In this 24 hour course (12 x 120 minute sessions), take a Level 1 deep dive into PBL and SEL with Zach Reznichek, author of the Teacher-Gamer Handbook and co-founder of BE All and co-author of the DVLS Curriculum. Through the lens of the Alien Production Project, mentors learn how to deliver a project firsthand by doing it and exploring the 36 Life Skills and Da Vinci Life Skills assessment method with portfolios.

 

Teachers work together in a “Mentor Fellowship” joining a cohort of teaching fellows to complete this Level 1 course through three aspects of pedagogy: philosophical purpose (the why), tasks and roles (the what), and practical methodology (the how). Each aspect is explored every session during the course. 

 

THE WHY: (4 hours)

• The core values of Biophilic Education - a sustainable, ethical and inclusive approach to learning - 1h

• Equally developing academic, physical, social/emotional and creative/intuitive knowledge and skills through transdisciplinary, contextual projects - 1h

• The 7 Principles of a Da Vincian learner - 1h

• The top traits of a BE Mentor - 1h

• Course reflection and feedback - 1h

 

THE WHAT: (8 hours)

• BE Time and fostering well-being modelled, learn by doing - 4h

  • BE Time: Sound

  • BE Time: Movement

  • BE Time: Storytelling

  • BE Time: Silent Reflection

  • BE Time: Visual Expression

• The DVLS 9 core skills and 27 sub skills - 4h

  • Expanded and explored in Production

  • Explored in Production Pathway

  • Continuation of PEP from Intro course

 

THE HOW: (12 hours)

• Full exploration of the Alien Production Project (Creative thinking, Xenobiology and Stop-frame Animation) - 5h

  • Modelled through doing

  • Best practices

  • Discuss approaches that fit your learners

• How to apply knowledge through experiential learning - 1h

• Formative assessment principles - 2h

• Evidencing work in portfolios - 2h

• DVLS Assessment method expanded - 2h

  • Life Skills radar constellation chart expanded

  • Portfolio capture expanded

  • Adapting to other curricula approaches

 

Upon successful completion of the course and proof of running a pilot in either PEP or Alien Production Project, trainees will receive a Level 1 Certificate and be able to teach the DVLS Curriculum in schools and hubs. They are also prepared to take the Level 2 BE Mentor Certificate Program where mentors learn how to build project-based learning resources that are bespoke and site specific. The Level 1 Certificate is needed to start the Level 2 Mentor Development Course.