The International Class 2009-2010—A Global Learning Community

12 Apr The International Class 2009-2010—A Global Learning Community

“It is not only a Vygotskian atmosphere where professionals share different backgrounds, but a zone where you may improve your human skills and to help others to perform a better world.” –Ignacio Dalton, educational researcher, Buenos Aires Argentina

“The class has been such a wonderful support system, helping me to deepen my consultancy with the youth and staff I work with in non-profit organizations.  The group has inspired me to be more creative in my work, to take more risks, and to build more.  It has been an honor to be part of such a group that is dedicated to human development, even when life, social, and political circumstances challenge us.”–Kim Sabo Flores, evaluation consultant, Brooklyn NY

“The International Class has made me learn to challenge some of my old beliefs and to peel off the rigid self image that we all try to portray in our life. The cultural and economic differences of all the countries of the student has made us get an even broader viewpoint on all the topics which were discussed.”–Ishita Sanyal, psychologist, Calcutta India

The International Class is a course of study in postmodern and activity-theoretic approaches to human development and learning. Emphasis is on social therapeutics, a methodology utilized in diverse mental health, educational, youth development and community organizing settings in the US and internationally.

I began this program in the fall of 2003 and I lead it with a great faculty. We provide a unique opportunity for practitioners and scholars from the US and countries around the world to study together, learn the Institute’s cutting edge developmental methodology, and build ties and support for themselves and their communities.

A creative playground and postmodern academy, participants create a dynamic zone of development in which they can engage the philosophical, political and psychological questions emerging from their practice.

The ten-month program combines residencies in New York City and seminars, supervision and project development sessions conducted online. Students come together to work with Institute faculty and others in the broader development community and advance their programs and research.

Residencies. The International Class meets at the Institute three times during the academic year (two six-day and one twelve-day residency period) to work together as a group with Institute faculty and associates. Site visits, observations, participant observations and experiential learning activities supplement daily seminar activity.

At Home. In between residencies, students study the social therapeutic method in relation to socio-cultural activity theory, theories of performance, postmodernism, group process and community development. Learning formats include on-line seminars, mentoring, dialogues with guest colleagues of the Institute, supervision and conference calls with faculty and mentors.

The International Class is cross-disciplinary and open to practitioners and scholars with a broad range of educational and life experiences—and a passion for innovation. Applications for the 2009-2010 program will be accepted through July 2009. Tuition is $3200. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available.

For more information, including dates, applications and scholarship forms, contact me! To read more about the program, go to http://www.eastsideinstitute.org/internationalclass/index.html