• The focus of BCSS is Constructivism— what does that mean?

     

    Constructivism is a learning theory based on the idea that learners build new learning on the foundations of previous learning. Because each learner comes with unique experiences, every person’s learning is also unique.

    Understanding this theory, teachers at BCSS know that each student brings their own perspective to the classroom every day. 

    At BCSS, students engage in inquiry, hands-on learning, problem-solving and service experiences to grow their knowledge and understanding of themselves, their peers and the world around them. Our teachers are the guides on the side, scaffolding and supporting student learning.

     

    Is BCSS the only place Constructivism happens? 

     

    Definitely not! Constructivist teaching is seen in classrooms across ½ûÂþÌìÌà and all over the world. Constructivist learning theory describes something many people already intuitively understand about learning. Most modern classroom practices and materials are developed with constructivism in mind.  

     

    Because BCSS was founded on this philosophy and it remains our focus, our teachers and staff are able to spend time intentionally organizing our learning environments with inquiry and discovery in mind. Our staff is able to share ideas, solve problems, and create a gradual progression of fundamental ideas across grade levels with the support of each other and our caregiver community. 

     

    Is your curriculum different from other ½ûÂþÌìÌà schools? 

     

    We use the ½ûÂþÌìÌà adopted curriculum in our classes. Current curriculum adoptions reflect an understanding of constructivist learning theory. Our teachers adapt, modify or enhance the district curriculum with Storyline Units, Project- or Problem-Based Learning, Field Studies, or Service Learning.

     

    Storyline is an approach to unit planning/delivery that enables students to connect with stories and uses collaborative storytelling to capture enthusiasm and put big ideas into memorable context.

    Project- or Problem-Based Learning provide students an opportunity to learn through hands-on creation of products or systems that express their creativity as well as their understanding. These might include models of natural phenomenon, works of art inspired by a reading, or engineering challenges that promote iterative thinking and design. 

     

    Field studies provide students with the chance to learn from their environment. These might include explorations of the school grounds themselves, visits to local museums, watershed walks or a trek up Mt. Tabor to learn more about the dormant volcano right in our backyard.

     

    Service Learning allows students to find meaning in community and use their learning to serve their school and community. This can include raising awareness about issues important to the students, organizing or participating in school events and assemblies or taking direct action to help others.