How We Process & Our Approach.
Scenarios are constantly provided where students are prompted to independently brainstorm solutions and create models to simulate them. This process encourages... everything.
These problem solving exercises prompt the development of critical thinking skills, and ideally the application, which lead to continued participation in the program, and, ideally, a group Milestone Project.
In our experience as classroom educators we have met so many brilliant middle school students thinking light-years ahead of most. However, due to the structures that must be met by curriculum, class size, diversity of interest, and time, we are never able to fully dive in depth and honor that cognitive exploration. SAS offers the space to do just that.
Upon merely mentioning a thought, asking a question, or sharing a situation, we open up and process as we learn. This is fundamental to our purpose, it is where and how we foster, nurture, and nourish their genius. It includes what students may be confused, curious, and/or passionate about. These conversations lead to a safe community space where students feel equal parts comfortable and inspired.
We want students to question and learn how to use the inquiry process. In other words, we want questions that are thoughtful and relevant. We encourage questions that prompt deeper research and the potential for longterm sustainable solutions.
Our students know that our questions may not have tangible answers. However, it is the process of crafting and asking the good questions. As Carl Jung said: "To ask the right question is already half the solution of a problem".