By Jeff Sandefer: director of Acton Academy k12 and middle & high school. Users of the LAD method.
Traditional schools have semesters, textbooks and standardized tests; Acton Academy offers Learning Arhes, real world challenges and lessons learned instead.
What is a Learning Arc? It’s action packed sequence of “learning by doing;” a series of challenges, launched with a bit of mystery; linked by compelling narrative; stuffed full of real world puzzles, challenges and dilemmas;, culminating with a public exhibition and followed by reflection and “lessons learned.” We picked up the idea from Kaospilot, a school in Denmark...
Semesters, textbooks and standardized tests are no match for Learning Arches, real world challenges and lessons learned, because a soulless bureaucracy is no substitute for a fulfilling Hero’s Journey.