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The Global Classroom Blog

Welcome to The Global Classroom! This blog is curated by the International School of Boston's faculty and staff, all of whom are experts in bilingualism, cultural fluency, international education, and more. We encourage you to explore our content and use the RSS and bell icons below to subscribe for regular updates. 

As a world-class, accredited private school in Cambridge, Mass., serving 575 students from age 2 through Grade 12, ISB places the development of the bilingual brain at the heart of our mission. ISB students graduate with an American high school diploma and choose between two internationally renowned diplomas, the French or the International Baccalaureate, allowing them to thrive at leading universities in the United States, France, and worldwide.

In today's increasingly globalized world, intercultural competencies have become essential for students. These competencies enable individuals to interact effectively and respectfully with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Fostering intercultural competencies in schools is crucial for creating inclusive environments where all students feel valued and understood. 

Dr. Mehdi Lazar, Assistant Head of School

Recent Posts

Teacher writing at whiteboard
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • STEM
  • Upper School
Dr. Mathieu Beau, Upper School Math and Science Lead Teacher

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the way our students learn and engage with knowledge. In a previous article, we introduced the idea of AI literacy as more than just coding skills or knowledge of algorithms; it’s about developing critical thinking, ethical awareness, and communication skills in tandem with AI tools. Building on those principles, our latest adventure dives into Exploring New Frontiers in AI, highlighting how theory connects with real-world applications in scientific research and illustrating why AI represents a paradigm shift in the way we construct knowledge today.

Read More about Exploring New Frontiers in AI at ISB
Exploring Careers: How Early Work Experience Shapes Students’ Futures
  • Academic Program
  • Experiential Education
  • Upper School
Joyce Latapie, Secondary School Director

What does it take to prepare students for the professional world? Beyond academics, exposure to professional workplaces is critical in helping students explore potential career paths, build confidence, and develop essential career skills. Work observation programs offer a unique way to bridge the gap between education and professional experience.

Read More about Exploring Careers: How Early Work Experience Shapes Students’ Futures
A student and teacher sitting at a desk completing math work.
  • Academic Program
  • Lower School
  • Maternelle
  • Mathematics Education
  • STEM
Anneli Ruehle, Elementary School Assistant Director

Mathematics is often seen as challenging for students, but the Singapore Math method has transformed how children learn and engage with numbers. With its focus on problem-solving, deep conceptual understanding, and visualization, Singapore Math has gained international recognition as an excellent approach to math education.

Read More about Unlocking Mathematical Potential with Singapore Math
AI Literacy: A New Paradigm in Education
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Lower School
  • Middle School
  • STEM
  • Upper School
Dr. Mathieu Beau, Upper School Math and Science Lead Teacher

The rise of Generative AI (Gen AI) technologies like ChatGPT marks a turning point in education. Gen AI holds promise for personalized learning, enhancing problem-solving skills, and automating tedious tasks like coding. Despite their growing presence in STEM, students' effective use of Gen AI remains limited, and challenges persist (Klopfer 2024):

  1. Over-Reliance: Students may use AI for answers without understanding (for example, in coding).
  2. Accuracy and Bias: AI outputs are not infallible.
  3. Ethical Concerns: Misuse risks academic dishonesty and plagiarism.

To address this, the International School of Boston emphasizes AI literacy over mere proficiency, combining technical fluency, critical evaluation, and ethical understanding. This article explores AI literacy and ISB's approach to fostering it in students. 

Read More about AI Literacy: A New Paradigm in Education
Bilingualism, Biliteracy, and Biculturalism: 3 Critical Skills of the World Citizen
  • Bilingualism
  • Global Citizenship
Pascal Lepesqueux, Chair of the ISB Outreach and Continuing Education Department

What does it take to thrive in our interconnected world despite its cultural differences? How can education provide an answer to such a challenge? Learning another language to understand and communicate with others is one of the most common answers to these questions. But what does it mean to be “bilingual,” and what skills besides speaking a language must be acquired to achieve our goal of training world citizens? Understanding and connecting with more distant and multifaceted others are increasingly essential in our modern world, and this post will address what it implies to achieve that goal. 

Read More about Bilingualism, Biliteracy, and Biculturalism: 3 Critical Skills of the World Citizen