Imagine You Could Teach Anything

Photo by Dmitry Ratushny on Unsplash

What if you could teach anything?  I posed this question to my colleagues long ago. Their eyes lit up.  Their heads tilted.  And you could see the wheels turning in their heads.

We had an exciting conversation that led to innovation.

If you had no limits, what would you teach?  If you were bound by no standardized testing, no state requirements, no limitations, what courses would you design?  

I see so many possibilities.  Authentic learning combining multiple disciplines.  

Here are some of my ideas:

Doughnuts– Why are we so tempted by the doughnut? the history of the doughnut, the chemistry involved in crafting the perfect food, marketing of doughnuts.  Of course, the project would involve learning how to cook a variety of recipes.  My daughter would take this course in a heartbeat.  She is always trying to convince me that we should get breakfast at Dunkin’ Donuts before school.  

Elections and Participation--How do elections work? teaching the democratic system and the importance of getting involved.  Students would commit to volunteering on a campaign for the duration and creating a campaign portfolio.  Perhaps include debates, local government field trips, etc.  After America’s recent election experiences, learning about the election and campaigning process is crucial for our society.

America’s fascination with Coffee--Why do Americans love coffee and what are the economics?  I sit here thinking of this as I write at Starbuck’s.  Did America’s obsession really begin with the Boston Tea Party?  What are the economics involved?  Imports/exports? What are the different types of coffees, does it matter?  What geography is needed?  How do you grow it?  I would have kids try to grow seeds, talk about terracing, impact on countries that grow coffee for export, discuss marketing, what appeals to Americans and why?  Maybe kids could create their own coffee shop experience for teachers one day?  Coffee Shop Express?

Some of these ideas sound silly, or even inconsequential.  Yet, look at the astounding success of Dunkin’ Donuts or Krispy Kreme.  Using these as a model to instruct students on business-building and design is brilliant.  

What school-aged student is not attracted to doughnuts?  Perhaps students could start a doughnut shop within the school and sell their product during snack times.  Or, maybe they would be inspired to start another business after learning the details.  This is real-world learning.  Kids need to research, problem-solve, and design just as they will in life.  

What, you say?  What about my curriculum?  What about the facts I teach?  What about the foundation I try to set for these kids in the future?  How could we spend time learning about such frivolous topics when I have content to teach?  I have to prepare these kids for college!!!

I have news for you.  Colleges have already switched. In 2018, I took my son on a college tour.  We focused mostly on New England schools.  At the time, I was deeply involved in conversations about innovating a new curricular program and designing its framework.  

What I found as we traveled from school to school to school is that colleges transformed their programs long ago.  Explore their curricula online.  Dartmouth, MIT, Amherst, Yale, and Middlebury all have multidisciplinary programs and expectations.  

Students are engaged in project-based learning and inquiry.  Princeton’s senior year is devoted to a thesis-and has been for quite some time.  This is how Teach for America began, as an idea  for someone’s senior thesis.  Dartmouth has an Interdisciplinary Program; its website mentions 21st century skills. Amherst has an Interdisciplinary Major.  These institutions are not alone-more and more colleges and universities are offering these opportunities.

Now tell me, you need to prepare students for the way colleges teach.