Research
The Acton Academy Columbus Principles of Education are backed by research and studies
Learner-Driven Environment
Teachers’ evaluation of student-centered learning environments by Dr. Zuhal Cubukcu, Eskişehir Osmangazi University
Insights on Personalized Learning Implementation and Effects by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
New research shows effectiveness of student-centered learning approaches in closing the opportunity gap by Stanford University
Research on Student Centered Instruction by Brown University
The Atlantic: What Happens When Students Control Their Own Education?
“Students in the study schools exhibited greater gains in achievement than their peers, had higher graduation rates, were better prepared for college, and showed greater persistence in college” - Linda Darling-Hammond
Experiential Learning
University of Chicago: Learning by doing helps students perform better in science
Association of American Colleges & Universities: The Power of Experiential Learning
School-Based Experiential Outdoor Education: A Neglected Necessity by Joan James and Theresa Williams
“First, no research has ever found a benefit to assigning homework (of any kind or in any amount) in elementary school.” -Alfie Kohn, Author of Unconditional Parenting
4 C’s of Education
Preparing 21st century students for a Global Society: A Guide to Four C’s by the National Education Association
Combining the 3 R’s and the 4 C’s by Tech4Learning
“sitting in rows and listening to content delivered through a lecture is slowly being replaced with active learning environments where students are prompted to ask questions, seek out relevant information, and apply information, not just remember it.”
Blended Learning (Online + In-Classroom):
The effectiveness of Blended Learning Environments by Dr. Meltem Eryilmaz, Atilim University
A Comparative Study of Blended Learning versus Traditional Teaching in Middle School Science by
The effectiveness of online & blended learning by SRI International
Blended Learning by University of Central Florida
Blended & Online Learning Research by Vanderbilt University
77% of academic leaders rate the learning outcomes in online education as the same or superior to those in face-to-face classrooms (Allen & Seaman, 2013)
mastery-based learning
The neuroscience of joyful education by Dr. Judy Willlis
The case against grades by Alfie Kohn
Teaching more by grading less by Jeffrey Schinske and Kimberly Tanner
Ted Talk: Do schools kill creativity by Sir Ken Robinson
NYTimes: A New Kind of Classroom: No Grades, No Failing, No Hurry
The Atlantic: Love of Learning More Predictive of Success than Grades
“When students are engaged and motivated and feel minimal stress, information flows freely through the affective filter in the amygdala and they achieve higher levels of cognition, make connections, and experience “aha” moments. Such learning comes not from quiet classrooms and directed lectures, but from classrooms with an atmosphere of exuberant discovery” (Kohn, 2004).
Mobility in the Classroom
A recent study, a review of 26 previous studies looking at the impact of physical activity on academic performance, found that kids who get extra physical activity in school do better in reading and math. -CNN
multi-age classrooms
On the merits of multi-age classrooms by David Pratt, PH.D
Multiage Programming Effects on Cognitive Developmental Level and Reading Achievement in Early Elementary School Children by Fosco et. al
The advantages and disadvantages of multi-age classrooms: Center for Evaluation and Education Policy
The multi-age classroom: What research tells the practitioner by Sandra Stone
Multi-age Classrooms: An Age-Old Grouping Method Is Still Evolving: Harvard Education
The Atlantic: Inside a multi-age classroom
“Multiage does not try to fit the child to the pre-determined curriculum, but rather chooses a broad-based curriculum to fit the needs of the child.” - Sandra Stone