They weigh each choice against a preferred outcome, and they act as contributing members of a team in making decisions. They learn about reptiles, building, and habitat in ways that dramatically increase the likelihood of retention. Best of all, they leave feeling successful about learning and anticipating the next day's events. However, its strategy forms the basis of instruction for nearly a dozen teachers in the Willamette Primary School, as well as in schools across the country. The outcomes in student learning are quite impressive.
Students develop flexible thinking skills and apply learning to their daily lives.
They make sense of facts and build relationships across school subjects. They become skilled at presenting information in a variety of ways, and learn to work in teams. They hold equal responsibility for assessment with their teacher, and the criteria for success are shared and made public. The use of design in K-12 classrooms transforms teachers as well as the student. Teachers shift from authority to facilitator.