Boost Academic Success Through Critical Thinking and Leadership
Develop Students' Critical Thinking, Adaptability, and Self-Discipline for Academic Excellence and Lifelong Learning.
Academic Support Plan
Skills Covered
- Critical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Creativity & Innovation
- Learning & Adapting
- Conflict Resolution
- Self-Discipline
- Leadership
Module Overview
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Challenges Addressed
- Struggling with Critical Thinking Students face difficulty analyzing information, forming logical arguments, and making informed decisions in academic settings.
- Inability to Solve Complex Problems Many students struggle to identify problems, explore options, and implement effective solutions.
- Lack of Creativity and Innovation Students often hesitate to think outside the box, thereby missing opportunities for unique approaches and ideas.
- Difficulty Adapting to Academic Demands A fixed mindset prevents students from embracing challenges and adapting to new learning environments.
- Frequent Conflicts in Group Settings Students often face unresolved disputes during collaborative work, thus impacting team performance and outcomes.
- Weak Self-Discipline Poor time management and difficulty staying focused hinder students’ ability to meet academic goals and deadlines.
- Limited Leadership Skills Students struggle to take initiative, motivate peers, and make decisions that benefit the group.
Plan Objectives
- Enhancing Critical Thinking Your students will master analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and decision-making skills essential for academic success and life challenges.
- Strengthening Problem-Solving Abilities Students will learn to approach complex problems methodically, thereby fostering confidence and resilience in overcoming obstacles.
- Fostering Creativity and Innovation Students will explore creative strategies and innovative solutions, consequently unleashing their potential to think beyond conventional approaches.
- Encouraging a Growth Mindset Your students will embrace adaptability and continuous learning, hence thriving in dynamic academic environments and preparing for future success.
- Resolving Conflicts Effectively Students will gain tools to address and resolve conflicts constructively, which will improve collaboration and teamwork.
- Developing Self-Discipline Students will learn time management, goal-setting, and focus techniques, which will enable them to meet deadlines and confidently achieve academic goals.
- Building Leadership Confidence Your students will learn how to inspire and guide peers, take initiative, and lead projects effectively in both academic and social contexts.
Courses Included
MindCraft: Developing Analytical Skills
Course Objectives: Intellectual Critical Thinking
- Develop critical thinking skills to analyze complex problems, evaluate information from multiple sources, and make well-reasoned decisions in academic and everyday situations.
- Learn to identify and mitigate personal biases and groupthink, fostering open-mindedness and the ability to consider diverse perspectives.
- Master effective communication techniques to clearly express ideas, actively listen to others, and provide constructive feedback in group settings.
- Apply an ethical decision-making framework to navigate real-world dilemmas and understand the impact of choices on oneself and others.
- Enhance emotional intelligence and problem-solving abilities to effectively manage personal challenges, resolve conflicts, and collaborate in team environments.
Developing SuperHuman Problem-Solving Skills
Course Objectives: Intellectual Problem-Solving
- Recognize essential problem-solving skills, breaking down complex issues into manageable steps.
- Foster critical thinking and decision-making abilities to analyze problems from multiple perspectives and find effective solutions.
- Develop teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Analyze innovative approaches like Root-Cause Analysis and Design Thinking to solve problems creatively and sustainably.
- Build resilience and adaptability by learning how to approach new challenges and learn from mistakes.
Don't Wait: Create!
Course Objectives: Intellectual Creativity & Innovation
- Apply creative problem-solving techniques to identify real-world issues and develop innovative solutions that positively impact communities.
- Develop resilience and a growth mindset to overcome challenges, learn from failures, and persistently iterate on ideas and projects.
- Collaborate effectively with peers, providing constructive feedback and support while working on innovative projects and social initiatives.
- Create and present compelling pitches for original product ideas or social innovation projects, incorporating market research and user feedback.
- Cultivate an innovator's mindset by enhancing neuroplasticity, embracing continuous learning, and applying design thinking principles to various challenges.
Learning to Love Learning!
