ITI… The Second Key Element

The second key element that supports the ITI learning principles is the existence of Meaningful Content. This requires that what we ask children to learn must somehow be made meaningful to them. As explained earlier when discussing principle #4, all learners learn best when they can see and understand the patterns that exist in what they are learning and connect it to what they already know.

Meaningful content also refers to the necessity of providing genuinely important and relevant information and experiences. Learning principles #3 and #5 talk about the inherent differences that exist in the intelligences and personalities of different people. With that in mind, it is critical to provide content that will appeal to all kinds of learners. Integrating curriculum and instruction is a major method that ITI and the Tongass School will use to develop meaningful content.

The third bodybrain-compatible element is Enriched Environment .Enriched environment requires going beyond the teacher and the textbook. It means that whenever possible, the learning environment should include library books, artifacts, guest speakers, films, hands on and real world experiences and in ITI language, “being there” experiences. This challenges us to go out into the community and the natural world to see the “actual” thing or event that is being studied in action, and then bringing that experience back into the classroom and extending and working with it. These kinds of learning experiences help create an enriched environment.