Five Key Elements
The five elements that have guided Envision’s educational philosophy since its inception are solidly grounded in research about essential skills and best learning practices. Using real-life simulations, role-playing activities, problem-based and project-based learning strategies, these key elements are infused into all of our programs:
1) Curriculum that brings the classroom and the real world together
We engage students in experiential learning driven by questions and problems that are interesting, current and relevant. We enable students to collaborate on diverse teams, speak, listen, resolve conflicts, think critically and creatively to set goals, create plans, solve problems and make decisions during an intense period of time. Students connect academic knowledge and real life practices.
2) Harnessing the power of student self-awareness
We design activities for students to engage in self-examination, assessment and monitoring of their progress. This develops a high level of self-awareness about their strengths, areas of need, beliefs, values, and goals. In many cases students prepare personal and leadership development plans.
3) Putting students at the center of the process
We create a culture of learning that is student-centered. Students make choices and decisions, acting autonomously to exercise and cultivate their leadership skills. Our curriculum and instructional practices take into consideration the diversity of students and are adaptable to the range of students’ ideas and knowledge.
4) Using peer interaction to foster leadership development
Students develop skills in authentic learning situations with challenging, relevant activities, simulating what tends to happen in the real world of college and career. Learning occurs through interactions with others and in high-expectation situations where review, critique, doing something new, learning from mistakes, and presentations to others are commonplace. In the process, students learn the conditions that contribute to and detract from their success and leadership skillset.
5) The teacher as role model
We provide experienced, well-trained and highly qualified instructors to guide and collaborate in the learning process. They model expert learner and leadership behavior for students such as questioning, reflection, feedback, mind mapping and methods for thinking strategically.