An innovative new teaching style that brings students out of the classroom and into real-world offering hands-on learning experience has started its third year.
Building Futures, an optional course for youth in Rocky View Schools in Cochrane and the surrounding area, has begun with a select group of 30 Grade 10 students from Bow Valley High, Cochrane High, and Springbank Community High School. The students will spend four out of five school days each week on a construction site learning what it takes to build a new house, while completing their courses.
“It takes (students) out of the theoretical realm and puts them into the application of doing things – it’s remarkably different,” said Matt Chomistek, Building Futures teacher.
“It had all of the pieces of what I wanted teaching to look like, build those authentic relationships and getting students out in the community … the transformation in five weeks with my Grade 10s is something I have never seen before.”
The description on the Rocky View Schools’ website promotes the program as an opportunity for students “to engage in a real-world, authentic project that offers them both a robust educational experience and life-relevant skills.”
The teachers could not agree more.
“I think a lot of it just gives the kids more hands-on experience for learning, (we) can tie the curriculum into here. I teach math, so one of the projects I gave to the kids was to calculate the volume of concrete for the basement,” explained Monty Smith, Building Futures teacher.
“It gives application for their learning and gives the kids the opportunity to see all aspects of construction – it helps a little bit with future decisions.”
The program is in partnership with Rocky View Schools, the Professional Home Builders Institute of Alberta, the Alberta New Home Warranty Program, and Kingsmith Homes – this year’s winner of the Professional Home Builders Institute's New Homebuyer’s Choice Award for multifamily homes.
“We have always considered ourselves Cochrane’s local home builder … when the opportunity came up three years ago we jumped on it,” explained Craig Wiens, owner of Kingsmith Homes.
“The first year went great, the kids responded really well, their grades went up and kids were excited about learning and excited about school. (The program) builds character, builds work ethic and shows the value of sticking with school.”
Despite being only five weeks into the program, students are already saying they would recommend it to future generations.
“It’s a good learning opportunity and good life skills to know,” said Alice Thorne, 15, Bow Valley High student.
“It is great to be out of the classroom with two teachers throughout the whole school year … I would recommend it, (the program) is a really good opportunity for everyone.”
The teachers agree they are noticing a difference in students.
“I taught in a conventional high school setting for years and wanted to try something different … this is the best, I don’t ever want to leave,” Chomistek said with a laugh.
“I’m already five weeks in, seeing it back with more productivity in the classroom. The kids are not just doing assignments for marks anymore, they are treating assignment in class like they are treating the house … they have an idea of pride in their work.”
Since the introduction of the program, Building Futures has received several awards including second place in the Canadian Education Association’s (CEA) 2014 Ken Spencer Award for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, and Education Initiative of the Year from the Cochrane Community Awards.
Program co-ordinators are inviting guests to an upcoming dedication ceremony where people can view art pieces the students have been working on showing their helping hands in the community and impact they will leave. There will also be site tours to learn more about the program.
“It is a great learning opportunity … you get to develop so many skills and get a real hands-on learning experience with the learning itself – I would recommend,” said Ruby O’Donnell, 15, a Bow Valley High student.
The dedication ceremony is on Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. hosted at 97 River Heights Dr. in Cochrane.
For more information go to rockyview.ab.ca
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