Students As Researchers
In Depth Investigations
While Creative Inspiration Journey School (CIJS) believes it is important to utilize traditional curriculum programs and approaches to education, it is equally important to engage in interdisciplinary methods of instruction through research.
At CIJS, Scholars are provided opportunities to engage in both short and long term studies. CIJS educators collaborate on the process of analyzing data collected over time in the classroom to develop the curriculum, helping determine which experiences and studies the Scholars will engage in. This is based on both state standards and student interest. Research projects are intentional, organized, well thought out, collaborative, and open to experimentation. Even applied to real world experiences.
Inquiry-based teaching is an essential aspect of the Reggio approach to education. Scholars are continually asked to engage in creative and critical thinking that involves analyzing, abstract thought, the consideration of hypothetical situations and that make use of metaphors and figurative language. CIJS encourages Scholars to engage in the cycle of inquiry, understanding that the process is more important than the product. The best researchers and scientists always fail first in order to succeed!
Our task as educators, is to provide students with the tools to construct their own knowledge, rather than simply teaching rote memorization. -Loris Malaguzzi-
Experiential Learning
Creates opportunities for Scholars to take initiative, make decisions, and be accountable for results within their own learning. Scholars reflect, analyze and engage intellectually in inquiry based lessons that result in knowledge that transfers to future success.
Student Researchers
CIJS Scholars engage in rigorous discussions with varying perspectives for each investigation. Topics are selected based on interest and state standards. Research promotes the ability to:
- Identify and ask appropriate question
- Design and conduct investigations
- Collect evidence
- Draw conclusions
- Communicate while acquiring the research findings
The process of research is essential in preparing students for 21st century learning.
Making Learning Visible
Scholars and adults learn from each other, teaching new perspectives and ways of thinking. Documenting learning allows for opportunities to self reflect, reteach misconceptions and to dive deeper into discussions.
Why is Reggio a Particularly Successful Approach to Education?
Encourages Project-Based Opportunities: Learning is interdisciplinary. Literacy, science, art, social studies, and other subjects are integrated as much as possible and related to real-world projects. As a result, learning is deep and meaningful rather than superficial.
Hands-On Learning: Creates long-term retention and true comprehension rather than rote memorization (where they regurgitate and forget soon thereafter)
Higher Level Thinking: Opportunities to utilize true comprehension and critical thinking skills as Scholars engage in question/answer problem-solving while participating in experiments or group projects that allow them to think through the process of a task.
Collaborative Learning: Teachers are partners in student learning as:
- Scholars make predictions and through the discovery phase, find their own answers
- Teachers guide Scholars through the self-discovery process
- Curriculum is based on Scholars’ innate interests
- Scholars become life-long learners
- Scholars experience mutual respect between peers and teachers
- Allows creativity
- Motivates Scholars' interest and involvement
- Ensures Scholars work at appropriate developmental levels
- Provides a well-balanced curriculum, preparing Scholars for higher level education
- Includes meaningful assessments
- Integrates technology based curriculum
