How does OZ use technology and experiential learning?
May 1, 2024
What does it mean to be learner driven?
At OZ Acton Academy, the concept of a "learner-driven" education is not just a philosophy; it's the backbone of our innovative approach. Learner-driven radically transforms the traditional educational model by turning school upside down. Our distinctive strategy focuses on empowering the child to take the reins of their own educational journey. This fundamentally shifts the role of teachers from lecturers to guides who do not teach or answer questions. Subsequently students transform from listeners to learners who find the answers and solve their own problems. Learner-driven means self-directed, interest lead, independent work like Montessori manipulatives that are self-corrective, exploratory adaptive math programs, or real world apprenticeships.
Passion!
At OZ Acton Academy our learners are encouraged to explore their passions, fail, set learning goals, and engage in hands-on projects that connect with their interests and the challenges of the real world through Quests. This is starkly different from traditional education, where the curriculum is predetermined and learning is largely passive, centered around standardized testing, and rote memorization. OZ believes that by allowing learners to explore their passions at a young age and chart their own course they will cultivate a deeper sense of ownership, responsibility, and love for life-long learning. Quests lasting 4-6 weeks allow learners to sample a vast array of professions and interests. By the time learners are teens they have completed thirty plus Quests and know what areas interest them most. As young adults in middle and high school, learners begin pursing Apprenticeships in their areas of interest.
Doing.
Critical to this approach is the belief in “learning by doing.” That is to say… learning that is actionable. Learners at OZ are involved in hands-on projects, which require them to apply critical thinking, collaborate with peers, and solve complex problems. This experiential approach to learning ensures that learners are not merely memorizing facts or completing worksheets but instead they are understanding the principles and practices behind real world problems as they solve them. At the end of 4-6 week Sessions, learners are challenged to speak and present a culmination of their work to friends and family at a public Exhibition.
Mastery.
Our learner-driven model at OZ emphasizes mastery of core skills like reading, writing, and math. Mastery means 100% mastered, understanding a concept forward and back; there are no A, B, C's, or F’s. Learners progress at their own pace, ensuring they fully grasp a concept before moving on to a new lesson. This personalized learning trajectory acknowledges that each learner is uniquely made, with different strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and rates for comprehension. Learners get to use an eclectic mix of hands-on Montessori based manipulatives and the latest adaptive learning programs to master core skills. Instead of report cards and letter grades, a child's work is captured through Journey Tracker, Acton's online Badge and portfolio management software. Badges represent mastery and excellence in an area like reading, writing, math, servant-leadership, life skills, etc.
Socratic.
OZ uses the Socratic method to promote character development, self-reflection, speech, debate, and leadership skills. The Socratic method is a high-energy discussion between learners using open ended questions centered around making hard choices. The Socratic method puts the learner in the shoes of a Hero and causes them to make a hard real world decision. Character development and deep introspection are a natural byproduct of using the Socratic method in studios multiple times a day. The Socratic method fosters a culture of self-aware, kind, and respectful young people.
The learner-driven approach at OZ prepares learners not just academically… but for life. It instills independence, time management, agency, adaptability, leadership, and a love for learning that persists beyond studio and graduation. By giving learners the freedom to explore, fail, and succeed on their own terms, OZ is nurturing the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and critical thinkers who are ready to face the challenges of the future.
