in scientific modeling, students 'do' science." Last year, Jennifer Larson and Jamie Fugitt attended workshops hosted by the Michigan Modeling Instruction to learn about how to incorporate scientific modeling in their classrooms. They've implemented the model in their classroom and are extremely pleased with the outcomes on their students and classroom culture. Larson and Fugitt will continue to master the scientific modeling practice with their students while also engaging with educator peers to expand its use and impact in the education field.  

The Making School Matter podcast is a journey towards the discovery of what we call the Liggett Approach, a student-centered vision of learning that is constantly evolving. We hope to explore best practices engaging learners where they are and helping them get to where they want to be. Hear from Sarah Nichols, a math teacher in Liggett's Upper School, as she talks with host Mike Medvinsky, on how she incorporates problem-solving, place-based, and project-based approaches to advance her student's learning.