Danny Dorek, Los Angeles-based potter and founder of Danny's Mud Shop [EF Academy Pasadea photo]
At EF Academy Pasadena, a private full-time boarding school in Pasadena, learning is not limited to the classroom. The school has partnered with Danny Dorek, a Los Angeles-based potter and founder of Danny's Mud Shop, in an exciting partnership to reimagine education.
This collaboration exemplifies EF Academy Pasadena's student-centered educational approach, which is integral to the high school curriculum.
As part of the partnership, EF Academy Pasadena hosted a free ceramics workshop on Saturday, March 2nd at the school's Pasadena campus for 48 parents and students in the LA/Pasadena community, led by Dorek . This workshop was about rethinking education and how best to learn.
“We chose the artist workshop to demonstrate that the best learning environment is one filled with freedom, joy, and courage,” said Dr. Sally Mingarelli, principal of EF Academy Pasadena. explain.
“In art, we embrace experimentation, value repetition, and value both the learning process and the final product. Creating art requires embarking on a continuous journey with continuous feedback loops. Yes, learning is self-paced, personalized and facilitated by teachers who help students highlight their strengths and identify areas for improvement. This explains why all subjects and classes are designed this way. The question arises as to whether this has not been done.”
EF Academy Pasadena is rooted in a competency-based learning approach that focuses on acquiring skills rather than memorizing facts. Competency and project-based learning are at the heart of each class to delve deeper into subjects, specific skills, and their interdisciplinary connections.
Danny Dorek understands the importance of developing skills across interdisciplinary fields. Before being recognized in society, LA Times or mr porter Dorek has had a variety of careers as a potter, cook, restaurateur, and sommelier.
“Through my own travels and the workshops I teach to students of all ages, I have witnessed the incredible art created by people from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life,” says Dorek. “Regardless of our industry, we all have skills that go beyond our jobs. When you create a collaborative environment where people can learn and explore, they quickly realize the interconnectedness of these skills. Masu.”
The March 2nd event was the first workshop in the series, with further workshops planned for later this year. These workshops provide a unique opportunity for parents and their middle school or high school students to have a creative and educational experience together.
Click here to learn more about EF Academy Pasadena and to be notified of upcoming free workshops.
