Empowering Student Ownership atNorthwest ISD
The Challenge
Within the Northwest Independent School District, a significant challenge emerged – the need to craft an engaging educational experience that not only developed professional skills but also nurtured character-building attributes. The district recognized the importance of preparing students not just academically but also for their roles as responsible, self-reliant, and engaged citizens, emphasizing comprehensive character development as a key component.
The Solution
The solution arrived in the form of QUEST, a program that seamlessly merged professional skill development with comprehensive character building. QUEST provided an engaging and immersive experience where students had the opportunity to practice the "4 Cs" – communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, all while emphasizing character-building qualities like integrity, empathy, and resilience. Through dynamic gameplay, students were not only problem-solving and honing their professional skills but also cultivating essential traits that would serve them well in life.
QUEST became a holistic platform that enabled students to explore and develop the skills necessary for success in the modern world while instilling the values of responsible citizenship, self-reliance, integrity, empathy, and resilience. It was more than just a program; it was an experiential journey that fostered well-rounded individuals equipped with both professional competencies and a rich character foundation. In the Northwest Independent School District, QUEST became a transformative approach to education, preparing students not only for their careers but also for life itself.
The Results
of students rated their QUEST experience as extremely positive!
of students said they learned that collaborating & communicating with others is useful.
of students believe they increased their ability to solve problems by playing QUEST
Quotes
“Student engagement in QUEST is more magnetic... because kids are immersed into this game-like atmosphere that also is like a choose-your-own-adventure situation.”
Natalie Spann
QUEST Facilitator
“QUEST is one of our most popular camps... because of the creative thinking, the gameplay, the collaboration...”
Rene Egle
Campus Instructional Technology & Technocamp Lead
“The QUEST learning experience has been such a refreshing change from the standard curriculum. It allows the students to not only explore the set avenues they have around them, but also allows them to be innovative in how they navigate those challenges.”
Jason Sanders
Director of Instructional Technology
“I would definitely go to QUEST next year because I love meeting the new friends there and I think it's fun problem solving.”
Violet
5th Grade Student
“I love the multisensory experience of the game format and the plethora of opportunities the game provides for students. For example, SEL, problem solving, productive struggle, and teamwork.”
Facilitator
“Students are engaged, learning about multiple topics, exposed to other students in a way that they don’t get in a normal classroom, and increasing their critical thinking and creativity.”
Facilitator
“I learned how to be a good leader of a group.”
Student
“I liked QUEST because it showed how to survive and work with other people and learn how other people solve or do things."
Student