News
Two-hundred year old ship helps student learn academics and more
April 2, 2009
Students
in Draper Middle School’s Alternative Education Program are
currently taking part in a class that offers the basic content
areas, life skills and hands-on experience with a 17th-century ship.
“This class is an attempt to get out of the box,” says Jason Hoke, a Draper teacher and behavioral specialist. He adds that the course incorporates technology, physical education, art, home and careers, math, history, science and so much more.
Since February, students have been visiting the Mabee Farm and Schenectady Historical Society once every other week for four hours. At Mabee, students have been participating in the reconstruction of the ship, as well as other rehabilitation projects within the home and servants quarters on the farm. Students have gone to the historical society to work on the maintenance of many different artifacts.
Hoke points out that the course is approached just like it were a job—something the students are expected to participate in when the time comes. Not only are they gaining a sense of responsibility that they previously may not have had, but they are learning many new skills.
“They are doing jobs and chores they have never experienced before,” Hoke said. “They told me it’s the best field trip they’ve ever been on and it just keeps happening.”
According to Hoke, research shows that project-based instruction—like the work the students in this class are doing—can be much more effective for students who learn better in atypical educational settings. From what he’s seen so far with his students, the research is proving to be right.
As a pilot program this year, Hoke is hoping to see this class expanded into the high school next year. That, however, will depend on next year’s budget, which is still being developed. This year the program was funded by the Mohonasen Foundation, which covered the cost of transportation, safety equipment, work clothes for the students and other associated expenses.
See pictures from students working at the Mabee Farm
click on thumbnail to view the larger image
