innovative programs
IASA Middle School has begun to introduce new methodologies in teaching. Frontal teaching is on the way out, being replaced by coaching and teamwork, both at the teacher and student levels. New programs are being introduced. This year, three major programs have been introduced: Project Week(s), Upperclassmen Mentoring and Community Service.
PROJECT WEEK(S): Teaching students how to learn
Twice a year, IASA-MS and Guatemala School students put their regular studies on hold and pour all their energy into IASA's unique Project Weeks program. Based on IASA-HS Project Week, the middle school Project Weeks introduce students to the structure of advanced research and group study and enable them to explore an area of personal interest.
This year's first Project Week focused on two topics: for 7th graders, "Asking Questions," and for 8th graders, "How is what I learn in school connected to the real world?" The 8th grade students researched and visited a number of work places, including Machane Yehuda market shops, hi-tech offices, companies, hair salons, and a recording studio to investigate the relationships between school learning and workplace skills. They discovered that a lot of the "soft skills" they learn in school such as interpersonal relations, working in teams, creative thinking, and problem solving are essential in the "real world."
VISIT TO THE ISRAEL MUSEUM DURING PROJECT WEEK
Academic achievements at the highest level now begin with 7th grade students.
In the second Project Week, both 7th and 8th grade students researched the concept of "Success." They raised questions, such as how companies manage to sell products that consumers know are unhealthy, and what makes some people succeed in keeping friends and others struggle, and used research skills and teamwork to create presentations to share their conclusions. Israel's Channel 2 did a report on the project.
Project Weeks are an integral component of IASA's emphasis on curiosity and independent learning.
