Synergy and Synthesis for Teaching in the 21st Century: A Model for Moving into Inquiry and Problem-Based Learning Without Stress

With so many excellent theories and tools available to educators, why is teaching so challenging in the twenty-first century? The simple reason, according to authors Sherrye Dotson and Joan DellaValle, is that teachers just don’t know how or when to use them to create relevant and engaging lessons for today’s students.

Synergy and Synthesis for Teaching in the 21st Century has the solution. It empowers teachers by showing them how to integrate the most effective new methodologies into their curricula—without abandoning the tried-and-true strategies that work for them.

Starting with a high-level overview of P21, designed by the Partnership for 21st Century Learning, this handbook guides you through the Core 21 planning model, weaving together the common threads between problem-based/project-based learning and brain research that supports the many models of learning created by the educational experts. It provides students the opportunity to solve problems, connect learning to life experiences, and exhibit the skills necessary to thrive in a global society. And, it can be tailored to your teaching style and needs.

Inspired by the work of many educational researchers, Core 21 gives you a flexible framework for creating synergy in the classroom.

Sherrye Dotson is a change agent with thirty-four years' service in public education. She began her career in Texas teaching math at the middle school and high school levels before moving into administration and managing curriculum, professional development, innovative school design, and more. She travels the world as an adjunct professor teaching graduate courses in education and provides professional development for teachers and administrators as well as consultation for entire school systems.

Joan DellaValle is an education consultant with over forty years of public educational experience. After twenty years in the New York City public schools, she served as an elementary school principal on Long Island and adjunct professor at multiple universities, teaching curriculum design and leadership development. She has received numerous awards for her dissertation on learning styles and has authored various articles and a book titled Teacher Career Starter.

Dotson is president and DellaValle is vice president of Core 21 Educational Services.