Methodology

 

WHAT DOES "CORE AND CRUST" MEAN?

Core N' Crust Connections is a parent-organization based upon the article by Timothy Clark: "Core and Crust of Leadership." The idea behind this type of education is that it is not enough to develop skills, or "the crust." A principle-centered "core" is an essential balance to the skills we develop through our learning.

Strong Core + Weak Crust= Principled, yet Ineffective Leader

Strong Crust + Weak Core= Dangerous Leader (think Hitler)

Strong Core + Strong Crust= Effective, Principled Leader

(A visual of this connection in learning may be seen here.)

All of our groups operate under the expectation that they will provide opportunities for youth & mentors to develop their own principles & skills to make them more effective, balanced leaders.

Whether you join our groups or are just perusing, feel free to take what good you find and apply it later. Please reference our site if using ideas or quotes specifically taken from this site. Also, engage in dialogue respectfully if you choose to leave comments or provide feedback.

Welcome!

GROUP CONTEXT LEARNING

Dewey said that children learn best when they have an environment that allows for self-direction combined with meaningful mentor-led group experiences. This is the basis for my classes. The kids have some structure to prep with but are free to self-direct where they go from there--to the degree and extent as well.

I can accommodate people who wish to have records for public schooling if their kids want to be tested within that environment, but most of my groups provide simulations, etc. for the groups to test and apply what they are learning in that manner. Also, I am big on teaching "how" to think and not "what" to think...providing a framework for exposure to ideas and letting them connect the dots. It's really been fun to do this in other areas that I've lived in for the past 10 years and I'm excited to invite other youth to join mine now that I'm here in Ohio!

The beauty is, I learn as much as they do! These kids are amazing and never cease to amaze me with what they discover and learn when given an environment rich in respect and inspiration.

See pages and tags for more info on the groups!

For prequalification, I just want to say 

-that I have been homeschooling for 20 years and have taught more groups and classes than I can count. 

-I am a firm believer in Gardner's "Multiple Intelligence" theory (cool descriptive short video) and try and gear my classes to incorporate aspects of each to let my students explore them.  Probably the one I don't incorporate the most is "kinesthetic" and "musical" although we will have opportunities for people to use those.

-I love letting the youth teach and have opportunities to select things that relate more to their interest.

-I love alternating the learning environments between presentation, testing, group discussion, simulations, projects and games.