Check out my Check In! Which cat do you feel like today? Feel free to use a code name! 

This weeks presentation and discussion led by by Jeff Hopkins expanded my views on school systems and methods of assessment. I found the student centred approach to learning and assessment as implemented in the Pacific School of Innovation a very inclusive and student unique concept. I think that it greatly assists in inspiring growth and expanded understanding in students. In contrast to traditional methods of standard assessment and goals, students and educators work to map individual learning based on scale. This method better expresses growth of learners and allows educators to see the depth of understanding and proficiency overtime rather than if they meet a certain standard based on set criteria.

A section of the discussion that stood out to me was the idea of self regulated learning of students. I liked the concept of students having control on where they work, who they work with and daily goals they can set for themselves. With this, I  think that students can feel successful and comfortable in managing their own needs and abilities at anytime. I believe this structure of learning is so beneficial to all students because it allows for them to thrive and progress to their full potential when they feel they can and allows them to take the rest or alone time when they need.

In connection to High Tech High and their non traditional method of teaching, I had questions regarding how students gain early fundamental knowledge of math and literacy in order to be successful in this style of learning and later on in society. Jeff Hopkins explained how math is still taught in a lesson form but I am still curious to how the inquiry model of teaching is implemented at a primary age if at all. He discussed that it is not really possible to have a slow and partial transition to teaching and learning in this model and instead needs to be fully transformed. I believe that the inquiry based model as well as the innovation based learning as seen in High Tech High are teaching and learning philosophies that can be implemented in the current system but it needs to be a process of integration and transition. I find it amazing that these alternative models of education are becoming more present but I think that it will take time for it to spread through the current system of education.