Thinking Critically

In the middle school years of dazzling new ideas and boundless horizons, our approach of using  Habits of Mind provides structure and focus. Observing - the gathering of information and Wondering what it means; Connecting - joining learning together, such that studies in arts, science, and social sciences are interwoven in every classroom… enabling the development of Reasoning skills, the Interpreting of data, and Innovating in asking questions and suggesting answers. Students learn about ecosystems, for example, by gathering data in a local park, analyzing their findings, discussing their conclusions with peers, and presenting them to parents - a major step beyond reading a textbook and filling out a test paper.

From classroom design to curriculum choices to community activities, Étude creates an environment in which actions are thoughtful and thoughts are focused. As students advance  into traditional academic subjects, they don’t simply memorize the facts, but - more important - learn what they mean and how to apply them. Thinking Routines give them structure to analyze information, reinterpret it, and continue to ask questions. Students’ projects are more individually driven than in elementary grades, although with frequent peer input and review. The role of the teacher is to inspire, to facilitate, and to support.

In traditional - and still typical - middle schools, evaluation of student progress is based on end-of-term performance on standardized tests. Étude’s approach is different. In a Presentation of Learning, each student gathers with their parents and teacher(s)??? in an hour-long demonstration of academic and personal growth during the preceding trimester. Students put forward a claim or hypothesis and support it with detailed “artifacts” of their learning from each class they have been taking. Typically they will make an oral presentation with video, slide show or other illustration. Following review of work completed, students take the lead in setting goals and schedule for the trimester to come. For students, this is an important occasion in an ongoing exercise in taking responsibility and stepping outside their familiar comfort zone. For parents, it provides priceless insight into their child’s learning development.