On November 15 and 16, CISB teachers participated in a comprehensive workshop focused on Understanding by Design (UbD), a framework aimed at improving curriculum planning and student understanding. This professional development opportunity brought together both Middle/High School and Elementary teachers to deepen their teaching practices and enhance student learning.
Our Early Years and Elementary School community embarked on a transformative Professional Development journey led by Jessica Humble-Crofts and Jenny Jin from Professional Learning International. The focus of this enriching two-day workshop was Concept-Based Inquiry, an approach that has been at the core of our teaching evolution over the past year.
Deep Dive into Concept-Based Inquiry
The training was centered on understanding concepts and their significance in curriculum design. Teachers explored how focusing on concepts helps students recognize patterns, make connections, and build transferable understanding across disciplines. By shifting the lens from merely acquiring facts to exploring enduring ideas, this approach fosters deeper and more meaningful learning.
Key areas of focus included:
The Importance of Concepts: Understanding how concepts anchor learning in transferable, universal ideas.
Curriculum Design Strategies:
Developing units of inquiry that integrate concepts to enhance relevance and engagement.
Empowering Student Learning: Using teaching strategies that help students see patterns and connect ideas across subjects.
The Power of Questions
A highlight of the workshop was the exploration of questions as tools to deepen thinking and enrich teaching practices. Jessica Humble-Crofts introduced our teachers to various types of questions that support inquiry-based learning:
– Concept Formation Questions
– Factual Questions
– Conceptual Questions
– Provocative/Debatable Questions
Through practical exercises and collaborative discussions, teachers practiced designing and incorporating these questions into their daily teaching.
Transforming Student Learning
Concept-based inquiry enhances students’ ability to process information at higher cognitive levels. By engaging with concepts, they move beyond rote memorization to analysis, evaluation, and application of ideas. This approach empowers students to construct their own understanding, think critically, and make meaningful connections in their learning journey.
Reflecting and Moving Forward
The professional development sessions not only strengthened our teachers’ skills but also reaffirmed our commitment to providing a rich, inquiry-driven learning experience. The enthusiasm and insights shared during the workshop reflect our collective growth as educators striving to create impactful learning environments.
As we continue to implement and refine concept-based inquiry in our classrooms, we are excited to witness its positive impact on our students. With the foundation laid by this training, we are confident in our ability to guide students toward becoming thoughtful, reflective, and globally-minded learners.
Middle/High School Focus on Understanding by Design
Meanwhile, the Middle/High School teachers participated in a focused workshop on Understanding by Design (UbD), led by Janelle McGann. This workshop emphasized the importance of backward design in curriculum planning, where educators start with the end goals in mind. Teachers learned to identify desired outcomes, determine acceptable evidence of student understanding, and plan engaging learning experiences that facilitate deeper comprehension.
Understanding by Design (UbD) framework is designed to enhance their children’s learning experience by focusing on deeper understanding and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. This approach encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, ensuring that students not only learn content but also understand how to use that knowledge effectively.
Looking Ahead
Together, these workshops help educators develop a cohesive approach to teaching that benefits all students across grade levels. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jessica Humble-Crofts, Jenny Jin, and Janelle McGann for their expertise and inspiration. Together, we are shaping a future where inquiry drives understanding, and learning becomes a journey of discovery.
