Q. Why watch Learning That Works?
A. Learning That Works shows the benefits and possibilities of applied science learning. As students work with their teachers and adult mentors, they become motivated and actively engaged in science.
Q. Who should watch Learning That Works?
A. Teachers, worksite mentors, school administrators, potential community participants, parents, and students are the Learning That Works audience.
Q. How can a traditional high school benefit from Learning That Works?
A. Viewers can adapt many of the ideas presented in these videos to their settings. They can pilot field trips, guest speaker series, fieldwork experiences, and mentoring relationships. Activities in the guide help viewers take the first step.
Q. How are the programs featured in Learning That Works different from vocational education programs?
A. The featured programs do not limit students to studying for specific careers. Instead, they give students the opportunity to learn science content in-depth while exploring career options.
Q. Can Learning That Works be used by teachers in subject areas other than science?
A. Yes. Although both programs featured in the videos are science-based, students use knowledge from a variety of subject areas to conduct their projects. Session leaders and participants using Learning That Works can adapt the guidebook activities to accommodate other subject areas.
Q. Do the programs featured in the videos align with national science standards?
A. Both the Field Biology Program and the Medical Thematic Program were created with the National Science Education Standards in mind. Professional development activities included in the guidebook help viewers look for the standards embedded in the students' learning experiences.
Q. How can I balance the applied learning approach of teaching fewer concepts more deeply with my school's mandated set of topics and concepts?
A. One of the biggest challenges to the programs featured in Learning That Works is finding the appropriate balance of depth and breadth in a curriculum. Anecdotal evidence gathered from program graduates suggests that their experience helped rather than hindered them. Students point out that they probably would not have taken "so much science" otherwise, or continued with science for their post-secondary study and work.
Q. Do I need special training to lead a professional development session using Learning That Works?
A. No. Each of the activities in the Learning That Works guidebook begins with a note to the session leader that describes the focus of that activity and gives detailed instructions on how to conduct it.
Q. Can I use the activities in the Learning That Works guidebook on my own or do I have to be part of a professional development workshop/session?
A. If you are doing these activities on your own, you can adapt the session leader instructions. For example, you can record your responses to the discussion questions in a journal, then review the journal at a later date.
Q. What would it take for my school to start an applied learning program?
A. Building a successful program takes time. The featured programs were developed over many years. The Learning That Works guidebook lists numberous resources that can help you start a program.
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