Mount Mercy Academy moves to a Project-Based Learning Curriculum
A Mount Mercy Academy education has long been synonymous with academic excellence. For generations, our students have developed the skills to work hard and thrive under a rigorous curriculum. While those high standards for achievement remain, our approach to get there is widening.
Head of School Michele Melligan has been the catalyst for the school's shift to Project-Based Learning. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, minor in sociology and master’s in school counseling with more than 20 years of experience in the field, Michele feels that Project Based Learning is a concept in which students and teachers will benefit socially and emotionally.
She explained, "In a time when both students and teachers are stressed from the residual effects of the pandemic, Project Based Learning builds collaboration and teamwork through the relationships that are formed.”
According to the Buck Institute For Education, “Project-Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge.”
In Mount Mercy’s case, this includes students working to solve real community issues that are directly related to the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy: Earth, Racism, Immigration, Nonviolence, and Women.
At a recent meeting conducted by the New York State Department of Education, it was discussed that the Project-Based Learning model was an up-and-coming trend that needs to be seriously considered by New York State as a whole.
So far, Michele is pleased with the progress Mount Mercy is making several months into the shift in curriculum. “The overall feedback I have received from parents, students, and faculty is positive. Many are excited and thrilled about teaching not ‘to the test’ but being able to tailor their teaching to an exploratory model,” Michele remarked.
Through the development of our programs, Mount Mercy Academy has leaned on our loyal alumnae base and community partners. Our students have been able to collaborate with and learn from local entrepreneurs and experts in their respective fields. The benefits of partnering with professionals are undeniable, whether it be offering feedback on a project, speaking to a class or providing a monetary donation. Support from our Mercy community has allowed our students to gain inside knowledge on different industries and create connections that will carry with them for years to come.
As we continue to enhance our offerings, we are looking for alumnae and community involvement in our academies. If you are interested in working with our students in any capacity click the button below.
