Chrysalis School

“Hack School”

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IMG_2503Research: In our quest to implement our burgeoning makerspace, a team from Chrysalis toured Microsoft last week to see their version, called “The Garage.” While the space itself was inspiring, as they have access to the latest and greatest technology, even more so was the philosophy, attitude, and community that surround it. Our guide, Steve Scallen, reinforced the importance of what he termed “hack culture,” which can be summarized as a penchant for disrupting the conventional or safe way of doing things by asking how else it could be done. An organization that promotes hack culture understands there are many ways to get things done that are meaningful and valuable.

Practice: Applying Scallen’s ideas to Chrysalis, you could say we “hack school!” We often reject the traditional ways that schooling is done in favor of more effective ways to get better results. Where most schools’ practices are dictated by what’s most economically efficient, we look at what’s most efficient for learning, basing our practices on what’s best for the brain and learning at each developmental stage. This happens at many levels…from the construction of nontraditional schedules to alternative demonstrations of what kids know. Hack on, Chrysalis!

Comments

  2. Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

  12. I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

  13. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  15. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  27. Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

  28. Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

  39. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  43. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  51. Hack school concept shows the importance of critical thinking, problem solving, and hands on experiences which prepare students for the future, so training through creativity and real world challenges is great way to inspire students!

  52. I found this discussion quite helpful regarding innovative education methods and the importance of creative thinking. The article highlights how challenging traditional systems can inspire better learning experiences, encourage problem-solving, and create an environment where students can explore new ideas effectively.

  53. This is a fascinating perspective on how innovation and creativity can transform education. The idea of “hack culture” encourages curiosity, experimentation, and the willingness to challenge traditional methods in order to find better solutions. Applying this mindset to schools can create more meaningful learning experiences that focus on how students actually learn and grow. It’s inspiring to see an approach that values flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement in education.

  54. Microsoft Garage’s ‘hack culture’ mindset is truly fantastic! Challenging traditional methods and adopting flexible, learner-friendly approaches is an excellent initiative by Chrysalis School. Keep inspiring!

  56. Chrysalis demonstrates an innovative approach by challenging traditional education methods and focusing on brain-based learning. By creating flexible schedules and alternative ways to showcase knowledge, it prioritizes meaningful learning outcomes and supports students’ development beyond conventional schooling practices.

  57. I found this article very inspiring because it highlights how creativity and innovation can transform traditional learning methods. The idea of questioning existing systems and exploring new approaches can encourage better educational experiences. It’s great to see schools embracing experimentation to support meaningful learning.

  58. Encouraging creativity, curiosity and problem-solving helps students to become more independent thinkers rather than just passive learners, eucation needs more innovative approaches like this, so student-focused education models are an important step toward improving the way children learn!

  59. Chrysalis’ approach to reimagining education through innovation and creativity is truly inspiring. Creating spaces where students and educators can experiment, question, and discover better solutions highlights the power of a learning culture built around curiosity and collaboration.

  60. Visit to Microsoft’s Garage highlights the power of innovation, creativity, and collaborative thinking. Embracing hack culture encourages organizations to challenge traditional methods, explore new possibilities, and create meaningful solutions through experimentation and community-driven ideas.

  61. Challenging traditional school methods while focusing on how students learn best can create more flexible, creative and engaging educational experiences, so encouraging students to question, experiment and think differently can make learning much more meaningful!

  62. Exploring makerspace culture through Microsoft’s Garage highlights the power of innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Embracing hack culture encourages people to challenge traditional methods, experiment with new ideas, and discover meaningful solutions through curiosity and teamwork.

  64. The idea of “hacking” school is interesting because it shifts the focus from following familiar routines to asking whether those routines actually help students learn. I especially liked the distinction between what is economically efficient and what is efficient for learning. Still, changing established practices can bring its own challenges, particularly when teachers and parents need to understand why a different approach works. I’d be curious to see some concrete examples of these “hacked” schedules or assessments and how student outcomes compare with traditional methods.

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