Course Objectives: Intellectual Learning & Adapting
- Develop a growth mindset by learning how to embrace challenges, persist through obstacles, and view failures as opportunities for growth.
- Cultivate self-advocacy skills by understanding how to express needs and feelings clearly, build confidence, and seek support in both academic and personal settings.
- Enhance adaptability and resilience by learning to adjust to new environments, overcome setbacks, and maintain a positive outlook during challenging situations.
- Strengthen communication and problem-solving abilities through critical thinking, assertive expression, and creative approaches to resolving conflicts and misunderstandings.
- Build meaningful connections and friendships by developing trust, navigating social interactions, and fostering personal growth through diverse experiences and relationships.
Conflict Resolution Foundations
Course Objectives: Social Conflict Resolution
- Develop strategies to approach conflict constructively, using effective communication and empathy to resolve disputes peacefully.
- Learn to manage emotions during conflict, with techniques like mindfulness and positive self-talk to stay calm and focused.
- Build active listening and perspective-taking skills, fostering understanding and preventing misunderstandings in tough situations.
- Practice problem-solving and negotiation techniques, encouraging compromise and finding win-win solutions.
- Recognize the value of empathy in conflict resolution, enhancing emotional intelligence and promoting healthy relationships.
The Art of Self-Discipline
Course Objectives: Emotional Self-Discipline
- Develop self-discipline skills to make better decisions, resist distractions, and achieve personal goals.
- Understand and manage emotions through self-discipline, improving emotional regulation, and reducing impulsive behavior.
- Build healthy habits and routines that promote long-term success, such as time management, focus, and personal responsibility.
- Overcome procrastination by learning strategies to prioritize tasks and stay on track in both school and personal life.
- Set and achieve both short- and long-term goals, fostering resilience and commitment to personal growth.
Building Leadership Skills
Course Objectives: Social Leadership
- Develop key leadership qualities such as dedication, flexibility, and communication to enhance personal growth and teamwork.
- Learn to set effective goals and cultivate a solutions-oriented mindset to navigate challenges and achieve success.
- Build strong communication and collaboration skills to foster trust, inclusivity, and cooperation within teams.
- Understand the importance of mindfulness and reflection in leadership to manage stress, prevent burnout, and improve decision-making.
- Practice leadership in real-world scenarios and learn to balance leadership responsibilities with adaptability and problem-solving skills.
Emotional You: Managing Your Emotions
Modules: 4
|Lessons: 33
Course Objectives: Emotional Self-Management
- Understand and manage emotions by recognizing both positive and negative responses and how they impact thoughts, behaviors, and relationships.
- Develop coping strategies for managing stress and negative emotions, including deep breathing, distraction tools, and expressive techniques.
- Build an emotion management toolbox that includes skills like emotion regulation, stress reduction, and problem-solving to handle everyday challenges.
Meet the Course Creators
Dr. Kymberli Barker
Dr. Barker is the mother of two fantastic young men, and they are her priority in life. She holds degrees in biochemistry, math, forensics, and psychology. She is a consultant and a professor at multiple colleges, including the Citadel, and Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. She spent fifteen years in public education, prior. Her personal focus is child advocacy and she developed the Guardian ad Litem/(GAL)/CASA program for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. She is tribally and state sworn as a GAL. Her favorite thing is being a mom.
Dr. Barker created her own or was part of the team that created the course.
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Developing SuperHuman Problem-Solving Skills
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Conflict Resolution Foundations
Ashley Valentine
Ashley Valentine is an energetic and creative teacher from the United States who has committed her career to facilitating engaging and unique experiences for learners. She has presented at technology conferences, attended international learning summits, and is deeply passionate about ensuring that learning is both fun and meaningful. She has incorporated escape rooms, social media, experiential learning models, and hands-on techniques to engage Generation Z and prepare for Generation Alpha. An avid learner herself, Ashley holds two degrees in education and engages regularly in professional development so that she can build upon strategies and be responsive to student needs.
