Passion-Based Learning: An Example

The article, How to Fuel Students’ Learning Through Their Interests, by Ian Quillen features inquiry, open-source, and passion-based learning.  High School teacher David Preston uses students’ personal blogs to help them think critically through responses that include text, video, and audio. Preston’s students take part in virtual discussions with peers and in video-conferencing with experts such as Bryan Alexander of the National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education and author Cory Doctorow.  Students select their own cross-curricular questions to answer in a research-type “paper”, map ideas for achieving personal goals, and work collaboratively with others who share their personal interests.  They exchange ideas and help each other to move forward in their Advanced Placement coursework and in other areas of learning.

Advocates of inquiry-based learning believe that by making education more meaningful for students there will be greater student interest in learning, more opportunities for cross curricular learning, additional ways to enhance creativity and critical thinking, and more opportunities for students to learn to use analytical tools.

Looking for Inquiry-Based Science?

Delta Education has announced the third edition of FOSS (Full Option Science System). This is a learn-by-doing curriculum for elementary school students, which stresses discovery through active learning. FOSS helps students think independently and develop skills for moving ahead in the STEM subjects. On the FOSS website,  students have access to FOSS digital resources including enrichment and virtual investigations, teachers find the support they need, and families enjoy getting involved with their children’s learning experiences.