Real World Problem Scenarios
Emily Bentley, Education Engagement Specialist
On February 5th at Athens-Meigs ESC, educators and career coaches from Trimble Local Schools and Southern Local Schools, local business professionals, and representatives from Project Rise gathered for a transformative training session on the "Real World Problem Scenario" (RWPS) program. This unique initiative bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical application, offering students a chance to tackle real-world challenges.
As the session kicked off, participants were introduced to RWPS philosophy, where the emphasis is not just on theoretical knowledge but on applying it to authentic problems. Feedback from the training was positive with one teacher reflecting, "It was EXTREMELY helpful! The fact that the first half was an introduction and the second half was work time with the business partner made it SO EFFECTIVE!"
The training unfolded with discussions on the collaborative process of "Problem-Based Learning" and how to facilitate problem-solving in their classroom. Through RWPS, educators form partnerships with local businesses aligned with their curriculum. The business partner works with the educator to develop a scenario around a real world problem the business is dealing with or has dealt with and students develop and share solutions. This approach allows businesses to contribute real-world scenarios for students to address while simultaneously giving students and educators insight into industry challenges.
"I'm so excited to give our students the chance to do something student-led," expressed another participant. "I'm learning that our students don't get many opportunities to be pushed like this, so I think they're going to be excited for the freedom and change of pace!"
RWPS envisions a future where students not only grasp theoretical concepts in the classroom but also apply them in real-world settings. RWPS is place-based and aims to strengthen communities while increasing connections for all participants: students grow their social networks and increase their awareness of local career opportunities, teachers gain an understanding of local workforce needs while gaining experience in teaching problem based learning, and businesses connect directly to local students who might someday be interested in their industry.
By connecting educators with businesses, RWPS aims to transform education and prepare students for the challenges they will face in their future careers. Whether you're an educator eager to integrate RWPS into your classroom or a business ready to collaborate, this program promises a dynamic partnership that benefits both students and industries alike. BB2C offers numerous ways to learn about and implement RWPS in your school or classroom. Reach out to Emily Bentley, Education Engagement Specialist at ebentley@bb2careers.org for more information.