Students Take the Lead in Their Own Learning Through a New Middle School Language Education Model

The Ravenscroft Middle School Exploratory World Languages Department transformed its calendar from a trimester-based structure to quarters, introducing an independent study course for sixth-grade students and giving them management over their own learning processes.

Calendar Change and the Launch of the New Course

The Middle School Exploratory World Languages Department adapted its calendar during the spring term from a three-term structure to a four-quarter system, making room for an independent study course in the fourth quarter.

Through this new arrangement, students chose among Latin, Mandarin, Spanish, and American Sign Language, determining their own starting points for learning.

Student Choices and Module Structure

Students completed lessons by selecting a module each day and practiced through checking for understanding and demonstrating what they learned methods.

Choosing among different topics such as gladiators in Rome, Chinese characters, and an introduction to sign language, students prepared various assignments such as presentations or videos.

Teachers' Evaluations and Results

World Languages Department Chair Colleen Girouard, Spanish teacher Laura Sanders, and Mandarin teacher Chiu-Ping Lin were pleased with the students' ability to manage independent study in this course they jointly prepared.

The teachers observed that students put in more effort when working on topics of their own choosing compared to mandatory classes.

Assessment System and Badges

While no homework was assigned in the course, students were evaluated on a pass/incomplete scale and earned points per module.

Based on the points they collected, students were rewarded with various badges such as backpacker, explorer, traveler, and ambassador.