10th graders change school with Summers´ PBL project

Innovating proposals are being made by students who are taking part in trying to solve school problems, which later will be presented to the school board.

Tenth grade history classes are working on their proposal projects, with their number one objective being to change the school in some positive way. In groups of four, 10th graders will research and come up with an idea or problematic to solve. After choosing any problematic topic and coming up with a way to solve it, on October 2 students will present these ideas to the school administration.

“I really enjoy assigning this project, it gives a chance for students to give an active roll on changing problems in school” Brian Summers, tenth grade history teacher, said.

Students were surprised by such interactive and realistic project. When students have such projects that contain real world value, they tend to dedicate more on them, and get a greater impact from them. They were all eager to start making changes in school.

“We are no STUCO in front of the school administration, but this project is an extraordinary way to include us, students, to show the school what really needs to be changed. After all we are the ones who study and live in its environment daily,” Columbus School sophomore Sofia Vasquez expressed.

Students have come up with many impacting ideas through the week. These not only include ecological, grading and structure but also lifestyle changes to improve the school’s environment. Some ideas such as building a new parking lot, not changing the grading standard and improving the school’s activities communications are the most outstanding.

“Instead of sitting in a class, taking notes and then having an exam, PBL learning permits students to learn to solve a real problem, work on teams and present their ideas, this are skill that will stick to students and will help them on the future.” TCS high school principal Roger Arbabi.

Project based learning, PBL, is a teaching method which permits students to gain knowledge and skills by working and investigation to respond a complex question, problem or challenge. These projects engage students and focus them on critical thinking and problem solving, also it gives them an opportunity to use their voice for something that is impacting their lives. 

“There is no exam and no memorization to be done, they’re giving us the opportunity to change the school and we won’t waste it.” Vasquez said.