How Learning Happens at New Vista

At New Vista we emphasize the following in all classes: students integrating what they are learning with what they already know; students finding connections between classroom learning, themselves, and the larger world; and students undertaking rigorous learning within the context of the established traditions, disciplines, or practices. Examples from our current curriculum include:

Individual Work:
research on projects during class time, outside of class time, in and out of the building;
creation of projects and artifacts during and outside class time;
application of lessons to new material during and outside class time;
learning in businesses or agencies in the community.

Small Group Work:
research on projects during class time, outside of class time, in and out of the building;
creation of projects and artifacts during and outside class time;
frequent lab work in science classes;
practice of material taught in lessons;
learning new material and teaching it to other students.

Learning Materials:
very limited use of textbooks;
heavy reliance on teacher and student collected materials, many of which are primary sources;
extensive use of community libraries and the World Wide Web.

Students Learning from Other Students:
presentations of projects by groups to the whole class;
presentations of projects by individuals to the whole class;
student prepared lessons taught to the whole class;
critique (constructive feedback) of other students' work.

Whole Class Learning:
Socratic seminars and other whole group discussions;
Team activities in sports and other settings;
Performing ensembles in theater, dance, voice, music.

Teachers Teaching Students:
Mini-lessons preparatory to student-centered work;
Providing instructions for individual and group work;
Facilitating discussions and whole group activities;
Coaching of individuals and groups;
Infrequent lectures.

In addition, students are involved in significant learning experiences off campus:

Community Experience: Off-campus learning in community agencies and organizations is built into the weekly schedule. It can take many forms, including service, shadowing, internship, apprenticeship, or work experience.
Learning Unit Contracts: Independent study contracts in which students earn credit for activities which occur outside regular school hours.
Culminating Project: A major project (at least 120 hours) required of each senior, which is designed and carried out by the student with the support of a graduation committee. Most of the time spent is carried out independent of adult supervision.