Teaching for Wisdom through History

Many students and, indeed, adults, are intelligent but not wise. They may have admirable records in school and even on the job, yet make poor judgments in their own lives and for the lives of others. For example, they may be egocentric, taking their own needs into account but not the needs of others. The aim of the "Teaching for Wisdom" program was to apply Sternberg's balance theory of wisdom to instruction at the middle school level. The curriculum is designed to promote students' ability to use their intelligence in the service of a common good, and their ability to balance their own interests with those of other people and institutions. We chose to infuse these wise thinking skills in an 8th grade history curriculum specifically developed for this program that makes frequent use of primary sources.

The Products
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• Teaching for Wisdom through History