Date of Completion

Spring 5-26-2015

Document Type

Open Access Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

First Advisor

Peter J. Taylor

Second Advisor

Luanne Witkowski

Abstract

Designing Creative Problem Solving (CPS) – A High School Curriculum Designed to Satisfy the Needs of 21st Century Learners is my answer to the driving question: “How do teachers prepare students for an uncertain future?” Several processes influenced the curriculum design:

1) I reflected on the lessons I learned during my time in CCT. I looked back on the importance of having supportive instructors to accompany you on your journey. I realized practical and useful assignments motivate students to produce their best work. I gained a greater appreciation for the power of productive teams.

2) My growth as a stained glass artist. What I learned in this new endeavor is similar to the new experiences CPS students will have. Like me, they will realize mistakes are not disappointing failures, but valuable lessons. They will grasp the notion that excellence is a work in progress. They will understand that meaningful work is the result of practice, bold risk taking, and strong self - confidence.

3) My teaching and coaching experiences, informed by best practice research, lead me to include in CPS coursework building productive groups, becoming effective communicators, reigniting imaginations, and developing creative problem solving skills.

4) My call as an educator is to teach students the skills they need to be successful in all of their pursuits. Research reveals that in order for students to succeed they need the kind of skills that CPS will provide. I wish I had learned these lessons much earlier in my teaching career, but it is exciting to have the opportunity to share what I have learned with my students now.

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