导语
作为学校教育质量提升的关键推手,副校长不仅引领着学术航向,更肩负着培养学生全面发展的使命。京领邀请到了上海协和国际外籍人员子女学校(Concordia)教务副校长Dr. Dee Priester参与本次专访。循他的回答,我们将更全面地了解Concordia深植于尊重与关爱的全人教育,体会建立在深厚连接之上的社区文化。
在Concordia,每个学生都被珍视为独一无二的个体,他们的天赋和潜力都能得到细致的关注与培养。学校致力于构建一个多元化的教育环境,让学生面向真实的世界成长,培养终身受益的品格,掌握终身受用的技能。
以下是采访全文。
学校名片
上海协和国际外籍人员子女学校于1998年建校以来,为学前到12年级的学生提供全方位的教育支持。学校提供全面的美国课程体系,通过高标准的期望促进整体教育。Concordia希望培养的是具有全球视野的世界公民、具有服务精神的领导者、充满激情的学者、富有创造力的艺术家和充满活力的运动员。每位成员都会在这里感受到平等的尊重和关怀,每位学生都能在充满乐趣和挑战的生活中找到个人热爱。
受访者名片
Dr. Dee Priester
Assistant Head of School-
Teaching & Learning
Dr. Dee Priester是一位拥有26年丰富经验的专业教育工作者。他持有历史学本科学位和教育领导力硕士及博士学位,专业方向课程设计。加入Concordia之前,他的职业经历包括:初中和高中社会研究教师、北亚利桑那大学教育学院兼职教授、夏威夷大学马诺阿分校研究生学习顾问,以及夏威夷檀香山太平洋中学初中部和高中部校长。Dr. Dee Priester热衷教学创新、课程及组织设计,倡导培养教师和学生的适应力,以灵活应对这个不断变化的世界所带来的挑战。
*English Version Attached
01
面向真实和未来
在变化中全面成长
Concordia
「全人教育」是被Dr. Dee Priester反复提及的字眼。Concordia融合学术卓越与社交情感、体格发展的均衡培养,旨在帮助学生为未来漫长的社会探索之旅做好准备。学校的课程设计兼具包容性与前瞻性,鼓励创新与批判性思维,同时强调教师团队的协作与专业成长,确保每位学生都能在持续进步的教育环境中获得高质量、实用且充满爱的学习体验。
京领:贵校课程最大的特色是什么?
Concordia副校长Dr. Dee Priester:学校课程的最大特色体现在其对全人教育的承诺。学校重视培养学生终身学习的能力,也提供面向未来的教育,让学生们为进入一个快速发展的世界做好准备。我们不仅关注学术卓越,还着重培养学生的社交情感和体格发展,这些对于学生的全面成长而言至关重要。
Concordia的课程设计具有包容性和适应性,允许教师因材施教调整教学方法。通过传承已被验证有效的教学经验,在构筑坚实基础的同时,拥抱前瞻性的策略。
这种灵活性有助于创造力和批判性思维的养成,帮助学生不仅为考试做好准备,更为课堂之外的生活做好准备。通过整合现实应用并培养对学习的热爱,这一课程真正赋予学生在不断变化的未来中茁壮成长的能力。
京领:您能介绍一下Concordia的教学与课程开发团队及其优势吗?
Concordia副校长Dr. Dee Priester:Concordia的教学与课程开发团队由课程协调员、教学指导员、学部校长及副校长以及分管教学的副校长组成。每个角色都是教学领导者,促进持续学习和协作的文化。
课程协调员的职责是确保教育项目与最佳实践保持一致;教学指导员则直接与教师合作,实施创新策略并提升课堂教学效果;学部校长和副校长提供远见卓识和战略支持,为教师创造一个能够茁壮成长并分享经验的环境;在整个学校层面还有分管教学的副校长,负责所有课程和教学的整合,确保与学校使命保持一致。
这支强大的团队通过研讨会、指导计划和协作规划促进教师的专业成长,使他们能够适应新兴的挑战。这一对持续发展的承诺最终能够有效提升教学效果,确保所有学生获得高质量且贴合实际的教育,为未来的成功做好准备。
京领:贵校在教学与课程开发方面有哪些突出成就?
