Welcome to the Fort Smith Public Schools GATE Wiki.  

  In GATE we use a project based learning style.  The essentially means that students will learn the essentials of the topic of study by completing projects rather than having a teacher lecture on the elements to be learned.  There are a lot of benefits for using projects in the classroom. 

One reason to use projects is to increase student interest.  Many time student will express their concern about classroom teaching with the comment: “Why do I need to learn this?”  Project based learning allows students to learn skills in a real life setting with hands on situations.

Secondly, the understanding of how one subject affects and connects to other subjects improves.  Since most real life situations requires a use of various subjects and skills to complete the task, we find that cross curriculum learning takes place.

 Also in-depth understanding of subject topic increases.  This happens because the skills necessary to complete the project must learned in detail successful completion of the project.  This also allows opportunities to develop complex skills, such as higher-order thinking, problem-solving, collaborating, and communicating.  All these skills are necessary for success. 

Next we find that technology skills improve.  This is the result of the fast paced world we live in.  In order to compete, the use of technology is a necessary bi-product of the learning process.

 If students are interested in the projects then absenteeism decreases.  They will want to be in school to “do the project” and by virtue of that the will want to learn the necessary skill for the completion of the project.

Lastly, attitudes about school and learning improve when students are doing thing which they think are meaningful and which catch their interest.  It is definitely a win-win situation for all involved. 

Role of the Teacher:I will be lecturing less and letting your child become an expert in certain areas. I will still be there to provide resources, direction, and support, but I won’t hold all of the “correct” answers to all the difficult questions we will tackle. 

Role of the Student: Students are not passive learners in my class. They will often work in groups and learn to work with others, but they will also be accountable for their own individual work. They will make decisions about the direction and content of their projects, but they will have lots of resources to help them make good decisions.

 Role of Parents: It will be important that we all stay in communi-cation as we work through a project. Your child may need additional computer time, access to resources in our community, and time to work with his/her group. It will be important for you to lend your support and encouragement throughout the process.

Curriculum