IED 528 - Seminar in Curricular Enrichment for School Transformation

This course explores the notion of enrichment as key to effective learning cultures and ecologies. The class will study enrichment not as a mere “add-on” or “after school activity” but rather in large part via the thoroughly-researched and time tested “Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM)” approaches. Originally developed at the (US) federally-funded NEAG Center, the SEM has also been written about and practiced in the context of international education, and the course will review relevant international school literature and worldwide manifestations of the approaches. The course will explore Type I, Type II, and Type III enrichment and how to facilitate them. It will explore notions such as the “three ring” conception of talent, curriculum compacting, enrichment clusters, the place of fine arts, and what SEM contributes to ideas such as “differentiation” and “inquiry based instruction.” A special emphasis will be upon contemporary “cutting-edge” expressions of enrichment models and on how these relate to other master’s program themes such as learning ecology, learning culture, and learners choosing their own learning. Educators should leave the course with the skills necessary to bring schoolwide enrichment to their school.

(Cr: 3