Concordia副校长Dr. Dee Priester:Concordia通过招聘受过高水平培训并在研究型教学方面拥有丰富经验的工作者,组建了一支卓越的教学与课程开发团队。我们的教师不仅掌握科学的学习方法,还深刻理解学生的独特需求,能够结合针对性的研究成果提升学生的学习体验。为提供支持,学校配有一支专门的教学指导团队与教师合作,在日常教学中开展有效的、以研究为导向的教学实践。
课程协调员发挥了关键作用,他们与校长、年级组长和部门负责人密切合作,定期审查并更新课程和评估方法,确保各个学部之间的教学连贯性,从而确保所有学生都能享受到连贯的教育体验。
此外,Concordia的教师还通过在国际会议上发表演讲及参与认证评审,努力为全球教育社区做出积极贡献。在分享经验的过程中,教师和管理层不断优化实践,并促进了学校的持续发展。因此,在亚洲和国际教育领域,Concordia被广泛认可为领先的教育机构,在教学与课程开发方面树立了高标准。
02
不做优绩流水线
鼓励创新和科研的全人家园
Concordia
对优绩主义的盲目崇拜是将教育片面化的懒惰解法,在此模式下成长的学生不一定能拥有适应变化和创新解决的能力。这是Concordia所不愿看到的。在学术卓越和综合发展的平衡中,学校鼓励跨学科学习、批判性思维和创意表达,希望学生真正地在充满活力的探索和挑战中发现热爱,自驱成长。
京领:贵校如何促进创新型人才的培养?
Concordia副校长Dr. Dee Priester:Concordia施行基于研究的教学法,将培养创新人才视为核心目标。我们的课程强调跨学科学习,鼓励学生在各学科间建立联系,提升创造力和批判思考能力。在融入真实世界的过程中,我们还培养学生的创新思维和运用知识的能力。同时,我们重视探究式学习,引导学生提问、开展研究并参与实操以激发他们的好奇心,从而让学生在学习过程中掌握主动权。
我们的课外活动还提供了丰富的探索机会,包括STEM(科学、技术、工程与数学)课程、机器人竞赛以及创意艺术课程,这些活动促进学生的团队合作、问题解决和创意表达等能力。此外,Concordia有针对教师持续进行的专业提升培训,确保他们掌握最新的教育实践,以有效激发学生的创新能力。
我们还与本地机构和企业建立了合作关系,为学生提供真实的项目和实习机会,增强他们的创新能力。通过开展研究型课程、探究式学习、多样化活动、教师发展以及社区参与项目,Concordia营造了一个培养学生成为创新型思考者和问题解决者的环境,让他们为迎接未来的挑战做好准备。
京领:培养创新型人才的过程中遇到最大的挑战是什么?
Concordia副校长Dr. Dee Priester:在一个被优绩主义主导的教育环境中,我们的教师面临着巨大的外部压力,他们的教学方法也可能受此影响。尽管教师们致力于提供满足学生需求的高质量教学,但对成绩的过度关注常常掩盖了培养创造力和批判性思维的重要性。对标准化成果的强调还可能会给努力创新学习体验的教师带来挑战。
他们致力于创造一个培养好奇心和探索精神的学习环境,但同时也必须面对高度重视学术表现的现实。我们的教育者一直在努力把握二者的平衡,在满足外部期望的同时,努力将学生的参与和全面发展放在首位。
通过在绩优导向的框架内整合创新教学方法,我们的教师力求提供有意义的教学体验,而不仅仅是片面的评估。即便在外部教育环境带来的压力面前,他们对高质量教学的承诺坚定不移。
03
在日新月异的时代
培养意志品格恒久闪耀的人才
Concordia
面对日新月异的现实挑战,Concordia始终坚持让学生在面向真实需求的实践项目中探索、发现、解决、成长。学校坚持教育与责任并重,引导学生以正直的姿态探索未来,确保他们在快速变化的世界中既具备竞争力,又拥有贡献社会的精神。
京领:面对数字化和人工智能的快速发展,国际学校如何更好地把握未来发展方向?
Concordia副校长Dr. Dee Priester:Concordia已在积极拥抱和迎接日新月异的数字化社会与人工智能领域,既认识到其带来的益处,也清醒地看到其不足。我们相信,了解这一动态环境对学生面向未来的成长至关重要。我们的方法以教育和负责任地使用(人工智能等技术)为核心,确保学生具备深思熟虑地应对人工智能技术复杂性的能力。
通过融合数字素养和伦理考量的课程,我们的学生学会了如何在充分利用人工智能潜力的同时,批判性地评估其影响。
Concordia的学生在经历探究精神和道德责任感的培养后,不仅能够适应技术发展,还能积极为社会做出贡献。这些前瞻性的做法使我们的学校在国际教育领域处于领先地位,能够有效且负责任地把握未来的发展方向。
京领:您认为国际学校未来发展的最关键因素是什么?
