Learning

Inquiry Approach

Curriculum Grounded in Inquiry

Inquiry is at the heart of teaching and learning at UCLA Lab School. Our inquiry pedagogy is rooted in a process of wondering, gathering information, solving problems, and taking action. It is interwoven into every subject.

The UCLA Lab School curriculum is designed to engage children in deep thinking and collaborative problem-solving across the disciplines. Art, literacy, mathematics, music, science, social studies, and life skills are taught through an inquiry-based approach.

What are the benefits of inquiry?

Engages children by building on their ideas and interests
Offers authentic learning experiences
Provides a natural way to integrate art and art making
Deepens understanding of the curriculum through an interdisciplinary approach
Develops the habits of mind of lifelong learners
Develops empathy, emotional intelligence and socialization
Promotes 21st century skills: creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication

Clear Learning Goals

Teachers begin by establishing clear learning goals aligned with rigorous state and national standards: Common Core Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, C3 Social Studies Framework and ISTE Standards
Environment as the Third Teacher

With the learning goals in mind, teachers create rich learning environments that incorporate relevant resources and materials designed to spark interest. Children are encouraged to move and explore.
Engaging Experiences

Teachers plan learning experiences to engage children in building the content knowledge and skills to help them meet the standards.
Assessment as Part of the Learning Process

Teachers measure student progress throughout the school year to ensure that students are on the pathway to success. They weave in ways for children to demonstrate their understanding using all the senses and a variety of media—writing, drawing, painting, dancing, building, making music, using technology, and more.

Children have important knowledge and ideas

All children are capable and rich in potential. Our role as educators is to listen to them and help them build on what they know.

Learning is active

Children construct new knowledge through inquiry, experience, exploration and play. They need to move, ask questions, solve problems, articulate their thoughts, learn from mistakes, celebrate accomplishments and make a difference in the world where they can.

Learning is collaborative

Children have a tremendous capacity to communicate and to collaborate when they are given the tools to do so. We invest a lot of time in helping children practice collaboration skills because we believe they make them better learners and more competent citizens. Being successful in the world means being able to work both independently and as part of a group.

We celebrate diversity

Diversity is an integral part of who we are as a community and as teachers and learners. Our differences encompass race, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, geography, language, sexual orientation, socioeconomics, class and income, religion, physical ability, and family structure. They help us explore three important questions: Who am I? Who are you? and Who are we together?

The diversity of students, families, teachers and staff strengthens our community. It provides opportunities for learning, conducting research and developing curricula that are relevant for a wide variety of schools.

We respect each other

Our Safe School System helps students learn skills and habits to take on the role we all play in creating justice in the world. We work to cultivate a learning environment where teachers and students feel comfortable asking questions and taking intellectual risks. Children are guided to develop skills for solving problems, considering alternative viewpoints and taking responsibility for their actions.