"The desire to continue their own learning should be the prime motivation of those who dedicate their lives to the profession of teaching." (Adler, 1982)

PROJECT TRAINING

The National Paideia Center offers two standard training options focused on unit design:

1. “Introduction to Intellectual Coaching”
2. “The Paideia Project.”

Mortimer Adler categorized teaching and learning into three columns: didactic instruction of information, coaching of intellectual skills, and seminar discussion of ideas and values. Our “Introduction to Intellectual Coaching” provides an entry for planning units based on ideas and allotting 70% of instructional time on skill development. This training is applicable to any grade level or subject area. Our objectives are for all participants to:

• know the Three Columns of Paideia
• to practice taking standards or curricular materials and drafting a 3 Column Unit plan
• to understand the curricular integration of facts, skills, and ideas

A Paideia Project is a unit of study that leads to a student production or performance of real value to an audience outside the classroom. It is designed specifically to create authentic classroom work that connects the standardized curriculum to the real world. “The Paideia Project” is designed to help teachers (all subjects and grade levels) plan engaging and relevant Three Column units that culminate in a high quality Product and Performance. The objectives for this training are for all to:

• know the components of a Paideia Project
• to practice curricular analysis and Project planning
• to understand the relationship between relevance and rigor in all classrooms

For information about scheduling Professional Development in your district or school, please write info@paideia.org via email or phone (919) 962-3128.