Concordia副校长Dr. Dee Priester:国际学校未来发展的关键在于如何在坚守教育原则的同时,实现持续不断的进化。在科技飞速进步和社会急剧变迁的时代,学校必须紧握变革的脉搏,积极应对挑战。这意味着在尊重儿童教育的基本历史和基石(如批判性思维、创造力和社交情感学习)的同时,也要采用创新的教学方法,为学生应对不可预测的未来做好准备。
单纯地专注于升学是短视的观点;学校必须具备更开阔的视野,考虑终身学习和职业准备。这需要培养跨越传统学术边界的技能,如适应力、协作能力和全球公民意识。
通过整合现实世界的经验、与产业界建立合作关系以及强调在技术使用中的伦理责任,国际学校不仅能为学生的大学生活做好准备,更能让他们整装待发地步入充满活力的世界。这种全方位的方法将确保他们无论选择什么样的道路都能茁壮成长,最终为社会做出积极贡献。
English Version
01
Facing The Real World & Future
Growing Comprehensively in Changes
Concordia
“Holistic education” is frequently emphasized by Dr. Dee Priester. Concordia blends academic excellence with balanced development in social, emotional, and physical areas, aiming to prepare students for a lifelong journey of societal exploration. The school's curriculum is inclusive and forward-looking, encouraging innovative and critical thinking while emphasizing collaboration and professional growth among faculty. This ensures that every student receives a high-quality, practical, and nurturing educational experience in an environment of continuous progress.
KingLead: What is the greatest feature of the school’s curriculum?
Dr. Dee Priester, Assistant HOS of Concordia:The most significant feature of the school’s curriculum is its commitment to holistic education, which honors the foundational practices that develop lifelong learning habits of mind while delivering forward-facing instructions thatprepare our students for a rapidly changing world.This commitment means focusing on academic excellence and nurturing social, emotional, and physical development, recognizing that these elements are essential for well-rounded growth.
The curriculum is designed tobe inclusive and adaptable, allowing teachers to tailor their approaches to meet the unique needs of each student. By honoring past practices that have proven effective, we create a strong foundation while also embracing forward-thinking strategies.
This flexibility encourages creativity and critical thinking, preparing students not just for tests but for life beyond the classroom. By integrating real-world applications and fostering a love for learning, the curriculum truly empowers students to thrive as they navigate an ever-evolving future.
KingLead: Could you please introduce Concordia’s teaching & curriculum development team and its advantages?
Dr. Dee Priester, Assistant HOS of Concordia:At Concordia, the teaching and curriculum development team comprises Curriculum Coordinators, Instructional Coaches, Principals, Assistant Principals, and the Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning. Each role serves as an instructional leader, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
Curriculum Coordinators ensure that educational programs align with best practices while Instructional Coaches work directly with teachers to implement innovative strategies and enhance classroom instruction. Principals and Assistant Principals provide vision and strategic support, facilitating an environment where faculty can thrive and share their experiences. The Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning oversees the integration of curriculum and instruction, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission.
This robust team empowers educators to adapt to emerging challenges by promoting professional growth through workshops, mentorship, and collaborative planning. This commitment to ongoing development ultimately enhances teaching effectiveness, ensuring all students receive a high-quality, relevant education that prepares them for future success.
KingLead: What are the outstanding teaching and curriculum development achievements of the school?
Dr. Dee Priester, Assistant HOS of Concordia:Concordia Shanghai has achieved outstanding teaching and curriculum development by intentionally recruiting highly trained educators with extensive backgrounds in research-based educational pedagogy. These educators not only grasp the science of learning but also understand children's unique needs, allowing them to tailor research to enhance student experiences. To support this, a dedicated team of instructional coaches collaborates with faculty to implement effective, research-driven instructional practices in daily lessons.
Curriculum Coordinators play a crucial role by working closely with principals, grade-level team leaders and department heads, to regularly review and update curriculum and assessment practices, ensuring continuity across all divisions. This collaborative effort fosters a cohesive educational experience for all students.
Furthermore, Concordia educators actively contribute to the global educational community by presenting at international conferences and participating on visiting accreditation teams. This commitment to sharing expertise helps faculty and administration refine their practices and promote growth within their schools. As a result, Concordia is recognized as a leading institution in Asia and the international education landscape, setting a high standard for teaching and curriculum development.
