City: Philadelphia, PA
Auspice/Sponsorship:
Contact
Information: office@mishkan.org, 215-508-0226
Website:
Category: Hebrew Language Programs, Jewish Text, History, Religion & Values Programs, Family Education Programs, Special Needs Programs
What are the goals of the program?
Make congregational school enjoyable for students and teachers, bring congregants into the classroom, teach something beyond a survey level, enable students to experience self-directed learning opportunities (choosing their own classes)
What is the structure of the program?
50 minutes per week, during congregational school hours
What is the methodology of the program?
30 classes to choose from – 5 at a time. Topical areas range from art-dance-theater-music-cooking-history-politics gamesand more. Each class is specific- such as “Sephardic music” in the general category of music. Each hoog lasts 6 weeks. Teachers propose what they’d like to teach and are encouraged to think about what they are passionate about. Guest teachers are solicited from the community. By adding the guest teachers to the paid teachers class sizes drop from 15 to 10. Students get to choose whatever they want to study – five totally different subjects or a series of music classes for example.
Where does the program meet?
Synagogue building
How is the program evaluated?
Previously students filled out evaluation forms at the end of each session, now it is done informally. Guest teachers/congregants and faculty are debriefed individually.
Who are your teachers?
Paid employees and congregants with expertise in Jewish topics or education
Who are your learners?
Students who are already in the religious school.
