May 23rd
GUS Participates in International Consortium on Harvard Project Zero’s “Visible Thinking”
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND – As part of Glen Urquhart School’s ongoing commitment to providing a curriculum that prepares students to live in a 21st century global society, members of the Glen Urquhart faculty and board were honored to participate in an international consortium on Harvard Project Zero’s “Visible Thinking” curriculum. Hosted by the International School of Amsterdam from May 3rd to 5th, Glen Urquhart participated in the Visible Thinking conference to share ideas with representatives from prestigious schools from Europe, Asia, the Mideast, South America, and Africa on this innovative approach to educating children. Along with a tremendously invaluable experience on curricular innovations, Glen Urquhart School expanded its international foundations and reach. Glen Urquhart’s officials have been invited to travel and share their insights and experiences with schools in Germany, Sweden, and Jerusalem.
Glen Urquhart seventh grade teacher Sydney Clarke comments, “Having taught at Glen Urquhart for many years, the Harvard Project Zero “Visible Thinking” conference resonated strongly with me. It put a name to the type of teaching, learning, and thinking that goes on here at GUS. As one of only two groups from the United States at the conference, I felt excited about having the opportunity to meet, share ideas with, and gain insight from educators from around the globe. I walked away feeling inspired.”
Hagit Man from The Branco Weiss Institute in Israel writes to Glen Urquhart School board member and parent Ken Paradis, “Whenever we face a cognitive challenge – at work, school or in other fields in life, we should ask ourselves – ‘how shall I think about it?’ The visible thinking routines are great tools for systematic thinking. I enjoyed the conference very much, and was amazed to find so many educators that are excited to apply thinking routines in their work. It was interesting to hear from you about your involvement in your [children’s] school, and to see your interest in the visible thinking culture!”
Kathleen Bracken, Glen Urquhart School fourth grade teacher, comments, “I was enriched with the generous sharing of resources and information from teachers all over the world which truly reminded me that Glen Urquhart School is part of a much broader community.”
