3DE Expands Into A New Dimension
Our first year of 3DE partnering with Saint Paul Public Schools has been nothing short of amazing. To hear about a new learning model and read such stark outcomes on paper is one thing, but to be able to experience it with a group of students up close, day in and day out, has been even more inspiring!
In working with the ninth-grade classes at Como Park and Washington Technology Magnet since September, we have seen nothing but improvement in both confidence and collaboration. Students are empowered to problem solve, think creatively, and expand their skillset while engaging in meaningful projects that have inspired out partners equally–if not more so!
The incredible success thus far has been a testament to the 3DE learning model, the hard work and dedication of our local team, and the educators and volunteers that have brought cases and concepts to life through their genuine commitment. As a result of this year’s progress, we’re excited to share that we will be expanding 3DE to include ninth and tenth grade classes at Como and Wash Tech while also beginning 3DE at Harding High School next year!
“Because the curriculum is recursive, both the educators and students can see progress from case to case. When students first presented their case, they were timid and their presentation lacked organization and focus. During their second presentation students created far superior products (presentations). Students had memorized their speech, or spoke extemporaneously, as opposed to just reading off slides. Their outcomes on specific skills and competencies have definitely improved.” – Freshman Focus Teacher, SPPS.
So far this school year:
98% of volunteers would recommend volunteering with 3DE to friend or colleague
98% of volunteers felt that volunteering with 3DE was a meaningful use of their time
97% feel that 3DE is preparing students for future personal and professional success
Volunteers expressed appreciation for how 3DE imbeds real-world problems into a student’s education as well as encouragement for how impressive the students have been in their interactions and investment with each case challenge.
In case you need a refresher, 3DE by Junior Achievement re-engineers high school education to be more relevant, experiential, and authentically connected to the complexities of the real world to more fully prepare today’s students for the demands of tomorrow’s economy.
As a learning model, 3DE is designed to position students for choice-filled lives, meaning that students are prepared for a future full of opportunities, no matter their path. Through case-based learning alongside local and national partners, students build competencies like communication, collaboration, cultural agility, and critical thinking skills.
During the first half of the year, students have completed three case challenges presented by local partners. The casework focuses on competency development and is designed to put learning into practice in tangible ways. Students work in small teams to solve real-world challenges put forth by outstanding organizations like Ramsey County, Cargill, Api Group, and 3M. As a result, students are exposed to various industries and opportunities that help prepare them to engage in their future pathways with intention
A highlight for students has been engaging with volunteer “coaches” who come into school and help guide them in exploring their cases and creating strong presentations for their culminating events, where the top teams present their solutions to judges and their peers. Culminating events are filled with energy and excitement as students celebrate their hard work and connect deeper with case partners.
This year’s students were initially reserved, but with each coaching session and culminating event, they’ve gained confidence, built relationships and collaborated with new peers, honed their presentation skills, and developed critical thinking skills that will serve them well into the future.
A Washington Tech teacher recently reflected, “Every time we take students down to the 3DE space to work on this relevant and relatable curriculum, students are more engaged than they are in the classroom. Also, students have been more likely to engage with peers outside their preferred peer group and show more buy-in during group work. Finally, having extra adults from 3DE engaging with our students makes it easier to maintain student engagement.”
This is the kind of growth we see throughout students’ high school careers, which results in confident and prepared high school graduates. We’re excited to see students embracing this new way of learning and are poised to see this program grow across the district into the next school year and beyond!