Snapshot 112
Engaging Learners in a “Real-World” Learning Community: The MicroSociety Student Experience
Presenter: Brent Galloway
MicroSociety is an experiential program designed to provide authentic learning experiences that help prepare students for life beyond school. The purpose of this session is to share research on how young people experienced learning within this program and how their experiences contributed to their feelings of engagement and empowerment as students in a MicroSociety school. This research study suggests that their positive feelings were due to the provision of real-world learning opportunities that replicated the adult world and provided participants with roles and responsibilities that allowed them to develop competence and confidence. Most importantly, these students became contributing members of a community of practice that continues to have a meaningful impact on their lives.