In today's rapidly changing world, it's important that our education system adapts to equip students with the skills they'll need to be successful. The Applied Learning Academy (ALA) is a prime example of such an education system. This blog post will detail the learning journey of Victoria, an 8th-grade student at ALA, as she navigates the academy's innovative applied learning approach.
Victoria's 6th Grade Year: Foundations and Specialization
Victoria began her learning journey at ALA in the 6th grade, a year designed as a scaffolding year. Here, she was introduced to applied learning foundations and principles in her Advisory class. Victoria learned the importance of advocating for her learning and honed her soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. She engaged in high-support designed projects, where teachers guided the project process with "invisible hands," allowing Victoria to lead and learn from any successes or failures. In addition to these foundational skills, Victoria chose to dive into specialization by participating in the "Youtubers of ALA" advisory class during the same year. Here, she learned audio and video production, enhancing her technical skills and gaining practical knowledge of what goes into producing a show.
Victoria's 7th Grade Year: Expanding Skills and Gaining Experience
Building upon the skills and experience gained in her 6th grade year, Victoria chose to participate in the Musical Theater advisory class in her 7th grade. Here, she applied her production knowledge, effectively managing and directing stage performances. The classroom transformed into a real-world stage, providing Victoria with an authentic environment to further refine her skills and gain practical experience.
Victoria's 8th Grade Year: Showcasing Skills and Autonomy
With her solid foundation and the practical experience gained, Victoria was ready to take on more autonomy in her 8th grade year. As part of her final artifact presentation, Victoria and her team successfully put on 3 back-to-back performances of their Addams Family Musical production. The production gave Victoria an opportunity to showcase her skills, as well as her ability to collaborate with others, solve problems, and manage time effectively.
Conclusion
Victoria's journey through ALA's applied learning approach has provided her with a unique and enriching learning experience. From her 6th grade year, where she learned foundational skills and specialized in video production, to her 7th and 8th grade years where she expanded her skills in musical theater, Victoria has developed a portfolio that showcases her skills and experiences. As she prepares to move beyond ALA, Victoria is well-equipped with the real-world skills she'll need to be successful in whichever path she chooses. Her journey is a testament to the effectiveness of ALA's applied learning approach in equipping students for the future.