Today we had the opportunity to visit Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry (PSII). This school is designed by Jeff Hopkins on an inquiry based learning approach to education. This idea extends beyond just meeting the curriculum, as it supports learners needs and pushes them to learn more as they are choosing an inquiry project based on their interests. Each learner develops a project at their own pace and learns subjects within their research. Therefore, there is a lot of interdisciplinary and cross curricular learning.  This design and way of learning is very powerful, in my opinion, as it allows children to access the mastery aspect of learning and empowers them to be the expert in their projects, all while learning skills such as collaboration and planning.

In an elementary setting, this idea can also be powerful as it allows students to be self motivated. However, for younger students I think there is a need for more guidance in this type of learning environment, as they may not know how to go about a project that is free range. I do believe this can be done, but it may look different in the elementary classroom. In the high school setting and even middle years, I think this idea of independence and ability to work in more of a learning journey rather than outcome based (graded) work, is beneficial for the learners. As such, I also value the idea that students all work collaboratively and are not working solely with their grades and singular subjects. As this collaborative model of crossing grades represents what life looks like and the ability for the students to have a choice and voice in their learning and daily schedules. These are life skills that can be transferable and useful. Therefore these students aren’t just getting the core competencies they are working outside the doors of the school, collaboratively, independently all while mastering and exploring various questions and learning from others.

Something that stood out for me was the opportunities that come from this school experience, children are coming out with great results and experiences. One person published a book that she wrote for her inquiry at PSII, others are attending university classes and finally one learner created a portfolio website. These are all valuable experiences that are beyond just the curriculum and with the field trips and opportunities this school provides, it benefits the learner and supports them by adding to their tool box.  As a result, I wish all students in the future can experience these diverse learning experiences.

Here is the PSII Inquiry Process Flow Chart