Active Pedagogy
Traditional education typically relies on teachers presenting information to students who passively receive it. Students are asked to repeat what they learned or memorized through regular testing. Teachers then assign grades based on test performances, with grades serving as extrinsic rewards or punishments.
In contrast, we believe that when students are actively engaged in their learning through a compelling, interactive, and dynamic curriculum, they develop intrinsic motivation and a love of learning. Through a combination of whole group instruction, center-based activities, thematic projects, small group collaborations, and individual work, students are enthusiastic, forming connections to their academic investigations. This results in the students learning because they want to learn. Intrinsic motivation and self-direction are essential to fostering a lifetime love of learning and the ability to learn how to learn, as opposed to simply learning what is needed in order to pass a test.
This approach to academic learning also means that students assume a greater responsibility for their education and their lives. In this way, not only do students develop study habits that will serve them well for years to come, but they also develop important life skills as family and community members and as informed and active citizens of the world.
In contrast, we believe that when students are actively engaged in their learning through a compelling, interactive, and dynamic curriculum, they develop intrinsic motivation and a love of learning. Through a combination of whole group instruction, center-based activities, thematic projects, small group collaborations, and individual work, students are enthusiastic, forming connections to their academic investigations. This results in the students learning because they want to learn. Intrinsic motivation and self-direction are essential to fostering a lifetime love of learning and the ability to learn how to learn, as opposed to simply learning what is needed in order to pass a test.
This approach to academic learning also means that students assume a greater responsibility for their education and their lives. In this way, not only do students develop study habits that will serve them well for years to come, but they also develop important life skills as family and community members and as informed and active citizens of the world.
Thematic Projects
The Skyview curriculum is framed by thematic projects; its basis is formed by compelling topics derived from content standards. Thematic projects feature linked investigations and intersecting content areas and are created for real audiences.
The multiple intelligences inform these projects, providing rich products in which content is expressed through a variety of intelligences. Thematic projects require students to construct deep understanding and skills, while simultaneously fulfilling academic standards in addition to goals related to the emotional intelligences.
The multiple intelligences inform these projects, providing rich products in which content is expressed through a variety of intelligences. Thematic projects require students to construct deep understanding and skills, while simultaneously fulfilling academic standards in addition to goals related to the emotional intelligences.
