Lakehead University encourages high school students to think differently
March 3, 2011
You and five others have just survived an apocalyptic event and your nearest fellow survivors are 30 kilometres away. All electronic and electrical equipment no longer works. Some animals and plants have survived. What will you do? What are your top priorities and how will you organize a new society?
This was the task given to sixteen Twin Lakes Secondary School (Orillia) students who visited Lakehead University this week as part of the Twin Lakes program for gifted students. The classroom exercise was part of an introduction to the University's Inquiry course, a cornerstone of the school's unique Honours/Bachelor of Arts and Science program.
"Our inquiry-based learning encourages curiosity among students and teaches the skills needed for critical thinking," explained Alice den Otter, chair of Interdisciplinary Studies at Lakehead - Orillia. "The inquiry process emphasizes active learning, not simply memorizing and throwing back information," she pointed out to the Twin Lakes students taking part in the Inquiry class.
The high school students had the opportunity, in small discussion groups, to practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They were encouraged to question their assumptions, support their arguments, and look at their particular (imagined) situation from different angles and disciplines. To demonstrate the importance of interdisciplinary research and problem solving, den Otter was joined by Lakehead professor of history Dr. Jonathan Anuik, along with physics professor Dr. Chris Murray, who provided insight and guidance to the student groups.
Judging from the lively discussion that took place between the students and Lakehead professors, the students certainly seemed to enjoy the opportunity.
"This class really helped us to look at things in a different way," said Twin Lakes student, Zach Todoroff. "It made us think differently," added fellow student Peter Corbasson. Both students noted how the class differed from their typical high school classes. "At school, the teacher gives you information and you have to respond within certain boundaries. Here, we were the ones working together to come up with decisions," said Corbasson. "This really gave me a better understanding about Lakehead," added Todoroff. "After that class, I think it's great!"
Dr. Chris Murray (left), physics professor at Lakehead University - Orillia, discusses a group project with Twin Lakes Secondary School students (l to r): Zach Todoroff, Peter Corbasson, Jake Thompson, and Logan Fiander, along with Twin Lakes Special Education Resource Teacher, Alex Macdonald. The students were part of a special "outside the classroom" enrichment program that introduced Lakehead - Orillia's inquiry-based learning model.
The Lakehead visit was part
of the "outside the classroom" enrichment opportunities provided through the
Twin Lakes Gifted Program. "Our goal is to introduce university-style teaching
to these students," said Kerrie Pellarin, guidance department chair at Twin
Lakes. "We've had a wonderful long-standing partnership with Lakehead
University," she added.
In previous years, her students have sat in on classes, based on their areas of interest. This year is the first time that Lakehead designed a class specifically for the group. "The inquiry class is ideal - it shows our students how important critical and independent thinking is for their success at university," said Pellarin.
Neil Quinn, one of Lakehead
- Orillia's recruitment officers, says that Lakehead hopes to extend the
introductory Inquiry class as a program for Grade 11 high school students
throughout Simcoe County. "This was a pilot project," he explained. "It looks
like the students today really benefitted from the class and we look forward to
opening up this opportunity to more high school students."
The University hopes to offer the program to all students in Grade 11 and would not restrict participation those designated as gifted.The new program would support the existing Lakehead outreach program, which includes visits to Grade 10 Career classes throughout the region.
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To read about two recent graduates of the Lakhead - Orillia Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science program, click here.