Kayden, a student at Big Picture School, had always been interested in music production. Traditional schools didn’t offer much in the way of music production classes or opportunities for Kayden to pursue his passion. However, at Big Picture School, Kayden was able to create his own personal learning plan that focused on music production. He interned at a local recording studio, learned from professionals in the field, and even produced his own album. This hands-on experience not only deepened Kayden’s understanding of music production but also gave him the skills and confidence to pursue a career in the music industry.
Shelby, a student in the CAPS program, had always been fascinated by architecture. In traditional schools, Shelby struggled to find opportunities to explore her interest in architecture beyond basic art classes. However, in the CAPS program, Shelby was able to work on real-world architecture projects, collaborate with professionals in the field, and even design a community center that was eventually built in her town. This experience not only solidified Shelby’s passion for architecture but also gave her the practical skills and experience needed to pursue a career in the field.
Ted, a student at One Stone, had always been passionate about social justice issues. In traditional schools, Ted often felt frustrated by the lack of opportunities to engage with and make a difference in his community. However, at One Stone, Ted was able to design his own projects focused on social justice, collaborate with local organizations, and even organize community events to raise awareness about important issues. This hands-on, community-focused approach not only empowered Ted to make a difference in the world but also equipped him with the skills and confidence to continue advocating for social justice in the future.
These stories highlight the transformative power of Horizon 3 learning environments that prioritize students’ intrinsic interests and motivations. By focusing on what drives and engages learners, these schools are able to create learning experiences that are meaningful, relevant, and empowering. As we continue to redesign our education system for the future, it is essential that we pay attention to motivation and create opportunities for students to pursue their passions and become agents of their own learning. Only then can we truly prepare our children — and our nation — to thrive in the rapidly changing world ahead.
At Gibson Ek, students have the opportunity to pursue their interests and passions through project-based learning. Ted took full advantage of this, creating projects that involved building with LEGOs and even designing his own LEGO sets. His teachers and mentors at Gibson Ek supported him in exploring his passion, encouraging him to think creatively and develop his skills in design and engineering.
Through his projects at Gibson Ek, Ted gained valuable experience in project management, communication, and problem-solving. He learned how to collaborate with others, present his ideas effectively, and adapt to challenges along the way. This hands-on experience not only fueled his love for LEGOs but also helped him develop the durable skills needed for success in the future.
After graduating from Gibson Ek, Ted decided to pursue a degree in industrial design, with a focus on toy design. He credits his time at Gibson Ek for giving him the confidence and skills to pursue his dream career. Today, Ted is working as a toy designer at a major toy company, where he gets to combine his passion for LEGOs with his love for design.
These stories of Kayden, Shelby, and Ted highlight the power of innovative and student-centered education. By giving students the freedom to explore their interests, develop their skills, and pursue their passions, schools like One Stone, Monett GO CAPS, and Gibson Ek are preparing students for success in the real world. Through hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and opportunities for growth, these schools are empowering students to become self-directed learners, critical thinkers, and confident professionals. And the results speak for themselves – these students are thriving, pursuing their dreams, and making a positive impact in their fields. It’s clear that when students are given the support and freedom to follow their passions, the possibilities are endless.
They were excited to share their stories and hope that it inspires others to follow their passions and pursue their dreams. Kayden, Shelby, Ted, Elise, Ethan, John, Sadie, Sae, and Lyn are just a few examples of the transformative power of personalized, real-world learning experiences. Their stories show us what is possible when we prioritize students’ interests and agency in education. Let’s continue to support and encourage learners to explore their passions, develop essential skills, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world. The future of education is bright when we prioritize intrinsic motivation and personalized learning for all students.
Imagine my joy when they shared the next steps in their adventures, once again highlighting the importance of giving students the freedom to pursue their intrinsic interests:
Elise, formerly of One Stone, who had relocated to New York City to follow her creative passion in fashion, shared exciting updates: “A lot has changed actually! I temporarily moved to Portugal in August for a residency in a woodworking and metalworking studio with other sustainability-minded artists. It’s been an amazing experience!”
And Ted, who had aspirations of working for LEGO, a 14.5-hour plane ride away from home, shared: “Life has been hectic lately [drumroll] as I’ve been preparing to head to Denmark for my next term in school to continue my work with LEGO.”
If that isn’t awesome, I don’t know what is.
Chris Unger is a Teaching Professor at Northeastern University’s Graduate School of Education and provides support to the Graduate School of Education’s Network for Experiential Teaching and Learning (NExT) alongside his colleagues at the University.
This blog series is sponsored by LearnerStudio, a non-profit organization that is driving progress towards a future of learning where young people are inspired and equipped to thrive in the Age of AI – as individuals, in their careers, in their communities, and in our democracy.
The curation of this series is overseen by Sujata Bhatt, the founder of Incubate Learning, which is dedicated to reigniting humans’ love for learning and creation.