We are all born curious. We are intrigued to make sense of the world around us and within us. The challenge then, of a great education, becomes to NOT educate this curious creativity out of our children, but instead to inspire and nurture it.
Einstein said that his successful theories came from: “curiosity, concentration, perseverance and self-criticism."
Our curriculum at College Prep focuses on playfully learning to learn and creating real-world applications for our students to practice these valuable attributes.
Currently, each CP student is underway on a major research project where they have been challenged to identify, select, research and propose solutions to a social problem that exists within the Austin community. Topics range from homelessness and mental illness to water and land pollution to lack of access to sports for children in low income areas. To expand their processes, each group recently defended their topics in front of a panel to gain advice on ways to better their questions, research, and solutions. After presenting, they were challenged by the panel to answer questions regarding their knowledge and opinions, as well as given suggestions to better their positions. I was quite impressed with our students' depth of understanding, concern for inequity, and desire to affect change. These are the qualities of future leaders! During the next few weeks, students will interview experts, volunteer at local organizations and develop final presentations to be delivered during the final weeks of school.
This week, take a few minutes to ask your child about their current research; dialogue around the dinner table about varying perspectives, agendas, programming, and listen to their ideas for change. I believe you will be as impressed, as am I.
Happy learning!