What is the Junior Urban Adventure?
The JUA is a learning expedition in Boston. JUA staff and senior leaders decide on a theme to direct students toward meaningful outcomes. Groups choose an issue and examine this issue from multiple perspectives including at least one that they may personally disagree with.
Under the guidance of a faculty member students explore their topic area by seeking out various galleries, exhibits, performances, buildings, individuals, historical sites, and other destinations in and around the city of Boston. Students collect multiple points of view and create their own meaning from these new inputs. Finally students share what they have learned with their peers in written, visual or oral formats.
When is the JUA?
This year it is March 23-25
What is the role of the Faculty and Senior Leaders?
Topic leaders are the heart and soul of this program. As a topic leader you will:
• Work alongside a senior
• Help students explore multiple points of view on your issue
• Meet with students before the experience to help them develop their research question
• Physically help guide your students through the city and guide them through a research process
• Be on free time duty in the evening
• Work with your department head to approve your participation and manage coverage for your duties at school while you are away
What do Juniors get to do?
The Juniors’ experience is the center of the JUA. Juniors will ask meaningful questions and try to answer them in Boston. Specifically Juniors complete a portfolio and present their findings to their peers. Above all students are asked to be respectful, responsible and have fun!
I heard some seniors are coming along too?
Yes, seniors who went last year are returning as Senior Leaders. They had a meaningful time last year and are making the JUA their Service Learning Project. Look to them for information, guidance and passion in their topic area.
Where are we staying in the city? Where do we eat?
All students and faculty will be staying at a hotel in the heart of the city. For safety purposes we're not advertising the location online. You will stay in hotel style rooms of up to four people. Boys and girls will stay in separate floors. Continental breakfast takes place in the morning. Lunch and dinner will happen on the fly in the city when it works for you. We'll provide you cash for this purpose.
What are the Juniors going to learn?
We expect the Juniors to come away with these outcomes:
• Investigate an area of interest in depth
• Interact with professionals in their field of interest, opening up possible avenues of creative career exploration.
• Direct their own course of investigation within your itinerary
• Reflect on their own skills as independent learners before and after the Urban Adventure
• Ask a meaningful question, formulate an answer and back up their answer with findings from their time in Boston
Showing posts with label 2007. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2007. Show all posts
Jan 23, 2009
Jan 31, 2008
The JUA is over but . . .
. . . . the questioning never stops.
The Junior Urban Adventure is an experiential learning project of the New Hampton School. Although the project has been completed for the 2007-2008 school year there is still a lot to check out on this site.
The project is carried out in student groups who ask an essential question and try to answer it through hands on research with primary sources in Boston. See the links to the right to visit any of the group blogs and find out more about their experiences and see their final products.
Scroll down to see the final slide show, updates from the trip as it happened or to read student feedback.
The links to the top right also provide access to the FAQ, and teaser videos for the project. Enjoy visiting the site and leave a comment if you have any questions!
The Junior Urban Adventure is an experiential learning project of the New Hampton School. Although the project has been completed for the 2007-2008 school year there is still a lot to check out on this site.
The project is carried out in student groups who ask an essential question and try to answer it through hands on research with primary sources in Boston. See the links to the right to visit any of the group blogs and find out more about their experiences and see their final products.
Scroll down to see the final slide show, updates from the trip as it happened or to read student feedback.
The links to the top right also provide access to the FAQ, and teaser videos for the project. Enjoy visiting the site and leave a comment if you have any questions!
Post Course Evaluations
The JUA is complete (except for grades which will come out at the end of the term), and I would like to take a moment to pull together the measurable results from the trip.Although there are many intangibles that go into the experience (and we love hearing your stories and thoughts about it) I'd also like to focus on some things we can measure.
We conducted a pre and post course survey of your expectations and actual thoughts on the program. The pre-course survey is here, and the tabulated results from both follows. I've ranked the top vote getters rather than list percentages because we had a different number of people respond to both surveys.
In the pre-course survey you can see that expectations had fun and educational heading the list while exciting and interactive are also among the top five. After the program notably tiring shows up in the #4 slot (in the pre-course survey it was way on the bottom with only 4% of votes). I like that exciting is replaced by memorable: as the we prepare for something it's exciting and after the fact we remember the intense three days.We also asked students to assess their research skills because an important part of the JUA is conducting research from primary sources. In the pre-course survey 75% of students reported that they used good research tactics 'half to most of the time.' While in the post-course survey that number increased to 88%. Very nice to see.
Students left very good feedback in both the things to do differently category as well as things to keep the same. In general folks liked the hands on, group work with active learning outside the classroom. On the other side you wanted to complete the final product before the holiday break and stay in a nicer hotel.
In addition to your work on the project over 2000 people have been engaged with the JUA. The map and statistics at the top of this post represent the visitors to just this blog alone, many more visitors viewed each group's blog, asking questions and reading your posts.
Thank you for your feedback and also demonstrating that the JUA is a meaningful experience.
Jan 27, 2008
Final Presentation
Education used to be about transfer of information from teacher to student. This past winter students from the New Hampton School changed this dynamic as they engaged with a cyclical rather than linear mode of education. One question led to the next.
Asking questions is dangerous because it empowers us to find answers and make meaning for ourselves. When that happens, advertisers, governments, religions and even societies loose their grip on us. We are free to do the right thing for ourselves, and this I believe, will ultimately lead to the right thing for our world.
Please visit the group blogs at right to see the final projects.
Asking questions is dangerous because it empowers us to find answers and make meaning for ourselves. When that happens, advertisers, governments, religions and even societies loose their grip on us. We are free to do the right thing for ourselves, and this I believe, will ultimately lead to the right thing for our world.
Please visit the group blogs at right to see the final projects.
Jan 25, 2008
Celebration!
The 2007 JUA is really and truly almost wrapped up. Final projects have been submitted, blogs are written, assessments have been tabulated.
We'll be celebrating at School Meeting on Monday with the final slide show.
I would like to take this moment to thank all the teachers, seniors and students for a great year! In particular I would like to recognize the folks back on campus who covered classes and dorm duties to help make the trip possible.
Stay tuned here for information on group projects, I'll be posting them soon to the respective group blogs.
We'll be celebrating at School Meeting on Monday with the final slide show.
I would like to take this moment to thank all the teachers, seniors and students for a great year! In particular I would like to recognize the folks back on campus who covered classes and dorm duties to help make the trip possible.
Stay tuned here for information on group projects, I'll be posting them soon to the respective group blogs.
Dec 18, 2007
Monday Night
As groups came back in last night they reflected on their day, posted updates to their blogs and got ready for some free time activities with their groups.
Enjoy the short video! If you would like to see this one again, link to it, embed it on your own site, or see other JUA related video content click on the YouTube icon on the right.
Enjoy the short video! If you would like to see this one again, link to it, embed it on your own site, or see other JUA related video content click on the YouTube icon on the right.
A = JUA?
This morning I stumbled upon this little graph from Jessica Hagy's remarkable blog Indexed. I found that "A" sums up my hopes for our students on the JUA rather well. If our students don't change their minds, at least I hope they will expand their minds to include other perspectives.
Dec 17, 2007
Great day today so far
Fantastic day so far, lots of activity over at the group blogs (see links to the right) and many happy (and tired) faces this evening as folks are coming back in for the night.
Haven't had any bumps or mishaps so far (knocking on wood as I type) other than the key cards for the rooms not working on the first try.
Everyone should be back in the next hour or so and then a little free time before room checks and bed.
Haven't had any bumps or mishaps so far (knocking on wood as I type) other than the key cards for the rooms not working on the first try.
Everyone should be back in the next hour or so and then a little free time before room checks and bed.
Students asking questions in Boston
Our travel and arrival in Boston went smoothly thanks to the driving of Skip and Don (thanks guys!). All the groups are on their first learning block after arriving, getting settled and having a bite to eat.
I'm going to grab some Thai food myself and get ready for groups to come back around and check into their rooms.
I'm going to grab some Thai food myself and get ready for groups to come back around and check into their rooms.
Productive day Sunday
Despite the weather, yesterday was a productive day for the groups. Students wrote their driving questions and researched the people and places they are visiting today. Visit their blog pages for a look and here is a summary of what some of the groups did:
What is the Price of Beauty visited the Dove website to take this quiz and reflect on their own perceptions.
Is the Truth Manufactured made a video of their questions and plans on vlogging more during the trip.
Can a Song Save the World had good response to a homework question posted by Ms. O'Toole. Click on "comments" to view student responses.
How Does College Shape You posted their driving questions.
What is the Secret Life of Food posted some background research.
Why Do They Hate Us posted and reflected on an interesting YouTube video.
Will Science Save Us or Slay Us has pictures of their work session in Ms. Saxe's apartment.
Lots of interesting posts on all of the blogs. Check them out!
What is the Price of Beauty visited the Dove website to take this quiz and reflect on their own perceptions.
Is the Truth Manufactured made a video of their questions and plans on vlogging more during the trip.
Can a Song Save the World had good response to a homework question posted by Ms. O'Toole. Click on "comments" to view student responses.
How Does College Shape You posted their driving questions.
What is the Secret Life of Food posted some background research.
Why Do They Hate Us posted and reflected on an interesting YouTube video.
Will Science Save Us or Slay Us has pictures of their work session in Ms. Saxe's apartment.
Lots of interesting posts on all of the blogs. Check them out!
Dec 16, 2007
And we're off!
The JUA started well today despite the weather making it impossible for many day students to make it in. Groups saw my presentation on the goals of the program, safety and logistics. Right now they are meeting in small groups to review their essential questions, conduct background research and write their driving questions.
If we have a delayed start in the morning I'll post that here. Check out the group pages to your right for more information about what groups are working on today.
If we have a delayed start in the morning I'll post that here. Check out the group pages to your right for more information about what groups are working on today.
Dec 10, 2007
Here we go!
The JUA is just a week away. Welcome students, parents and visitors to our blog!
If you want to find out what is happening in Boston you've come to the right place. All of our groups will be posting to their web sites multiple times during each day of the trip. To follow the action just click on the topic area you are interested in over on the right sidebar. Not sure who is in what group? Check out the group list to find the person you are interested in following.
If you have questions or concerns about the program, visit our Program Information section in the grey box over to the right. Do you want to know more? Contact Hans Mundahl, Director of Experiential Learning at (603) 677-3572.
But that's not all - if you would like to join the dialog, ask a question or just say hello to our groups in Boston please click the "comment" button at the end of this or any post!
The JUA starts at 12:00 noon this Sunday in the
Master Classroom of the ARC.
Master Classroom of the ARC.
If you want to find out what is happening in Boston you've come to the right place. All of our groups will be posting to their web sites multiple times during each day of the trip. To follow the action just click on the topic area you are interested in over on the right sidebar. Not sure who is in what group? Check out the group list to find the person you are interested in following.
If you have questions or concerns about the program, visit our Program Information section in the grey box over to the right. Do you want to know more? Contact Hans Mundahl, Director of Experiential Learning at (603) 677-3572.
But that's not all - if you would like to join the dialog, ask a question or just say hello to our groups in Boston please click the "comment" button at the end of this or any post!
Safety Information
As we approach the program it is important to outline a few safety and risk management policies we will have in place for the trip. Students will also review this information at our Sunday opening session.
I'm pleased to also post this information here so parents and family members can learn a little about how we operate and keep your children safe. Click the links below to find out more.
Code of Conduct - this general document outlines our minimum expectations on the trip and the consequences if students don't follow through.
Emergency Action Plan - if something should go wrong in the city, this document outlines the steps our staff will take. Also if a parent needs to contact a child during the trip due to a family emergency this document outlines the best ways to reach us in Boston.
Supervision & Travel Guidelines - how to cross the street, ride the subway and details regarding how and when we supervise students.
Technology Use - safety and quality guidelines for blogging and general internet use.
I'm pleased to also post this information here so parents and family members can learn a little about how we operate and keep your children safe. Click the links below to find out more.
Code of Conduct - this general document outlines our minimum expectations on the trip and the consequences if students don't follow through.
Emergency Action Plan - if something should go wrong in the city, this document outlines the steps our staff will take. Also if a parent needs to contact a child during the trip due to a family emergency this document outlines the best ways to reach us in Boston.
Supervision & Travel Guidelines - how to cross the street, ride the subway and details regarding how and when we supervise students.
Technology Use - safety and quality guidelines for blogging and general internet use.
Dec 8, 2007
Group Product & Assessment
Sharing your ideas and insights with others in a compelling and interesting way is a key component of the JUA. Each group will create one final project that will represent your answer or response to your essential question.
There are five options for you to choose from. You will note that all of the possible products have one thing in common: they can all be shared on line. Gone are the days where your work is poured into a poster board which is on display for a brief time and then is discarded!
Update 1/3: The final product is due 1/16/08 and must be passed in to your group leader. Work will be considered on time and complete only when it is in your group leader's hands in one of the following formats:
There are five options for you to choose from. You will note that all of the possible products have one thing in common: they can all be shared on line. Gone are the days where your work is poured into a poster board which is on display for a brief time and then is discarded!
Update 1/3: The final product is due 1/16/08 and must be passed in to your group leader. Work will be considered on time and complete only when it is in your group leader's hands in one of the following formats:
- PowerPoint: A PowerPoint or Keynote file (.ppt or .key)
- Movie: A self playing movie file (.mov, .mp4 or .wmv file) please no un-exported iMovie or Windows Movie Maker files
- Photo Essay: Either a PowerPoint or Keynote file (.ppt or .key) with captions on each slide or a Microsoft Word document (.doc) and full size pictures attached separately (.jpg or .tiff files)
- Podcast: A .mp3 file, please no un-exported Garage Band files.
- Essay: A Microsoft Word document (.doc)
Dec 3, 2007
JUA class meeting tomorow
During class meeting tomorrow you will be visiting your group blog, thinking about your itinerary of learning blocks and commenting in.
Please visit your group's blog by clicking on the link to the right.
Before you comment please read our technology use guidelines and remember to sign your posts only with first name and last initial.
Only two weeks to go before the trip!
Please visit your group's blog by clicking on the link to the right.
Before you comment please read our technology use guidelines and remember to sign your posts only with first name and last initial.
Only two weeks to go before the trip!
Dec 1, 2007
Snow Plan
According to weather reports today it looks like the storm will blow itself out by midnight Sunday night. This should allow enough time for roads to be safe by Monday morning. At this point we're going to proceed as indicated below.
If this changes we will have a delayed start by up to 2 hours. If that happens we'll let you know on the blog first thing in the morning.
For now the plan is:
Let me know if you have questions, comments or concerns. Thank you!
If this changes we will have a delayed start by up to 2 hours. If that happens we'll let you know on the blog first thing in the morning.
For now the plan is:
- Monday morning all students are required to be on the buses and ready to depart by 7:45am. (The weather looks like the storm will be over and travel to Boston should be safe at this point)
- If you are concerned about travel conditions please call Hans Mundahl at (603) 393-8660
Let me know if you have questions, comments or concerns. Thank you!
Nov 15, 2007
Thinking about JUA over break
Whether you are a junior heading home for break or a teacher enjoying a few days of rest, Thanksgiving is a great time to check in on the JUA.
Perhaps you would like to share with your parents the group you are in and the question you'll be asking?
Perhaps your group leaders have posted a thought question on your group blog? See the list of links to the right hand side of this page.
Maybe you would like to see how the staff are preparing, or where we will be going on our training day?
Do you like movies? Check out the teaser videos "Education is Linear?" or "They Asked Questions," or last year's slide show.
Are you an interested parent, teacher, underclassman or visitor to the site? Have an idea about somewhere for us to go or someone for us to visit? You can always leave a comment on a post that piques your curiosity.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Perhaps you would like to share with your parents the group you are in and the question you'll be asking?
Perhaps your group leaders have posted a thought question on your group blog? See the list of links to the right hand side of this page.
Maybe you would like to see how the staff are preparing, or where we will be going on our training day?
Do you like movies? Check out the teaser videos "Education is Linear?" or "They Asked Questions," or last year's slide show.
Are you an interested parent, teacher, underclassman or visitor to the site? Have an idea about somewhere for us to go or someone for us to visit? You can always leave a comment on a post that piques your curiosity.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov 8, 2007
Survey Results
Remember that survey you took about your expectations for the JUA, well here are the results. Only 53 of you (out of 80) responded, so the results reflect that.
As for the second question where you were asked to rate your skills, overall ~75% of respondents circled either a three (Eh...I can do this half of the time) or a four (I can do this most of the time). Only one person circle a five (Nice! I am really great at this) for "Research."
It will be interesting to see how your responses will change after this trip. Many of you may have given yourself a 4 or 5 for certain skills, but after the trip you may realize that your skills in this area are a little rough around the edges...and that's OK :-)
Question: Of the words below, circle the
For those visual learners out there, the size of the word reflects how often someone chose it. For you mathematical learns, scroll down for the percents of top five and bottom five words.
Boring Busy Tiring Stressful Educational Fun Exciting Interactive Hands On Exhausting Enlightening Inspiring Unnecessary Memorable Career Exploration Once in a lifetime Bonding magical
Nobody circled "lame" or "waste of time."
Top Five Responses:
Fun: 62%
Educational 60%
Interesting: 57%
Exciting: 55%
Interactive: 49%
Bottom Five Responses:
Lame: 0%
Waste of Time: 0%
Magical: 2%
Exhausting: 4%
Once in a lifetime and Bonding tied with 8%
As for the second question where you were asked to rate your skills, overall ~75% of respondents circled either a three (Eh...I can do this half of the time) or a four (I can do this most of the time). Only one person circle a five (Nice! I am really great at this) for "Research."
It will be interesting to see how your responses will change after this trip. Many of you may have given yourself a 4 or 5 for certain skills, but after the trip you may realize that your skills in this area are a little rough around the edges...and that's OK :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)