Tuesday, October 28, 2008
IGSS at New Trier
After our discussion yesterday of the strategic plan and intrinsic vs. extrinsic learning opportunities at New Trier, I thought of the new initiative of the Integrated Global Studies School (IGSS) at New Trier. This proposed "school within a school" provides for a smaller learning environment for periods 5-8, and encompasses the disciplines of social studies, English, and science. In lieu of grades, an essay is written at the end of the year by your teachers discussing your progress and achievements as a student, with the option of requesting a letter grade designation. It is decided between the teacher and the student if they are taking the course for 4 or 9 level credit. It is an alternative learning environment to the typical New Trier structure because it allows the student to "direct the path of their own education" according to the IGSS website. Its mission, "driven by individuals whose open-mindedness inspires the spirit of inquiry, whose personal involvement is fueled by compassion, and whose convictions lead them to be responsibly active, both locally and globally, in the world outside the walls of New Trier," puts an intrinsic learning spin on the original mission statement from the strategic plan. Last year IGSS was unsuccessful in launching because there was insufficient enrollment among the class of 2011, so this year it has been expanded and restructured to also allow the class of 2010. This is an interesting attempt to stray from the typical extrinsically motivated learning style at New Trier, and try to instill intrinsic learning values in the students. It will be exciting to see where this goes in the next few years, if it is able to start up. How will colleges react? Will hurt or help a student get into a "good college" ? Will it be more beneficial to students/Will they learn more because they are choosing what they learn? Will it be more or less helpful in preparing them for the "real world"?
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2 comments:
I had heard about IGSS last year, but never really knew a lot about it. Since the plan wasn't approved last year, I didn't spend much time thinking about it. I can't say I was suprised that the idea was declined. Pepople have become so attached to routine that they don't always want to takes risks when it comes to school. Students stray from things that could affect their grades. I think it's a great idea for students to broaden their learning and grading perspectives. This intrinsic method of teaching allows students to focus more on the topic and what they can get out of the subject. Hopefully the IGSS will get approved this year, but if not it is still a step in the right direction!
I agree with you that the IGSS program will inspire more intrinsic learning values and inspire students to look beyond grades and points and focus on what really matters, your education; however, it's that last part, the whole "looking beyond the grades and points" aspect that I think may be very difficult for certain students to overcome. Afterall, when it comes down to it, colleges will still probably rather see that you're getting high grades in hard classes rather then pushing yourself to learn in new ways; and let's face it, whether we like it or not, more often than not college plays a huge part in what classes we take. (I mean, if there wasn't a weighted GPA, how many students would choose take level fours? My guess it not nearly as many..) I really do hope that it is successful though, because I think it's an amazing learning opportunity; it will just be interesting to see how it turns out.
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