What is the best way to engage someone to learn?  My answer is passion – it may not be your answer but for me it works. When you become immersed in learning, where everything around you has been blocked out and all you can do is focus on the task – you are engaged with passion. The old expression, ‘time flies when you’re having fun’ applies to this type of learning.  Well educators – now is the time to provide students with the opportunity to pursue their passions in our schools.

Building a culture in your classroom or school that ignites a shared passion for learning in both staff and students is the first step. You cannot hide your passion, it radiates through your senses. Educators at the ELC have demonstrated this through the use of PBL. The staff’s passion shines everyday and the students absorb this in their willingness to learn.  This passion inspires students to unlock their potential to be creative and innovative. The culture becomes a continuous circle of inspiration for both students and staff.

At times when I am observing staff and students learning at the ELC, I sometimes forget they are in a “high school”. The students show so much love and pride in their work that it almost feels like a kindergarten classroom. If you have ever visited a K classroom you know what I mean. Kindergarten students are always eager to show off their accomplishments. They are constantly making you smile because of the pride that shines through them.

There are a number of benefits that PBL brings to our campus, but the one that may be the most important is how it disguises the learning through passion. Students are not concerned about memorizing for a test or completing a project for a letter grade. They are doing it because they love it. They are learning unconsciously. Thanks PBL and the ELC for wonderfully disguising education so our high school students show their passion to learn.

Sheldon Steele
VP Energetic Learning Campus