As you may know, we have been evolving the IMYC in line with our school Mission, Vision and Values. That is to say, we have been reshaping our middle school programme to ensure we challenge and inspire students to be principled and resourceful citizens of the world. Central to this evolving of the IMYC has been to redevelop the IMYC Exit Point, now called the IMYC Exploration, here at NAISR. Read below to learn more about the IMYC Exploration and to see examples of recent student learning.
What is the Exit Point Exploration?
The purpose of the IMYC Big Idea Exploration is to demonstrate Understanding of the Big Idea for each unit of learning. It is an opportunity for students to dig in and reflect upon their learning, and explain how the Big Idea relates to their world. It is the final, formal part of learning in a unit. Students prepare and present a product which demonstrates their reflections upon the Big Idea and explain why the Big Idea is relevant to themselves and the world in which they live.
Students are given wide flexibility to create a project, presentation or similar product, which culminates their learning for a given six-week unit. For example, students are welcome to prepare a slideshow presentation, podcast, stop-motion video, art exhibit, magazine or any other type of project, so long as it interests them and shows their learning.
The IMYC Exit Point Exploration forms part of the IMYC Process of Learning, a consistent structure of learning deliberately designed to support the learning needs of young adolescents. (See visual below.) It is the space for students to think deeply about their learning and to transfer in their learning across contexts. (Click here for a video on ‘transfer in learning’ from Education Weekly, 2017.)
For us at NAISR, the Exit Point Exploration aligns with our Values as students must take significant independent responsibility for their learning in order to develop and deliver a successful project . In this way, the autonomy in learning given to students challenges and inspires them to take control of their learning. Moreover, the title ‘Exploration’ connotes a jumping off point for ongoing, life-long learning. This too, is in line with NAISR’s Vision and Values.
If you wish to see samples of our most recent Exploration projects, please click the folder link here. More student samples will be shared as each unit progresses through the school year.
Finally, if you would like to get involved with the IMYC Exploration, or have further questions about our middle school programme more generally, please contact Ms Danielle at danielle.mashon@aisr.nl
