Educational Practices

TCFL's 21st Century Educational Practices

 

The following five aspects of TCFL’s educational practices are designed to foster both core content mastery as well as development of  the 21st Century skills needed for lifelong learning and future success. 

• Personal Approach

TCFL’s mission is to develop the personal qualities essential to becoming a lifelong learner. TCFL’s small size and strong sense of community promotes a warm fellowship and ensures that the school is a friendly, personal environment where students feel safe to take the risks necessary for learning. Through the development of strong relationships, teachers nurture the well-being of each student.

 

• Challenging 

21st century skills such as critical thinking, creativity and collaboration are the product of active engagement with curricular content. Our motivating, hands-on approach to education is integrated with a rich, standards-based, college- and career- preparatory approach. At TCFL, the curriculum is closely aligned with Common Core State Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards, as teachers nurture and inspire a strong command of the content material.

 

• Reflective 

In order to become independent learners, students must reflect on their learning, be aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and develop a growth mindset. Students at TCFL are taught to realistically self-assess their own intellectual strengths and weaknesses, using this knowledge to enhance the learning process. They are challenged to become strong problem solvers who think creatively, considering a variety of possibilities, in order to generate new ideas and solutions.

 

• Engaging

Students at TCFL are expected to take control of their personal growth and development. Rather than passively memorizing facts, our students actively engage with ideas in order to hone their critical thinking and inquiry skills. They are trained to ask good questions and to support and defend their views with evidence.

 

• Social 

Character growth occurs most often in the context of relationships. At TCFL students often work in groups and take part in debates. They learn to disagree respectfully, to build on each others ideas, and to get along with others. By working together in supportive relationships, students learn to build trust and empathy. Teachers at TCFL know their students and actively seek to address their needs. By learning to work cooperatively with others, not only do students learn important social skills, but they are prepared for the needs of an increasingly team oriented job market.