Paideia Active Learning

Goal

The goal of the Paideia philosophy is for all students to develop essential skills needed to value education as lifelong learners, to earn a living and to think and act critically as responsible citizens.

Samuel Clemens Elementary School is proud to be Wisconsin’s first public school to embrace the Paideia philosophy. Paideia, which means nurturing of a child in Greek, is an educational reform approach based on student-centered learning.

There are 12 Paideia Principles in place that help guide schools who embrace the Paideia model. Paideia schools integrate three types of teaching and learning into their curriculum:

Didactic Instruction: Didactic instruction uses textbooks, lectures, films and study guides to teach concepts that engage children’s minds through dynamic lessons. Students discover new information through inquiry.

Coaching: By coaching students, teachers at Clemens offer guided practice and hands-on activities that reinforce skills.

Socratic Seminars: Socratic seminars are discussions focused on literature, art or music prompted by open-ended questions.

Through implementation of Paideia Active Learning at Clemens, students become active problem solvers who work collaboratively with others. Clemens students become conceptual and critical thinkers who can support their ideas, thoughts and opinions with valid evidence. Through verbal presentations and writing assignments, students become well-rounded learners capable of expressing their ideas in a variety of ways. Paideia inspires positive character development and a lifelong love for learning.

For more information about Paideia Active Learning, please visit Paideia Active Learning’s national website at http://www.paideia.org/content.php/system/index.htm.

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