The Power of Synchronous Social Experiences in Human Development Rediscovering the Joy and Necessity of Learning Together ABOUT A  4  MINUTE READ –  Synchronous social experiences—those shared, real-time interactions between individuals—are foundational to both learning and human development. From infancy onward, our cognitive, emotional, and social growth is shaped by engaging with others in the moment. Whether it’s a conversation, a collaborative task, or a spirited group discussion, synchronous interactions offer immediate feedback, foster empathy, and build the communication skills essential for navigating the world. In education, these experiences deepen understanding. They allow students to question, clarify, and expand on each other’s thinking. Knowledge becomes something we construct together—not something absorbed in isolation. This kind of dynamic engagement strengthens critical thinking, nurtures curiosity, and cultivates both self-awareness and metacognitive skill. The Science Learning Modern neuroscience affirms what educators...

Improving Learning by Making Schools More Humane ABOUT A  4  MINUTE READ –  Learning is a natural process hardwired into every human being. From birth, we engage the world with our senses, learn through feedback, test boundaries, and expand our intellect through experiences and relationships. Over time, we grow more self-aware, discovering joy and purpose in our talents while recognizing and valuing the diverse gifts of others. We learn to seek help and to offer it. This innate drive to learn is at the core of human nature. And then we are sent to school… Schooling was invented to augment, not displace, this natural learning process, bringing together experts for learners to interact with and peers to share experiences. Modern schooling, as we know it—sending children to a dedicated “place”—is a relatively recent experiment in human history. Despite its success in improving general literacy and striving for equity in opportunity, it has also accumulated significant inertia. Today’s schools are often weighed down by convention and...

The Leelanau Way: The Unbelievable Winter Term Ted Lasso Class ABOUT A 5 MINUTE READ –  When it comes to television, I’m a dinosaur. Sure, I’ll cuddle up on the couch and watch a Star Trek or Muppets DVD with my husband and break out the old VHS musicals when visiting the cabin, but when lunch table conversation turns to the latest show and the streaming service it’s on, I’m completely lost. So, when one of our Winter Term classes this year was based on the Apple TV phenomenon, Ted Lasso, I truly had no idea what our students were in for… I was first drawn in by the course description’s subtitle: A Study of the Effects of a Positive Attitude on Community Add to this that the course was designed and taught by Elizabeth Blondia, one of Leelanau’s beloved dynamic educators who radiates positivity, and I knew I needed to stop by and check out whatever magic she was cooking up. What I didn’t know was that I would find myself with an Apple TV subscription just a week into Winter Term so that I didn’t fall behind when I had afternoon meetings or...