Developing creative problem solvers through small, inter-disciplinary learning communities w/Jeff Harwood and Amber Kotcher

Lots of large international schools are seeking ways to make learning experiences more relevant, interdisciplinary and project/problem-based. 

Yet between fixed timetables, a demanding curriculum, large student bodies, and siloed subjects, they are finding it difficult to do more than offer a few lessons per week. 

What if there was a way to make experiences like these the main course? 

In this podcast, I sit down with Amber Kotcher and Jeff Harwood, coordinators of the PRAXIS program, a small micro-learning commmunity in the International School of Kuala Lumpur that does just that. Through a flexible timetable and learner-centered approach, it develops creative, collaborative problem-solvers by organizing Science, English, Social Studies and Art/Design around complex and compelling problems that demand an interdisciplinary approach to address. 

Learn more about the program and how you too can:

• Re-organize your curriculum around complex and compelling problems
• Help students become IB, AP, Citizen, Career and most importantly 'Happinness Ready.' 
• Integrate siloed subjects seamlessly through meaningful questions
• Transform learning from artificial learning activities, to REAL life experiences  

Learn more about the Praxis Program: https://www.iskl.edu.my/learning-at-iskl/high-school/praxis-program/ 

Hear a student perspective: https://youtu.be/04x8tFtSueQ. 

Connect w/ Amber Kotcher, Program Coordinator: akotcher@iskl.edu.my 

Connect w/ Jeff Harwood, Assistant Principal: jharwood@iskl.edu.my

Amber's Bio: Amber Kotcher is the PRAXIS Program Coordinator at the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL). “PRAXIS is an integrated learning program which reimagines the school experience at ISKL. Learning is anchored in complex, real-world challenges, empowering students to thrive in a dynamic present and future. PRAXIS 2030 fosters creative exploration, effective collaboration, and active problem-solving through a differentiated and flexible thinking space. Students reflect deeply and act with agency and empathy to make a positive difference in our world”. Amber has taught Art and Design K-12 in the USA, S Korea, Vietnam, and Israel for the past 15 years. Along with teaching she has held various leadership roles in schools and is an advocate for student leadership, student voice, and student agency in learning in high schools. Jeff Harwood is the High School Assistant Principal at the International School of Kuala Lumpur. Prior to his role at ISKL Jeff worked as the Dean of Students, College/Pastoral Counselor and Literature Teacher at the Rabat American School in Morocco. Before moving overseas and working in private schools, Jeff worked as a public school teacher and counselor. He has experience in implementing alternative education programs that are rooted in problem based learning that foster student agency and connect academic learning to the world beyond academia. 

Jeff's Bio: Jeff Harwood is the High School Assistant Principal at the International School of Kuala Lumpur. Prior to his role at ISKL Jeff worked as the Dean of Students, College/Pastoral Counselor and Literature Teacher at the Rabat American School in Morocco. Before moving overseas and working in private schools, Jeff worked as a public school teacher and counselor. He has experience in implementing alternative education programs that are rooted in problem based learning that foster student agency and connect academic learning to the world beyond academia.