Teach
Think you might want to teach a class? We're taking class proposals for our September 2013 session. Get in touch, or submit a course proposal. Deadline: July 31.
KCDC runs on the power of teacher generosity and a desire to share what they know and love. From seasoned university professors to enthusiastic amateurs, teachers are the backbone of our learning community.
Classes range from juggling to urban foraging, journalism to wheatpasting, graffiti tours to web design. Everyone has something to teach, everyone has something to learn. If you have something to share submit a class proposal and the KCDC organizing team will help wrangle a partnering space that will accommodate your needs.
If you're looking for ideas, we've had requests for specific classes.
Principles for Teaching
Imagine: Your class is an experiment. Maybe you haven’t taught before, and the teaching is an experiment. Maybe the subject is your bread and butter, but you haven’t shared it. Think about what is possible in terms of varied learning styles, experiential learning and a peer-to-peer setting. Ask what will make your students laugh, ask more questions, and hopefully dig in deeper. Ask what will make your class memorable, and how Knowledge Commons DC volunteers and organizers can help connect you the resources and space you need to make that happen.
View Past Classes for Inspiration
Explore: The city is our classroom. Class locations range from private homes to the Washington Post newsroom to public parks. Think of the environments that can help your class be memorable, experimental, and effective. By using existing public and private spaces and partnering with existing organizations, we keep Knowledge Commons DC Free, and get to explore our city.
Cross-Pollinate: One of the goals of Knowledge Commons DC is to foster opportunities for diverse groups to be united through their common curiosity. As you prepare for your class, reach out to interesting thinkers, doers, and possible teachers who you have learned from, would like to learn from, or who can learn from you. Invite them to your class, invite them to teach, and invite them to share. This school grows primarily through word of mouth, so help expand our circle of knowledge sharing by doing outreach for your class. Knowledge Commons DC can also serve as a platform for you to reach out to people and spaces you’re interested in connecting to.
We’re looking for classes that approach old issues from new angles, in imaginative spaces with diverse groups.
Play: Dive into educating each other playfully. One of the most important tenets of Knowledge Commons DC is that effective learning doesn’t have to be dull. Think about how to engage your class; if we’re not having fun, we’re doing it wrong. This doesn’t exclude serious topics, but we believe that learning by smart, eager, invested playing is revolutionary.