Resources
If you’re looking for resources, you’ve come to the right place. As our offerings grow, check this page for updated content.
Publications
EDUCATION FOR ALL
Using Student-Centered and Social-Emotional Learning
By Don Mesibov and Dan Drmacich
Our latest book is designed to address poverty, social justice and racism in the classroom, as well as the unique needs of the so-called “good” students. This book is expected to be published within a half-year, and will define the heart of the Institute. We have approximately one dozen cover quotes praising the book including two by name-recognized people in the field of education.
Books by Institute Leadership Members
Captivating Classes with Constructivism, by Don Mesibov, Pat Flynn, Paul Vermette, Mike Smith
Applying Standards-Based Constructivism: Secondary, by Don Mesibov, Pat Flynn, Paul Vermette, Mike Smith
Applying Standards-Based Constructivism: Elementary, by Don Mesibov, Pat Flynn, Paul Vermette, Mike Smith
The Comprehensive Handbook of Constructivist Teaching: From Theory to Practice, by James Pelech
Guide to Transforming Teaching through Self-Inquiry, by James Pelech
Engaging Teens in Their Own Learning: 8 Keys to Student Success, by Paul Vermette
Group Work that Works: Student Collaboration for 21st Century Success, by Cynthia L. Kline and Paul Vermette
Informing Instruction with Vignette Analysis: Powerful Professional Growth for Middle and High School Teachers, by Charles Howard Gonzalez, Paul J. Vermette, et al.
Professional Development Workshops
Are you looking for new and exciting ways to engage your students? Attend one of our one- or two- day workshops, available nationwide. which have received rave reviews by both new and veteran teachers.
Work with talented facilitators who model proven learning-centered strategies
Find out how to motivate students to want to learn
Learn how to generate student questions
Get into the learner centered mindset
Experience learner-centered strategies such as jigsaws and gallery learning
Leave with ways to enhance your lessons using and transform your classroom
Each workshop is a different experience, customized to your needs.
Other Offerings
Are you interested in attending one of our workshops?
HOW TO TEACH CHILDREN TO THINK CRITICALLY
Few teachers would disagree that students should learn to think critically. Yet many teachers were never trained to teach critical thinking! As a result, few even try.
In this workshop teachers will explore how critical thinking differs from plain thinking. These research-proven strategies encourage students of all ages to go beyond their current thinking processes.
Led by a trained facilitator with the Institute, this workshop focuses on the soft skills:
how to manage time,
how to problem-solve quickly and effectively,
what is required to be a contributing member of a team
Educators will participate in activities they can then use with students. Whether in a classroom or at home, these activities will help to define what it means to think critically. They will also practice the steps required to be a critical thinker. Participants will leave this workshop with skills to engage students in complex discussions.
HOW TO TEACH SKILLS FOR ENGAGING IN CIVIL DISCUSSIONS
Skim your Facebook page or turn on the television. What do you see and hear? Politicians, celebrities, and marketers shout at each other, hawk products they don’t use, and avoid answering questions. These are the models children see and hear daily. Is it any wonder so many students assume loud means right?
In this workshop teachers will learn skills to teach empathy. They will learn to teach students to understand the other person’s point of view. The activities in this workshop encourage:
listening skills,
differentiating between fact and opinion,
identifying relevant and irrelevant arguments,
using sources to verify a fact or opinion,
keeping a calm tone when sharing your opinion, and
respecting others even while disagreeing.
Participants will learn a model they can use in every class discussion. This workshop is appropriate for educators at all levels.
HOW TO DESIGN AN ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDENT-CENTERED SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL)
It sounds logical: classrooms and schools should be learner-centered. The teacher should move from being the "sage on the stage" to being the "guide on the side." But how does a teacher move to the side, when they were taught from the stage?
In this workshop, educators will explore the answers to questions like:
Is all group work student-centered?
How do I recognize student-centered classroom?
Participants will learn the six tenets of constructivism. Using these six tenants, we will explore and assess student-centered teaching practices. Participants will also practice a learner-centered model. They will leave ready to reflect this model in their classroom.
HOW TO DISCUSS ISSUES OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND RACISM WITH STUDENTS
Can educators engage students in discussions of social justice or racism? For some it seems risky. There might be parent concerns, or even protests. But the real question is: can we afford not to?
As educators, we cannot justify ignoring these issues. Our goal is to graduate students who are prepared to participate in a just society and democracy.
In this workshop, educators will learn to:
build on skills for engaging in civil discussions.*
discuss critical issues and "sensitive" topics
help students participate in self-discovery
introduce cultures without "othering" people who may look different from the student population
use literature to generate meaningful discussions about relations among peoples.
Participants will hone their skills at conducting discussions on controversial issues. Teachers will also learn how to respond to parental concerns on what "should" be taught in schools.
*Attending the workshop "How to Teach Skills for Engaging in Civil Discussions" is not a prerequisite.
Pricing
Individual prices may vary. Please reach out to learn more.
NY state school districts can CoSer the cost of this workshop through St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES.