Burris fifth through seventh grade students work on an IMPACT project in the hallways of Burris Laboratory School on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021. They were required to use math, reading comprehension and creativity to construct water carrying devices after reading the novel "A Long Walk to Water." Staff photo by JordanKartholl
MUNCIE — To help middle school students see themselves more as learners and not task-doers, Burris Laboratory School has adopted the IMPACT model of learning for the 2021-22 school year.
Standing for Investigation, Metacognition, Passion, Actualization, Curiosity, and Togetherness, the IMPACT program uses a hands-on approach that is a student-centered, individualized, project-based learning experiences led by teacher-facilitators, said Anand Marri, dean of Ball State’s Teachers College.
"It gives them opportunities to experiment and fail safely; it encourages rich, cross-disciplinary activities; and it emphasizes and practices social-emotional wellness and community responsibility," Marri said.
Established in 1929 as part of Teachers College, Ball State University, and Muncie Community Schools, Burris is a public, K-12 school managed by Ball State as a laboratory school for the university.
Philosophically, Marri said IMPACT isn't much different from what is universally considered to be good and effective teaching, as it provides different learning opportunities and keeps students and teachers engaged with one another. More traditional approaches, including standardized curriculum and tests, don't always take individual needs of students into account.
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