|
Middles schools face a difficult challenge. Their students are going through what may be the most difficult time in their lives; facing puberty, peer scrutiny, rising academic expectations, and other factors that can overwhelm even the best performers. Middle schools today are looking for new ways to educate in a way that is both appealing and practical. Many institutions are realizing that this means straying from the traditional path that has been laid over the last 50 years. This shift in thinking has led to non-traditional subjects, unique assignments, learning opportunities out of the classroom, and other practices that were nearly non-existent 10 or 20 years ago. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders in the best institutions are now learning about compassion, independent thinking, and entrepreneurship along with math, English, and social studies. Research shows that these forward-thinking learning environments are paying off in a big way. Districts that place a focus on their middle schools are setting their sixth, seventh, and eighth graders up for success in their high school years. This emerging system is the wave of the future and must be embraced nationwide in order to give young adolescents the tools they need to contribute to a constantly evolving society that is both demanding and increasingly fast-paced. There are many critical skills that must be explored with this influential age group. Critical thinking skills are essential to long-term success and should be taught from a young age. Innovation and creativity are other non-traditional topics that should be incorporated into classroom learning. Every student must learn about entrepreneurship, business etiquette, and other realities of the business world. The grown-up world is changing, and middle schools must too. Few adults stay with one company for an entire career, as was the norm for their parents and grandparents. Instead, professionals must be nimble, fast moving, and resourceful. They work hard, and unlike many workers of past generations, they like what they do. Future workers will have the knowledge, freedom, and skills to pursue careers they enjoy, not just anything that comes along. This is a fundamental shift in thinking that adolescents need to grow up understanding and preparing for. What's exciting about this emerging approach to education in middle schools is that students are being challenged to think in new ways and on a scale that is much bigger than ever before. With a focus on big picture learning, as opposed to textbook education, students are given the chance to develop critical thinking and other important skills that will translate to success later in life. Instead of being intimidated by the challenge, students are responding positively, rising to the occasion, and showing their true potential. Searching for Ann Arbor middle schools? Consider sending your children to Go Like The Wind Montessori. For more information on this educational institution, visit: http://www.golikethewind.com.
Related Articles -
ann, arbor, middle, schools,
|
