What happens when you direct your own learning?

Year 8 students Edward Watts and Yijun Cai headed down quite different paths when tasked with a self-driven Passion Project. However, their learning experiences ultimately produced remarkable similarities.

This year, as part of their ‘Argo’ subject which traces the hero’s Journey of Jason and the Argonauts, Year 8 students were challenged to spend around 50 hours undertaking a research-based project based on a topic of their own choosing. Under the mentorship of a teacher, students were responsible for devising, planning and delivering the project. They were also asked to define what success would look like for them and, at the end of the project, reflect on their journey by making a presentation to their peers.

Engagement is high in this model of education and the deep interest in the project topic encourages deep thinking about it.

Almost like completing a micro-PhD, Edward and Yijun, together with their fellow students, refined their capability to source reliable information, and then critically analyse and present that material in the development of a type of ‘product’. They also learned about how to manage a project, organising tasks and their time, how to recognise and draw upon the expertise of others, and how to overcome difficulties.

Earlier in the year a group of Old Melburnians returned to the School to share their career paths and passions so as to inspire the budding researchers with possible ideas and encourage them to take risks and try new things.

So, what were their topics?

“My teacher encouraged me to think about a project that would help the general population. I decided to try to ‘build’ an affordable house that could be looked at by property developers,” explains Edward.

“I integrated two cargo containers together to make a rectangular house online. I used them because they already have the exterior pre-built, and it’s very affordable way to make a house. And then I used a 3D architecture app to design the interior of the house.

“Apart from learning how important planning is – both for the interior design and the project itself, I learnt a lot about architecture and possible future job options. I really enjoyed it.”

Yijun was new to the Melbourne Grammar this year so he decided to pursue a topic that would enhance his connection to the School.

“I created a promotional video about Wadhurst,” he says. “I started with a storyboard and filmed according to that. I then spent a lot of time editing it.”

During the project, Yijun consulted with experts in the area and honed his videography skills. His planning was key to his successful output.

“I discovered that I needed to be prepared for setbacks. Sometimes people didn’t show up for filming an interview and that created problems,” he says. “Sometimes the film I took wasn’t good enough and had to be re-shot. But I really enjoyed doing the project and learning how I could do things better.”