Last week, Spencer County Middle School showcased the epitome of authentic learning with its 7th grade "Parade of Homes," masterminded by the awesome, yet incredibly humble, Michelle Gross. The event was a community celebration, highlighting the ingenuity of student architects and designers who took on the challenge of creating scaled models of their dream homes.
These young innovators had the freedom to choose between physical and digital formats, with Minecraft, Roblox, and floorplanner.com being a few of the tools of choice. The buzz of creativity was electric, with one student 3-D printing their model, a testament to the blend of technology and learning.
But why does this matter? It's simple. Authentic learning, as demonstrated by Michelle's students, isn't just about grasping mathematical concepts; it's about applying them in ways that spark excitement and pride in creation. One student's sleepless anticipation, driven by the desire to perfect her project, speaks volumes about the impact of such an educational approach.
The event also served as a learning ground for educators, with neighboring Bullitt County teachers in attendance to glean insights and ideas for fostering similar experiences in their classrooms. This underscores the importance of collaborative learning and sharing among teachers, a principle championed by our Teacher Navigator Network.
ElevatED Studios celebrates authentic learning design that not only enhance academic understanding but also ignite a lifelong passion for learning. Join us as we continue to explore, design and celebrate powerful learning experiences that prepare students for the future.
