Instructional Practices

Moody High School teachers utilize a variety of instructional strategies, including direct/whole group instruction, small group instruction, performance assessments, cooperative learning, online instruction and project/problem based learning.  Project based learning is a foundational instructional strategy, designed to create deeper understanding of curriculum standards.

The project-based learning (PBL) process allows learning to be a personal experience for every student. Students drive the inquiry process through problem solving, research, and reflection centered around a guiding question or problem.  Learning is hands-on using essential tools like Chromebooks to provide access to global resources along with the ability to create and design realistic products and presentations that reflect a deeper learning of content. Students develop solutions through inquiry, collaboration, and questioning. Within the development of projects, there is some degree of student voice and choice to design the path of learning. Students also learn to work in groups to establish group norms, individual contributions, and expected learning outcomes. Learning becomes personal as each individual enhances the group with their specific areas of expertise and interests. Given the ability to make choices and use their voice, students become more engaged in learning.

Moody High School faculty members guide students through difficult and complex tasks. PBL challenges teachers to design innovative, meaningful projects that interest learners. With the teacher as a facilitator of learning, students apply knowledge and skills to solve relevant problems. In project based learning, teachers are partners in learning, available to guide and facilitate the learning process focused on student inquiry.

Innovative and rigorous curriculum, designed to leverage technology, serves as the cornerstone for student projects. Inquiry-based project design expects students to seek knowledge enhanced by their personal interests. With projects centered around a driving question or challenge, students’ access to technology is essential to support their research needs. With the 1:1 technology initiative on the campus, students can use Chromebooks to research, create, and design projects while collaborating with one another.