Ashley created her own or was part of the team that created the course.
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Building Leadership Skills
Jazmine Morales
Jazmine Morales is a passionate educator who is driven to provide a quality, equitable, and meaningful education to her students. She aims to make learning fun and engaging, while maintaining a rigorous and productive learning environment. She has taught an array of science classes, such as Biology, Physiology, Marine Biology, and Biomedical Science. Jazmine has earned her B.S. in Kinesiology, B.A. in Spanish, and M.A. in Urban Education with an emphasis in Language and Culture. She values and follows teaching practices that are proven through research to be the most valuable and effective for the newer generations of students. She continues to grow as an educator by attending professional developments and community college courses. Finally, she strives to help raise self-advocating leaders who understand the importance in making a difference in the world, for not only those who exist today, but for those who lie seven generations ahead.
Jazmine created her own or was part of the team that created the course.
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Learning to Love Learning!
Ali Dareneau
Ms. Dareneau is an English teacher with dual degrees in Psychology and English Education, she enjoys helping students reach their potential, especially when it comes to English Language Arts. With over 16 years of classroom experience and working with education-based companies, she brings creativity and enthusiasm to the classroom and beyond. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2007 and completed her Masters's degree in English Education in 2013 which have both shaped her into the passionate educator she is today. Her professional experience as an English teacher, curriculum designer, and writer demonstrates her passion for reading and writing and solidifies her belief all students can strengthen their reading and writing skills no matter what level they begin their journey.
Ms. Dareneau created her own or was part of the team that created the course.
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Conflict Resolution Foundations
Melissa Miletic
Melissa Miletic is a dynamic educator with over ten years of experience in education, beginning her journey with a transformative volunteer stint abroad at 18. She has since navigated all facets of education, from policy-making to classroom teaching, driven by her multicultural upbringing and a deep belief in the value of diversity. Committed to providing holistic, inclusive, and high-quality education, Melissa strives to impact learners across all demographics and geographies. Her approach blends modern methodologies with a global perspective, aiming to make learning engaging, relevant, and accessible to everyone. Holding a double bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Communication from the University of South Florida and a master’s in International Education from New York University, Melissa’s expertise lies in crafting educational experiences that resonate universally. Her professional and personal mission is to champion education as a transformative force, bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding in a connected world.
Melissa created her own or was part of the team that created the course.
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The Art of Self-Discipline
Dr. Jim Dolson
Dr. Jim Dolson, EdD, is an accomplished business leader deeply devoted to education at all age levels. With extensive experience across diverse industries and unwavering dedication to teaching, he is the ideal person to develop an outstanding curriculum tailored to middle-school students. As a parent himself, Dr. Dolson understands at a personal level the significance of engaging and impactful learning experiences. His expertise as an instructor at multiple universities highlights his ability to inspire minds and bring out their full potential. Driven by a genuine passion for education, Dr. Dolson excels at creating a well-rounded curriculum that challenges and nurtures students' growth. His successful tenure as a K12 Superintendent reflects his commitment to fostering confident and academically empowered individuals. Families can trust Dr. Dolson’s expertise to provide an exceptional educational journey for students, ensuring they receive the best possible learning experience that prepares them for a successful future.
Dr. Dolson created his own or was part of the team that created the course.
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MindCraft: Developing Analytical Skills
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Developing SuperHuman Problem-Solving Skills
Lauren Hudak
Lauren Hudak is an educator with over eight years of experience. After graduating from the University of Virginia with degrees in English Literature and Media Studies, she went on to get her Masters in Teaching from New York University. Lauren has worked with all ages of students from Pre-K through college, but she thrives when working with middle schoolers. She believes this is the perfect age to integrate mindfulness, technology, and social emotional learning into student learning objectives. She wants to help students conquer their fears and build a better world. When she’s not teaching, Lauren loves being outdoors, traveling and spending time with her family.
Lauren created her own or was part of the team that created the course.
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Developing SuperHuman Problem-Solving Skills
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Don't Wait: Create!