Students come to school with the capacity to learn. Ultimately how much they learn is in their hands. Our teachers will be there to provide the means and opportunity for learning to occur. They will attempt to motivate students and to help them discover their abilities.
Students come to school with a vast array of prior knowledge. By the time they reach high school their cultures and prior experiences are engrained. The more prior knowledge one possesses, the more that knowledge will facilitate the integration and learning of additional knowledge. Attempts will be made to draw on students' prior knowledge and background to make connections with new material. The more the student is provided the opportunity to draw on his or her prior knowledge, the more the student will learn.
No matter how well the lessons are planned, or how interesting the teacher, students will not learn as much in a threatening or hostile environment. Students shall be given a place to verbalize and discuss new ideas and ask questions without fear of ridicule. High school is a period of emerging self-concept and self-esteem. It is important that the student be able to explore these new thoughts in a safe environment. The classroom should be one of these places.
Students who have control and power over decisions take more responsibility for their lives, including becoming competent learners. Encouraging students to make decisions and being responsible for their choices can support self-determination. Students in high school need to experience increasing levels of responsibility and control before proceeding to college or making career choices.
Learners who have positive learning experiences in school will be more likely to become lifelong learners. Through setting appropriate and reachable goals, providing diverse and interesting learning opportunities, and encouraging all learners to draw upon their prior learning experiences, our goal is to equip our students with the skills necessary to become lifelong learners. |
