By bringing community members into the classroom, students were empowered as they experience genuine interactions. They were invigorated by relevant discussion. Students approached the material they were learning with a level of sophistication and maturity, uncovering new skills in negotiation, quick thinking, precise listening, careful word choice, teamwork, deliberate questioning, critical thinking, and analysis.
Students, teachers and professional community members came away from the project impressed by the learning and practice the students experienced. Their due diligence, coupled with the inspiration of business people in the classroom, expanded the students’ learning, solidifying lessons about the demanding times of the Gold Rush years. Additionally, students learned how to communicate respectfully, how to collaborate with team members, and how to set forth and defend those proposals with perseverance and quick thinking. These are skills we want today’s students to learn and practice, so that their messages are impactful, and clearly articulated.
What other skills are critical to the learning of today's students?
Photo Credit: Moyan Brenn