Learning Modules
One of the elements of education we are experimenting with in Think Tank is how to provide a personalized, proficiency-based experience that allows students to move among disciplines. Most courses are grounded in a single discipline--for example, science--and credit is awarded in that content area. Students collect credits over their 4 years in high school in half or full increments, and there are discipline credit requirements in place to ensure students have varied experiences. When students collect enough credits for each discipline, they can graduate.
But what if credits weren't what determined graduation? What if student achievement of transferable skill proficiencies determined it instead? In other words, what if we could stop separating all learning into content areas and instead organized it around topics or problems that demanded multiple disciplines and transferable skills?
That's what we're trying to figure out. And our first attempt at that is the idea of MODULES. Catchy, right?
We will work with students to design specific modules based on topics that relate to our overall course focus, which is Educational Innovation. Once we know their interests and needs, we will design the shorter learning experiences. Here are some examples of modules students were interested in last year.
But what if credits weren't what determined graduation? What if student achievement of transferable skill proficiencies determined it instead? In other words, what if we could stop separating all learning into content areas and instead organized it around topics or problems that demanded multiple disciplines and transferable skills?
That's what we're trying to figure out. And our first attempt at that is the idea of MODULES. Catchy, right?
We will work with students to design specific modules based on topics that relate to our overall course focus, which is Educational Innovation. Once we know their interests and needs, we will design the shorter learning experiences. Here are some examples of modules students were interested in last year.
Anatomy of the Brain
Led by Dr. Jessica Lemieux, students will explore the anatomy and the physiology of the human brain, and how this affects learning. Using modeling and critical reading skills, students will learn how the brain works and why humans act in certain ways at different times in their lives. Note: this module will include dissection of real brains (not human!).
Math Anxiety and Learning
Is there such a thing as math anxiety? Why do some people love math and others run from it? When does fear of math start? If you are interested in how the brain learns math and why some students struggle, and if you want to work on a real research project with a UVM student doing her thesis about math anxiety, then this is the module for you. Targets to be determined. Note: you will need to spend some time at SCS for this module.
Coding as a Language
Is coding a language? Do we learn to code the same way we learn other languages? Should it be offered as a language option in schools? This module will explore whether coding should be required for students, how technology interacts with the brain, and how we can benefit from this knowledge. Students will learn basic coding (or more advanced, if applicable) in this module, and think about how we might use this skill for our class.
|
Book Study
This is a predominately independent module driven by interest. Students will read a book that is relevant to an ongoing project or specific area of individual focus. Students will choose one to two learning targets to practice, improve upon, and demonstrate their thinking.
Music and Learning
In this module we will look at how the brain learns music, and the effect of music on the brain. You will explore ways in which schools can use this knowledge to improve learning for all, not just music students. Targets negotiable.
Community Event: Think Tank
What if you all put on a community Think Tank event at the end of the semester? What if you tried to get community members thinking about education transformation the way you are? If you are interested in community outreach, event planning, and media production, this is a module you might enjoy. While the entire class would be involved in the facilitation of the event, this small group would lead, plan, and communicate to the public about it. Target skills are media production and communication.
Architecture of Learning
How does architecture and design effect learning? Could we be using what we know about development and learning to make decisions about use of space, room design, and school design? What are the most innovative schools doing? We will work with local architects and builders to think about these ideas and make some designs that support what we know.
|
Motivation and Learning
Why do students engage more in some work and not others? Without grades as reward and punishment, will students do their best work? What's more powerful, internal or external motivation? This module will allow students to create an experiment (develop a testable question and design a reliable experiment with help from a science teacher), carry it out at one of the local schools, and then analyze the results (working with a math teacher).
Movement and the Brain
What is the connection between movement and learning? What happens in the brain when we exercise? What's being done in schools to capitalize on this relationship, and what more could be done to not only improve general health, but increase our brains' ability to learn? We will explore the answers to these questions and develop many more. Targets negotiable.
Create Your Own Module (CYOM)
Have an idea related to the brain and learning? Pitch it to us and we will help you design the module!
|