Cultivating Teamwork & Collaboration atFresno USD
The Challenge
In the bustling hallways and classrooms of Fresno Unified School District, an imperative challenge emerged. The district recognized the need to cultivate more teamwork and collaboration among students. Simultaneously, they aspired to nurture a sense of confidence that would embolden students to share their ideas and voices more confidently in class.
The Solution
The solution came in the form of QUEST, this multifaceted approach introduced several key elements that significantly contributed to increased teamwork, collaboration, and confidence among students. As students engaged with QUEST, they encountered interactive gameplay that encouraged collaboration as they faced various challenges.
With each chapter of QUEST's immersive storylines, students began to speak up with greater confidence during class discussions, share their ideas, and express their thoughts more freely. QUEST seemed to unlock a newfound sense of self-assuredness.
Through group activities and peer interactions within QUEST, a supportive learning community emerged, fostering idea-sharing and active participation. Students discovered that working together led to greater achievements.
As they tackled in-game challenges, their problem-solving skills developed, reinforcing their belief in their ability to contribute positively to group discussions and activities. They realized their opinions held value, and they had the skills to express them confidently.
Ultimately, QUEST became a catalyst for positive change within the Fresno Unified School District. It not only enriched academic experiences but also equipped students with essential life skills, nurturing a sense of teamwork, collaboration, and empowerment that would guide them across the school year.
The Results
of students developed relationship skills while playing QUEST
of students learned that collaboration and communication is helpful
of students felt comfortable talking to their teammates
of students valued the ideas and skills their teammates had
Quotes
“Their ability to collaborate, and the critical thinking skills, those are lifelong learning skills that need to develop. What QUEST does is, it allows that to happen.”
Kathy Mytton
Curriculum Supervisor
“I really enjoy the QUEST program because it gives them those types of skills where they have to work together to accomplish a common goal.”
Victor Ordunez
8th Grade History Teacher
“I think that the gap that the QUEST program has solved for is creating these relevant, gamified experiences in a way that engage and excite kids to participate.”
Jeremy Ward
Assistant Superintendent of College & Career Readiness
“QUEST has certainly been great for student communication and discussion peer-to-peer."
Matt Ward
Sequoia Middle School Principal
“QUEST has helped retain students because they enjoy QUEST and they enjoy working together.”
Julie Goorabian-Ellis
Principal, Scandinavian Middle School
“They not only look forward to it, but they ask for it!”
Melissa Jones
Principal, Bakman Elementary School
“I love QUEST because it is a learning game but is fun and does not feel like learning at all! There are so many challenges to do and they are fun and help alot with teamwork and figuring things out!”
Student
"QUEST basically centers around social-emotional learning and group learning together. Students work on communication skills, problem-solving with each other, learning how and when it's appropriate to make decisions for themselves and have discussions to reach consensus amongst themselves.
Andrew Simpson
QUEST Facilitator
"[QUEST] gives them the opportunity to have their voice heard rather than a teacher telling them... they figure out how they want to do it."
Dejonte O'Neal
QUEST Facilitator
“I love QUEST because it is a learning game but is fun and does not feel like learning at all! There are so many challenges to do and they are fun and help alot with teamwork and figuring things out!”
Student