Pedagogy of Partnership

Delving into the deeper layers of a text with a partner is called chavruta, and is the foundation of the PoP, or Pedagogy of Partnership approach to learning that we foster at JCDS. Students learn how to work together as equals with text as the third partner, each having something to teach and something to gain from one another. This approach guides our Habits of Mind and Heart at JCDS. Throughout the Lower and Middle School years, we value multiple perspectives, deep thinking, and evidence-based solutions to shared problems – as well as the cultivation of empathy and curiosity. These are the ingredients that guide a JCDS education in both Judaic and general studies. Our commitment to intentional pluralism is bolstered by these habits, which in turn are bolstered by the PoP approach to learning. PoP begins in Lower School and is crucial to honoring student curiosity even at a young age by creating a classroom space for them to ask and engage with each others’ questions. By explicitly teaching students to listen to their partners and articulate their own thinking, ask meaningful questions, and seek evidence to support their interpretations, we are helping to deepen their thinking and collaborative efforts. Furthermore, we intentionally build in personal reflection in order to help students take responsibility for their learning in partnership. PoP allows us to create a respectful, rigorous classroom culture and build student skills, centered on a number of core beliefs, including, “Everyone has something to teach and something to learn,” “I learn from the text and from my peers and not just my teacher,” and “Each of us needs to do our part in the partnership.” Students also learn to appreciate that the text may have multiple meanings, and that they may need their peers to help bring them to light. As students engage in PoP learning on a regular basis, asking questions like, “Can you tell me more about what you mean?” or “Can you explain that in a different way?” we see how these skills integrate into literature discussions, math problem solving discussions, brainstorming in science class, and on the playground. It is so heartening to hear young children using speech prompts they have learned through PoP as they navigate their way through the day.