End of school year experience

What happens when projects are not graded?

We replaced the timetable and ran a special programme called IDEAS Project in 2019-2020 during the online learning period. It aimed to create a learning experience and support students in developing self-directed projects. A list of choices was provided, and students signed up for an option of their preference and collaborated with a partner or a team to complete the self-directed project. 

We were very excited about the result. 83% of the students signed up for the IDEAS Project, and the completion rate was about 86%. Based on this data and feedback from teachers and students, we will continue to run IDEAS Project in an effort to create a culminating experience for our students. I also think this paves the way for MYP personal project and DP Community, Activity, Service (CAS) learning. Some of the students shared that this was just what they needed after they completed endless summative assessments and finally had a chance to do something fun in their choices with their friends. We also shared with our students how their creativity and perseverance has inspired others. Check out our story in “Redesigning School: Six Key Pillars From Six of the Most Innovative Schools and Programs”, written by Kyle Wanger. 

KIS IDEAS Project 2021-2020

Here is the list of student-directed project choices for our students to choose from this year (2020-2021). People sometimes ask why we give a list of options rather than just have students do their inquiry projects. We ask our students. They prefer to have a list of open-ended projects. Many students share they work better when there is a ‘challenge’ presented to them. Of course, for students who want to do anything that is not on the list, the Wonder Day project serves for this purpose. Don’t forget to check out our KIS IDEAS 2020 Trello Board.  

Resources

When designing the options for self-directed projects, I came across some websites that provide useful toolkits and inspirations to help students see what the project might look like, sound like, and feel like. These websites are listed below in case you are interested in finding out more. 

• DoSomething.org: Many inspiration community action projects advocated by young people. These projects are achievable and students can relate to many of the project ideas. Service learning does not require students to save the world. Encouraging students to observe issues or problems in their immediate community not only help with their identity formation but also builds relationships with the community.   
• Biz Kid$: Great lessons and resources are provided to teach students how to create a product for fundraising. Many young entrepreneurs are featured on the website, and their actions and stories are inspiring. Going through the process of organizing fundraising requires students to practice and develop their organization skills, communication skills and affective skills. Meanwhile, it also helps students to develop financial literacy.  
• Wonder Day project: I am a big fan of John Spencer. Our students have been doing Wonder Day Projects since 2018. Students enjoy this so much as it gives freedom but yet provides the structure to conduct their inquiry. 

Morning Energizer Tic-Tac-Toe

Our team also wants to encourage students to unplug from technology a bit in the last week of school. Therefore, we have put together some activities for students as the morning energizers. Students can choose any activity from the tic-tac-toe menu or, of course, do something they like (or even sleep in a little bit!)