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Action in WISS classrooms and environment beyond
By admin | June 25, 2008
In this age of technology, where a world of information is just a “click” away, it is even more essential that students connect their research to the real world around them and think about how they might use their findings in a practical way. This “Action” is an integral part of the Primary Years Program at the Western International School of Shanghai, as students must have “the opportunity and power to choose their actions, to act and to reflect on these actions in order to make a difference in and to the world.” In grade two at WISS, one aspect of their inquiry into “The protection of natural environments is essential for all life on Earth” took them into the community of Xujing Town, Qingpu District. Students recorded their observations with notes and photographs.
Through the discussion that followed this, students could evidently see the efforts that had been made to improve the local environment but also see that many problems still persisted.
Students were then asked to consider, “What is our responsibility to the environment?” Once they had brainstormed this, they then thought about how to fulfill these responsibilities through sharing ideas about “What action can we take?” It is this process that led students to many suggestions, including that they write letters to the local government of Xujing to explain the inquiry and some of their observations, and to invite someone to come in to answer questions and discuss their environmental action and plans for Xujing.
It is to the great credit of Xujing Town government that they took the time to read and respond to students’ letters and they were then able to arrange a convenient time for Mr Jiang, assistant to the Xujing Town director, to come and respond to student questions directly.
Prior to the visit, students worked together to think of questions to ask that were relevant and pertinent to the issues. The students were wholly involved in the process of the conversation and as questions were responded too, then further questions arose.
For example, when it was explained that a further water cleaning factory would be built in Xujing Town, one student asked whether that factory would add further pollution to the environment while another one inquired as to what consequences there would be for companies that did not follow environmental guidelines. To witness students wholly involved in this process and spontaneously inquiring even further into an idea is great evidence that “taking action” is a necessary ingredient to learning.
It is a great testament to the students that Mr Jiang made the point of stating: “How inspiring it was to see such young students both thinking and caring so much about environmental issues.” WISS hopes that this can be the start of a long and continuous journey of “Action” that will benefit the local environment and beyond.
Topics: WISS in the News, NEWS |
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