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It looks like fun but are they learning?

10/15/2014

 
Picture
​When you are in a classroom at Seaside Community Charter School, you usually see a lot going on.  Yes, the children look like they having fun... but are they learning?

The photos show the culmination of a typical second grade activity (you will see similar in any of the grades). So what's going on "behind the fun"?

The "marshmallow challenge"  is  a well-known experiment in collaboration--and often done as part of a team-building exercise. But in addition to collaborating, children are learning to engage in evidence-based practices similar to what scientists and engineers do on a daily basis.  Petrick, Wilkinson, & Bevan (2013) note that activities that foster real learning include the following elements: 
  • Engagement: Active participation--sometimes this is very quiet-- as when a child is observing and reflecting. Sometimes it is loud and joyful!
  • Intentionality: Purposeful pursuit of a plan of action--this is often flexible and changing, as more information is gathered.
  • Innovation: New strategies that rise from a growing understanding of tools, materials, and resulting actions.
  • Solidarity: The sharing, supporting, and pursuing of shared goals with other learners.

According to the National Research Council's (2011) Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Cross-Cutting Concepts, and Core Ideas, when teachers create opportunities for students to solve problems such as those presented by the "marshmallow challenge", they foster the types of learning necessary for scientists and engineers to be successful--the ability to...
  1. define a problem.
  2. develop and use a model.
  3. plan and carry out an investigation or problem.
  4. analyze and interpret data.
  5. use mathematics, informational and computational thinking.
  6. design a solution.
  7. engage in arguments that are based in evidence.
  8. obtain information, evaluate information, and communicate information.

If learning is understood as more than the ability to reproduce skills and facts in decontextualized settings-- if it is understood to be learning to use facts and skills with intention and purpose, then yes, children are learning.  They are learning to solve problems through their creativity. They are learning to "do" the evidence-based practices of science and engineering.   Maybe most importantly---they are associating learning with JOY! 

References:
National Research Council (2011). A framework for k-12 science education: Practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas.  Committee on Conceptual Framework for the New K-12 Science Education Standards, Board on Science Education. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

Petrich, M., Wilkinson, K., & Bevan, B. (2013). "It looks like fun, but are they learning?" (pp.50-70). In M. Honey & D.E. Kanter (Eds.) Design, Make, Play: Growing the next generation of STEM innovators. New York, NY: Routledge Press.

Willis, J. (2007). "The neuroscience of joyful education." Educational Leadership, 64. Retrieved from
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/summer07/vol64/num09/The-Neuroscience-of-Joyful-Education.aspx

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Seaside Charter Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability or marital status in its educational programs, services or activities, or in its hiring or employment practices. The district also provides equal access to its facilities to the Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth groups, as required by the Boys Scout of America Equal Access Act. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding discrimination or harassment may be sent to: Richard Pinchot, Lead Principal, 8727-1 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217. Phone 844-973-2743
Fax: 904-310-7956    principalpinchot@seasidecharter.org
Seaside School Consortium, Inc. DBA Seaside Charter Beach, Seaside Charter San Jose, Seaside Charter North and Sea Turtle Early Learning Center is a tax-exempt charity under the IRS code section 501c3.  
 Seaside School Consortium | 2865 Mayport, Road, Jacksonville, FL 32233 | contact@seasidecharter.org 
  • Home
    • Schools >
      • SC-Beaches >
        • Support PTO
      • SC-San Jose
      • SC-North >
        • Seaside North Food Service
      • All School Grades
    • Curriculum >
      • Whole Child Education
    • Our Story
    • Our Vision
  • Enrollment
    • Charter Enrollment
    • Sea Turtle Early Learning Centers
  • Current Students K-8
  • Donate
  • Contact
  • Employment Opportunities
  • RFP
  • Governance
  • Operating Permits