REIMAGININGGEMS Dubai American AcademyCase Study 2

What does it take to inspire lasting & meaningful change? About

GEMS Dubai American AcademyThe GEMS Dubai American Academy is a vibrant international community rooted in a culture of kindness that creates and empowers leaders and independent thinkers. DAA prepares students to lead successful lives through the diversity of its community and the extra-curricular experiences that contribute to the development of the whole person.

There’s a certain level of pride that comes from designing your own home. The satisfaction you can obtain from observing the concept take shape from the ground up is incomparable. Add imagination and innovation to spruce up your idea, though, and then you’ve really got something special.

That’s exactly what the Grade 7 Innovate students of GEMS Dubai American Academy got to do with a recent project called “Future Homes” under the guidance of Paul Myer Hopkins, a digital video and innovation instructor at DAA.

"The project has a multi-faceted approach that incorporates all 6 of DAA's Future Fluencies,” explains Paul. The Fluencies allowed the Grade 7 Innovators to use structured processes to achieve their creative design goals in ways that foster truly meaningful learning.

As with any authentic learning journey, it all begins with defining the challenge. “Their first phase involved gathering information to identify the most urgent problems facing the world today,” Paul says. From there, the research focused on advancements in science and technology and how those ideas could be applied to designing more efficient homes.

“The design cycle was applied as they developed prototypes, and then applied recently-acquired Tinkercad skills to build virtual 3D models,” he continues. A creative design tool like Tinkercad lent itself well to this kind of work as it provides a multidimensional experience for both designer and observer.

Another major focus throughout the entire Future Homes project was on students collaborating effectively. This was made all the easier through the document sharing capabilities of both Tinkercad and Googles Docs, which the Grade 7 Innovators used exclusively.

Where do we begin?

The Fluencies were introduced to encourage teachers to think differently about their methods, with the goal being to encourage more innovation and collaboration throughout the school. Teachers are taking to the concepts quite quickly because they are adaptable to different topics and scenarios.

Paul Myer Hopkins

GEMS Dubai American Academy

As the work progressed, the Grade 7 Innovators produced some amazing proposals that showcased their imagination, ingenuity, and problem-solving abilities. Some of the notable concepts they generated were:

• A city-wide power conservation solution that involves placing sensors on recycling bins that relay vital information to their main plant.

• Washroom facilities containing biotechnology that warns occupants about the symptoms of possible impending illness.

• Various eco-friendly green home features that cut down on air pollution.

• Portable in-home power outlets that have a lifetime power supply.

In addition to these ideas, the students also produced videos using green screen technology that let them take viewers on virtual tours of the homes they designed.

How do we plot a path to success?

As a teacher with over 20 years of experience, I am always looking for new ways for my students to connect with the subject material. I have found it quite easy to incorporate the Fluencies into older lesson plans, which I feel has made them more relevant and meaningful to students.

Paul Myer Hopkins

GEMS Dubai American Academy

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• Students are becoming better collaborators because they get regular practice working in groups.

• They are encouraged to ask questions and learn from mistakes, resulting in higher levels of interest and sustained engagement.

• Students are directing their own learning, going further and at times in completely new and unforeseen directions.

• The Fluencies processes allow teachers to incorporate and embrace ever-changing innovations and technologies, because they are rooted in tried-and-tested methodologies.

• Teachers are taking to the Fluencies concepts quickly because they are adaptable to many different topics and scenarios.

• The Fluencies provide a framework for teachers acting as facilitators of student learning, allowing the students themselves to take the lead.

• Using the Fluencies supports the guiding philosophy of DAA which is a “Culture of Kindness.”

• They help to foster collaboration, empathy, and cultural understanding. • Students are getting a more consistent teaching approach from all classes and

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How do we measure progress?

When the students are encouraged to ask questions and solve problems that come from their own experience, you immediately get a buy-in. This results in a much higher level of interest and sustained engagement.

Paul Myer Hopkins

GEMS Dubai American Academy

How do we continue to improve & excel?

We are fortunate to have had Lee visit multiple times, and he also provides input and feedback when he is not here. His foundation has excellent online resources, that can help any teacher, regardless of their experience.

Paul Myer Hopkins

GEMS Dubai American Academy

As Paul reflects on both present and future learning journeys with his Grade 7 Innovators, he can’t help but marvel at the positive changes that the Fluencies have made at DAA, both for teachers and students.

“I have always understood the ‘teacher as facilitator’ concept but it has not come naturally to me,” he admits. “The Fluencies provide a framework for this to happen, and I am much more comfortable now standing on the sidelines and seeing students try, fail, try again, and then succeed. This is so important for the innovative and creative mindset. There are no mistakes, only discoveries!”

So what’s on the horizon for Paul and his intrepid learners as they continue with the Future Fluencies? “We are in the relatively early stages, but I can only hope that we are able to run with this program for many years,” says Paul. “I look forward to more training and continued implementation.”

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