02
Not A Production Line ofMeritocracy,
But a Home for Innovation
and Holistic Growth
Concordia
Blind worship of academic achievement-oriented education is a lazy and superficial approach that can limit students' ability to adapt to change and solve problems creatively. This is something Concordia strives to avoid. By balancing academic excellence with holistic development, the school encourages interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and creative expression, aiming to help students truly discover their passions and grow independently through dynamic exploration and challenges.
KingLead: In what ways does Concordia Shanghai foster the development of innovative talents?
Dr. Dee Priester, Assistant HOS of Concordia:At Concordia, fostering innovative talents is a central focus, guided by research-based pedagogy. Our curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to connect across subjects and enhancing creativity and critical thinking skills. By integrating real-world applications, we prepare students to think innovatively and apply their knowledge practically. We also prioritize inquiry-based learning, promoting curiosity as students ask questions, conduct research, and engage in hands-on projects, which empowers them to take ownership of their education.
Our extracurricular program offers exploration through STEM, robotics competitions, and creative arts initiatives, promoting teamwork, problem-solving, and creative expression. Furthermore, Concordia invests in ongoing professional development for faculty, ensuring they stay informed about the latest educational practices to inspire students effectively.
We also establish partnerships with local organizations and businesses, providing students with real-world projects and internships that enhance their innovative capabilities. Through this comprehensive approach—combining a research-based curriculum, inquiry-driven learning, diverse activities, faculty development, and community engagement--Concordia creates an environment where students thrive as innovative thinkers and problem-solvers, ready for future challenges.
KingLead: What is the biggest challenge in the process of cultivating innovative talents?
Dr. Dee Priester, Assistant HOS of Concordia:In an educational environment that is predominantly "grade-based," our faculty faces significant external pressures that can impact their teaching approach. Despite their dedication to delivering high-quality instruction tailored to the needs of students, the intense focus on grades often overshadows the importance of fostering creativity and critical thinking. This emphasis on standardized outcomes can create challenges for faculty who strive to encourage innovative learning experiences.
They are committed to creating a learning environment that nurtures curiosity and exploration, yet they must also contend with the realities of a system that heavily weighs academic performance.Our educators are continually working to navigate this balance, striving to prioritize student engagement and holistic development while meeting external expectations.
By finding ways to integrate innovative teaching methods within a grade-focused framework, our faculty aims to provide meaningful learning experiences that go beyond mere assessment. Their commitment to high-quality instruction remains steadfast, even as they work to address the challenges posed by external pressures in the educational landscape.
03
Cultivating Timeless Quality
in a Rapidly Changing Era
Concordia
In response to the ever-evolving challenges, Concordia remains committed to helping students explore, discover, solve problems, and grow through needs-driven projects in the real-world. The school emphasizes both education and responsibility, guiding students to approach the future with integrity. This ensures that they not only stay competitive in a rapidly changing world but also carry a strong spirit of contributing to society.
KingLead: With the rapid development of digital and artificial intelligence today, for international schools, how can we better grasp the future development direction?
Concordia has taken an aggressive stance to embrace and welcome the rapidly evolving digital and artificial intelligence landscape, recognizing both its benefits and drawbacks. We believe that understanding this dynamic environment is crucial for preparing our students for the future. Our approach centers on education and responsible use, ensuring that students are equipped to navigate the complexities
Through a curriculum that integrates digital literacy and ethical considerations, we empower students to harness AI's potential while critically assessing its implications.
By fostering a culture of inquiry and ethical responsibility, Concordia prepares students not only to adapt to technological advancements but to contribute positively to society. This proactive approach positions our school at the forefront of international education, enabling us to grasp future development directions effectively and responsibly.
KingLead: What do you think is the most critical factor for the future growth of international schools?
Dr. Dee Priester, Assistant HOS of Concordia:The most critical factor for the future growth of international schools lies in their ability to continually evolve while maintaining a strong foundation in educational principles. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and societal shifts, it is essential for schools to keep their fingers on the pulse of change and respond proactively. This means honoring the fundamental history and building blocks of child education, such as critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional learning, while also embracing innovative teaching methodologies that prepare students for an unpredictable future.
Merely focusing on preparing students for university is a short-sighted perspective; instead, schools must adopt a broader vision that considers lifelong learning and career readiness. This entails fostering skills that transcend traditional academic boundaries, such as adaptability, collaboration, and global citizenship.
By integrating real-world experiences, cultivating partnerships with industries, and emphasizing ethical responsibility in technology use, international schools can equip students not just for university, but for a dynamic world beyond. This holistic approach will ensure that they thrive in whatever paths they choose, ultimately contributing positively to society.
*文中图片均源自上海协和国际外籍人员子女学校官方
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