Ada's Reflection V - Literature learning journeys to Salem & New York

c.                Describe and discuss an innovative or creative practice in your school.

I would say that holding learning journeys are no longer an alien concept in our education system today. Many schools are actually strong advocators of learning journeys as they believe in the educational benefits that it brings. Learning journeys could indeed help to enrich and extend the educational experience of our students as it helps to make real and concretize their learning. That said, learning journeys that are held locally are already enriching as it is because students are brought out of their classrooms to broaden their horizons and gain more insights about their learning. Tapping on the benefits that such learning journeys are able to afford to students, Pasir Ris Crest Secondary decides to take one step further and bring a group of students to Salem, Boston and New York. Although overseas learning journeys are definitely not something new today, the selected students and the Literature teachers who went to United States certainly had a very meaningful and exhilarating experience. Since the students are studying The Crucible, going to Salem was certainly an eye-opener for them as they not only had the chance to deepen their understanding about the text but also experience first hand what life was like during the Puritan days. They also get to visit the House of the Seven Gables where they were required be creative and write a poem to reflect on their visit there. This would certainly ensure that learning objectives are still met while students are out of the school context.

Apart from that, the students also got to watch the Phantom of the Opera play at New York City. What better way to deepen their love towards the subject than let them enjoy and see such experiences unfold in front of their very own eyes? Students not only get to soak themselves in such majestic architecture and environment in one of the greatest plays ever produced, but they would also learn about the etiquette of watching a play and this is definitely something that they can apply in their lives when they return home.

Furthermore, with the recent emphasis on a multi-disciplinary approach, and the need to derive maximal educational benefits from every educational activity, Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School also undertook these visits as an integral part of the formal curriculum so that they can enhance the learning experience of students. The students also went into the world-renowned Harvard University where they were actually brought around the institution by the guides. This is certainly another experience that students would not easily forget and I also think that this is a good way to motivate them in their own learning.

I am truly amazed by this practice when I learnt about it as I sincerely believe in the benefits that such learning trips are able to endow to students, especially when it consists of several innovative practices that would further engage students in their learning and understanding of the text.That said, since the school made English Literature compulsory to all students, it would perhaps be better to have more students to go for such learning trips although I am aware that there are manpower and budget constraints to consider. If more students went for such trips, then more teachers are needed to take care of the students which is not possible since there not enough English Literature teachers in the school. Nevertheless, although such practices may be nothing new to us, I believe that these are certainly some of the innovative and creative ways engaged by the school to maximize the educational impact on the students’ learning and more importantly, to keep the flame of their love towards Literature alive and burning.