Orsch Philosophy

Philosophy

An educational philosophy developed as a result of our lab. Our objective is capable, thriving learners – engaged and invigorated, capable of reaching their potential and benefiting from the best of themselves, ultimately sharing their innate talents, individuality and well rounded perspective with a world community.

This objective is at the top – a roof, a pinnacle. At the bottom is a foundation of security – security which is offered by nurturing adults and a safe and social community. Above the foundation are three essential pillars. The first pillar: independence and flexibility. The second pillar: creativity. The third pillar: limitless approaches to knowledge and experience – variety. This is a philosophy ultimately taught to us by the students themselves. Students thrive given these essential elements in their education and when these elements are available, students beg for more.

When allowed to learn in an environment that not only allows for these elements, but encourages them, students take ownership; they are happy and soar above benchmarks.

The Objective

Our objective in education should be to produce capable, engaged, thriving learners. Capable learners are confident. They naturally think critically and creatively. They believe in themselves as intelligent beings who can problem solve, invent and gain knowledge. They adhere to their interests with fervor, wanting to know more, wanting to grow and develop their skills.

Engaged learners display much of the above. They dig in and enjoy their time within a lesson or project. They are hungry for knowledge and excited to be involved in the process of learning. Thriving learners encompass everything a true student should. They are curious, eager to learn, and comfortable making mistakes. They are comfortable sharing their knowledge.

They thrive within an innate human desire to learn and grow – whatever the topic or skill may be.

The Foundation

Orsch’s secure environment starts with nurturing adults. Most teachers are nurturing people at heart and offer appropriate guidance and unconditional support. Nurturing adults understand developmental stages of growth. And they understand that home life, social life, and even hunger can make a big difference in academics.

A student was asked, before enrolling in Orsch, what percentage of his day was affected negatively by social interactions. His answer was 100%. Students are significantly affected by their peers. In Orsch an authentic community exists. Our community contains diversity. Diversity in opinion, strengths, weaknesses, interests, pacing, attention spans, skills, talents, personalities – you name it – we have it. This community is a family; we accept each other unconditionally.

Some say this is magic. Orsch feels like magic. However, magic comes with the stroke of a wand. This community is all strategy – implementable strategy.

Pillar I – Independence and Flexibility

Independence is possibly the most useful element. When a children are given freedom of space, time and choice, they have ownership and engagement in their tasks. Their learning is now in their hands. Independence is the beginning of a successful student-centered program and results in intrinsic motivation for achievement, accomplishments and learning.

Flexibility is a must – flexibility in timing, pacing, lesson levels, product expectations, and skill development – everything that goes on within a school and within a school day. Without flexibility, we adhere to sameness. If we don’t employ flexibility students cannot be creative; they cannot demonstrate independence.

Pillar II – Creativity

We are creative beings. Creativity is often encouraged in the realms of visual and performing arts and gets its time in gifted and talented classrooms. But it should be an element in every lesson and activity. Creativity must be encouraged and accepted in all that we do. Creativity must reign in assignments, projects, answers, questions, discussions and vision. Creativity must have no limits. When creativity is encouraged an everyday assignment is turned into a child’s natural playground. Monotony is turned into expressive results. New, innovative thoughts inspire, and nurture a love for learning and growth.

Creativity is one of the most motivating elements Orsch has discovered in students. Creative actions seem to offer some sort of natural boost. Creativity can be modeled and taught, but mostly it must simply be allowed for it to flourish.

Pillar III – Knowledge and Experience Delivered with Variety

Knowledge and experience seem obvious elements of an educational paradigm. However, it is the approach to gaining knowledge and experience that is Orsch’s third pillar. Orsch aims to deliver knowledge and experience in as many ways as possible – and then some. Decades of research tell us that innovative approaches such as experiential learning, project-based learning, hands-on activities, and whole brain-based learning are more effective than traditional lessons. A collaborative project teaches more than a worksheet or textbook chapter. If multiple approaches and opportunities for learning are offered, more students will engage and gain from experiences. More information will stick if it is creatively delivered. Howard Garnder’s Multiple Intelligences model suggests that each of us is a different learner. Orsch has discovered that not only is each student a different learner, each can be one type of learner at 9:00am and another type at 1:30pm. We aim to offer endless methods and therefore, will simply reach more students more effectively. Innovative approaches are a standard in Orsch – and we commit to looking for more.

In addition to Orsch offering innovative approaches and dynamic lessons, students are taught and encouraged to acquire knowledge through student-chosen methods. For example, some math students gravitate toward counting bears while others prefer a number line. Some students are able to memorize the 206 bones in the human body through flash cards and visuals while others choose to write a rap song. When limitless and student chosen options are offered, students have no barriers to success.