We visited Pacific school of Innovation and inquiry (PSII). Jeff Howard, the founder and principal educator of PSII, presented on the school. He spoke to the power of inquiry and how the framework allows for increased passion and engagement. He showed some powerful examples of projects students had accomplished. The model promoted a lot of independence. It seemed like a passionate environment for both teachers and students.
I had a few questions which I asked him.
- How do they get outside/ do sports?
Jeff responded that it is hard with such a small school to get a sports team that can compete. They focus on individual sports such as fencing and climbing. They also promote outdoor activities such as trips to the parks around.
I am from a team sports background and it is something I am looking to be part of as a teacher or parent. I believe the camaraderie of a team sport is invaluable, hopefully they can be allowed to join with another school and for at least one team.
2. What still needs to be overcome with this model?
Jeff responded that there can be such a thing as too much inquiry. Sometimes it helps things move along to spoon feed a bit of knowledge they way traditional schools do.
After the presentation, We walked around the school and talked with students. They seemed lively and engaged. One student was working on a virtual reality project and I got to put the goggles on and walk off a 80 story building. It was surprisingly real, then he demo’d how you could use it to produce are.
PSII has rethought a lot of the principles behind our education system. I don’t want to teach there, but it has made me question the classic model and I will see if I can adopt some of their ideas when I’m teaching.