Big Idea: Supporting Innovation and Inquiry in Education
Image from PSII website.
This week, the class heard from Jeff Hopkins, who spoke about the Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry’s unique approach to learning and assessment. Jeff outlined his journey that led him to founding the school, highlighting his frustration with traditional modes of education. The PSII differs from other schools in its lack of defined subject areas and grade levels and its focus on student-led inquiry projects.
Heading into this lecture, I was somewhat sceptical of this open, inquiry-based approach to learning. While I found the concept interesting, I had concerns about whether students who had such freedom of choice would actually end up engaging with aspects of the curriculum that they were not naturally drawn to.
Despite these initial hang-ups, I was really impressed by how Jeff was able to back up his pedagogical theories with examples of their success in his school. It was also interesting to hear him address the period of uncertainty that many students face when first transitioning into an alternative model of schooling, and the supports offered to those experiencing difficulties; it was particularly nice to learn that many of the older students often help their new peers adjust to the school.
Image from PSII website.
As someone who will probably end up teaching at a more traditional school, I was especially grateful to learn that PSII shares so much of their material with the public, and there are several aspects of their model of education that I believe could be applied in any classroom. PSII’s model of student-centred learning expands upon several of the BC Curriculum’s core competencies. I really liked the design’s concentric circles, featuring the learner at the centre and moving outwards to competencies, content, and finally required provincial learning outcomes. While this model may not be completely practical in an ordinary classroom with a ratio of one teacher to up to thirty students, I do think it is always important to try to centre the learner as much as possible. This could be achieved by incorporating inquiry projects or elements of student choice into classes that are otherwise more structured, or by collaborating with other teachers to create cross-curricular projects like those seen in the classrooms at High Tech High.