TANG INSTITUTE AT ANDOVER | April 3, 2020

Dear Friends of the Tang Institute,

It’s hard to believe how much has changed in this past month, both here at Andover and across the planet. More than anything, we are wishing you and your loved ones’ health, safety, and peace of mind during this uncertain and unsettling time.

As we shift from traditional to virtual classrooms, we have highlighted an article written by noted educator Grant Wiggins. The title of his article previews a powerful assertion: “The Futility of Trying to Teach Everything of Importance." Though written three decades ago, it is still quite relevant today. Indeed, uncertain and anxious times require us as educators to reflect deeply on what is most essential.

Here at the Tang Institute, we have been working with our faculty fellows to emphasize connection, community, and beginner’s mind. Faculty will not be able to teach the courses they had planned; they will not be able to cover all the content they might have hoped to. And that’s OK. We were never going to be able to teach everything of importance. Right now we need to be even more intentional in thinking about how to create inclusive learning environments that support all students while simultaneously giving them the opportunity to cultivate certain academic dispositions and habits of mind.

I’m happy to report that the Workshop has launched, albeit in a different form. We have been in good touch with our students and will give them an opportunity to engage with COVID-19.

In heartening ways, many Tang fellows have been contributing to the learning of their peers on campus and beyond:

Faculty fellows Kurt Prescott (instructor of philosophy and religious studies) and Nick Zufelt (instructor of mathematics, statistics, and computer science) have led pedagogical sessions for the PA faculty about how to approach remote learning.
Christine Marshall (instructor of biology) has begun to share reflections from her multiyear Tang project, SYNAPSE, with parents who now find themselves in the new role of "teacher." SYNAPSE offers seven steps students can apply to help manage their attention, cognitive load, sleep, and stress.
A significant number of our faculty participated in Global Online Academy’s Designing for Online Learning course, and we have used insights from this learning experience to inform Andover’s approach to assessment, grading, and questions about synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning.

We will continue to connect and collaborate with educators near and far. As ever, if there’s anything we can do to support you in the classroom, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warmly,

Andy Housiaux
Currie Family Director of the Tang Institute

RESOURCES FOR CONNECTING, LEARNING & TEACHING

The Tang team has compiled a list of digital resources to help teachers, parents, and students develop positive and productive practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click through to explore.

THE WORKSHOP

The Workshop is Andover's interdisciplinary opportunity to reimagine the fundamental structures of school and learning. It launched remotely on March 30 with 17 seniors and 8 instructors. The group will spend the term exploring a singular thematic focus: Community, Class, and Carbon.

The Workshop is the students’ only academic commitment during this term, and they'll be looking at this topic from a range of linked perspectives. In addition to their curricular work, students will forge deeper connections with community partners around the world.

Below is the video that welcomed students to the Workshop. It features English instructor Corrie Martin, the Tang Institute's senior fellow in engaged pedagogy and a member of the Workshop faculty. Enjoy!

CONNECTION AND BEGINNER'S MIND

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Tang Institute director Andy Housiaux reflects on the challenges and opportunities of teaching and learning remotely.

STUDENT ADVISORS TO THE TANG INSTITUTE

The Tang Institute's inaugural student board (SATI) met for the first time in February and, going forward, will participate in shaping, evaluating, and improving the Institute’s work and impact. Learn more about how these students will be participating in the conversation about teaching and learning.

MARK CUTLER NAMED NEW DIRECTOR OF LITW

A dedicated teacher with more than 20 years of experience, Mark Cutler has been named the new director of Andover’s Learning in the World (LITW) student travel program. Cutler will begin his six-year term on July 1.

ANDOVER'S RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS

Phillips Academy has designated a COVID-19 response team to manage all efforts, including disruptions to campus programming, events, and travel. Click for all the latest information.

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