All grades  Project 4 weeks

School Quest: Education Around the Globe!

Kayla L
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.7
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

This learning experience aims to immerse students in a global exploration of the purpose and value of education, encouraging them to investigate diverse educational systems and the factors affecting access to education worldwide. Through interactive activities like a 'Global School Fair' and storytelling workshops, students will engage in self-directed learning, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By collaborating with community partners and reflecting on personal and shared educational experiences, students will cultivate an academic mindset, enhancing their sense of identity and belonging while understanding education as a fundamental human right.

Learning goals

Students will explore the diverse purposes and values of educational systems globally, understanding how these systems function within different cultural contexts. They will develop skills in self-directed learning by engaging in research projects, using feedback for improvement, and reflecting on their educational journey. Through storytelling and community engagement, students will enhance their academic mindset, fostering a sense of belonging and identity. Critical thinking and problem-solving will be emphasized as students design an ideal school environment, integrating global perspectives and innovative ideas.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.7 - Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.7 - Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., explore a number of books by a favorite author and express opinions about them).
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.7 - Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create interactive displays or presentations for the 'Global School Fair,' showcasing educational systems worldwide and community support for education. They will also write and share personal narratives in a storytelling workshop, reflecting on their school experiences and how to enhance them. Additionally, students will design and build a model of an ideal school environment, incorporating diverse cultural elements and innovative ideas to improve learning experiences. These products will be shared with teachers, school staff, families, and community members during the exhibition.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with a 'School Stories Festival,' inviting community members to share personal narratives about their educational journeys and the challenges they faced in accessing education. This interactive event will set the stage for students to explore diverse perspectives on the purpose and value of school. Students will engage in discussions, ask questions, and reflect on how these stories connect to their own school experiences and aspirations.

Exhibition

Students will present their completed projects at a 'Global School Fair,' where they showcase interactive displays and models of ideal school environments. This event will include storytelling sessions where students share narratives about their school experiences and reflections on educational systems worldwide. Teachers, school staff, families, and community members are invited to engage with students' work, providing feedback and celebrating their learning journey. This exhibition will serve as a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas on enhancing education as a fundamental human right.