Frequently Asked Questions

Q	What is Integrative Learning?
A	Integrative learning is the study of topics, themes and questions that cross academic disciplines. It involves discovering key concepts and essential questions that are common to diverse subject areas, and reframing these notions and questions as the new focus of study. Integrative thinking is also now used in disciplines beyond education, including medicine and business. Traditionally distinct medical disciplines are moving to synchronize their values and practices to benefit the patient while blending the goals of prevention, recovery and rehabilitation. Integrative thinking in business is the ability to digest the tensions of diverse subject matter, not choosing one over the other but generating a new and creative result that advances the undertaking.
Q	Who is Lola Stein?
A	Lola Stein was one of the early female pharmacists in South Africa, but her very special talent was in hospitality and friendship. She cared for friends and family, at home and across the globe, individually, uniquely and lovingly. When she passed away, one friend chose to honor her memory in a way that would also reach around the world. This was the seed of sharing educational materials developed at the Lola Stein Institute in Toronto.
Q	Why was the Lola Stein Institute created?
A	The Lola Stein Institute was created to share knowledge accumulated during the creation of an original integrative learning program for an arts-based integrated Jewish day school. The Institute is working to publish original materials and resources and to offer ongoing professional development.
Q	Where were the Lola Stein programs developed and piloted?
A	All programs were created, piloted and honed over the past 13 years at the Toronto Heschel School. All are original, inventive and unique in form and content.
Q	Is the Lola Stein Institute part of the Toronto Heschel School?
A	The Lola Stein Institute began in association with the Toronto Heschel School but is now offering its knowledge and inventory of programs more broadly. The Institute has separated from the Toronto Heschel School so that children, at schools of any denomination, public or private, world-wide, can benefit from the accumulation of best practices in integrative study, thinking skills and learning through the arts.
Q	Where are the workshops held?
A	The Toronto series of workshops will be held in the Fireside Room, The Wagman Centre at 55 Ameer Avenue, Toronto [ MAP ]
Q	Is there a discount if I attend more than one workshop?
A	Yes. The cost to attend one workshop is $50, to attend three workshops is $140, to attend five workshops is $225 and to attend the series is $400. Fees include hors d'oeuvres, dinner and the workshop.
Q	I have certain food restrictions. Can I order a special meal?
A	Vegetarian meals can be ordered in advance. Best efforts will be used to accommodate allergies known one month in advance but guarantees cannot be given.
Q	Will the workshop series be offered in other cities across Canada/North America?
A	Food for Thought was specifically created as a flexible series that can easily be transported to different locations and adapted for different situations. For example, it may be held during PA days or as a three day workshop. It is the Lola Stein Institute's goal that the Food for Thought workshops be presented in various forms in many different cities. Toronto marks the launch of the series.