Students
TAKE CHARGE
With Problem-Based Learning THE CONCEPT OF LEADERSHIP
“There’s a component of listening in our
study—and turn it into a practical exercise
may conjure images of a drill sergeant
view of leadership,” said Chris Weaver,
in team leadership? They set the stage
leading a squad of new recruits. The
director of curriculum and faculty
and give students the tools to continually
captain of a basketball team. A CEO or
development. “Gathering information,
guide each other toward different
a president.
generating new ideas, incorporating
problem-solving techniques.
feedback, making adjustments—those
Upper School math teacher Amy
processes all develop a sense of agency
Papandreou is accomplishing that using
in learning.”
a technique called “problem-based
But what about a math student? At Peck, being a leader doesn’t just mean being at the front of the line. It means making the people around you better. And when the concept of leadership is anchored in that idea, a straight line is drawn between Peck’s dedication to
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Leadership, then, is not about having a particular role; it is using critical thinking, analysis, and persuasion to cause a group to take action.
learning,” which she picked up several summers ago at the renowned Anja S. Greer Conference on Mathematics and Technology, presented by Phillips Exeter Academy.
‘consideration of others’ and an inclusive
So how does a teacher take something
“I was blown away by the concept,”
view of leadership developed throughout
like learning math—which may
Papandreou said. “It just resonated with
the K-8 experience.
traditionally be seen as an independent
me as a better way to teach.”
SP RI N G/ S U MMER 2021
