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Exhibition:

The Effect on Student Experience

Building Self-Efficacy Through Authentic Presentations

Kevin Gray

Da Vinci Connect High School

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kgray@davincischools.org

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Kevin Gray

Da Vinci Connect High School

  • Single Subject Credential in Life Sciences (CSU Long Beach)
  • CTE Credential: Business & Finance, Marketing/Sales/Service

Subjects Taught: Biology, Anatomy/Physiology Success Habits, CTE Entrepreneurship

  • 7 Years Experience at Da Vinci Schools
  • Previous Experience with DV Extension (College Extension/Bridge Program)
  • Founding Teacher at DV Connect High School

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Da Vinci Connect Model

Da Vinci Schools

Early College Access

Hybrid Learning 2 synchronous days

3 asynchronous days

Real World Learning

CTE Pathways

Industry Partners

Habits of Heart and Mind (SEL)

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Project-Based Learning

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21st Century Skills

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Identify words or phrases that come to mind when you hear “EXHIBITION”

Use this QR Code

Polls Everywhere - “Exhibition” - OR Use this link

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  • "We are dealing with humans first, all who have unique experiences and perspectives." (Allow our students to tell their stories)
  • Exhibition is about students sharing their interests, goals, and passions through the scope of their academics and exploration.
  • When students invest time and care, their work becomes personal and more meaningful.

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Framing the Conversation…

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What is Exhibition?

Exhibition events are a signature practice of our Da Vinci schools where the community comes together to witness and celebrate the growth and learning of our students in our project-based learning environment. Exhibitions are an important component of project-based learning and assessment and provide a comprehensive view of each student’s knowledge and mastery of the curriculum (Da Vinci School, 2022)

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“I’m talking about authentic work with audiences that go beyond the teacher, in a setting where kids have the scaffolding and encouragement to improve; a lot of time for multiple drafts and plenty of expert critique, like in the real world. It sounds revolutionary when you talk about it in school, until you think about what anyone does in their job

  • - RON BERGER on “Beautiful Work”

RESOURCE LINK: Edutopia “The Power of Beautiful Work” - Ron Berger

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Project Based Learning In Da Vinci Schools

“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, and make their work public.”

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PBL Handbook, p. 9

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Slide Credit: T.Hannouche, M.Rainey, M.Martin (Da Vinci Schools)

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Why does Da Vinci Schools embrace PBL?

  • Universal support across all MTSS domains (academic, SEL, engagement)
  • Equity at the forefront (engaging and authentic learning not reserved for high achievers)
  • A commitment to real world, authentic learning in all classrooms (students need the “Why”)
  • Empowering educators as instructional designers

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Slide Credit: T.Hannouche, M.Rainey, M.Martin (Da Vinci Schools)

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Slide Credit: T.Hannouche, M.Rainey, M.Martin (Da Vinci Schools)

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Why Exhibition Matters?

Exhibitions help students build (but are not limited to):

  1. Real-World Skills (Public Speaking, Collaboration)
  2. Academic Endurance (Long-Term Thinking, Feedback Integration)
  3. Career & Life Readiness (Informed Decision-Making)
  4. Autonomy (Students have varied choices of medium or deliverables through self-exploration)
  5. Self-Efficacy (Confidence through experience)
  6. Leaving a lasting impact or legacy piece.

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Think back to some of your most memorable projects you had to complete (as a student)...

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…what do you remember most about it?

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The Hybrid Model & Exhibition

  • Hybrid Model
  • 2 Synchronous Days
  • 3 Asynchronous Days
  • The Challenge
  • How do we ensure deep learning when face-to-face time is limited?
  • Exhibition allows students to work independently while still creating for an authentic audience and outcomes.
  • This applies to the flipped classroom model or block schedule settings.

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Ikigai

GROWTH THROUGH

FINDING YOUR “PURPOSE”

At Da Vinci Connect HS, we adopted an Exhibition creation process around the concept of finding your purpose by identifying (and eliminating) interests, skills, passions, and career through experiences (content, SEL, extracurricular, etc).

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Exhibition Creation

Program Lens

What are the core tenets and objectives of your school or program?

Teacher/Content Lens

What projects can be highlighted that demonstrate student growth? What does collaboration look like with other teachers?

Student Lens

What skills and content do you want students to develop during this process?

Goal: Exhibitions and projects should be engaging for students AND the audience.

Intentional Professional Development and planning sessions for teachers/admin to work together.

ASK the students what they want - guide them to give critical feedback.

When a public audience attends, what are the shining parts of your program you would like to see highlighted?

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Find space for students to celebrate themselves and share their accomplishments

Implement in Curriculum

Celebrate Through Exhibition

Recognize & Honor Identity

LISTEN TO and SEE your students first - what information do you know or need to know about them to even give opportunity to share about themselves?

  • “Colorblindness” vs. Honoring Differences

Give opportunities for students to share and pathways for them to celebrate their identity and skills.

  • Voice and Choice
  • Emphasizing gaining perspective and empathy
  • Strong classroom relationships

Allow students platforms to not only exhibit their work, but showcase, defend, and celebrate the accomplishments of the work they do.

  • Makes small moments feel BIG

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Exhibitions can be Checkpoints, Not Just Final Products

  • Exhibitions don’t have to be “finished.”
  • Students can showcase work-in-progress, reflect, and share future plans.
  • It’s easier to defend unique, authentic work because it means something.

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The Brain is Not a Computer…

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  • The brain is not a machine; it’s a network of learning synapses.
  • Authentic projects + high engagement = stronger memory & skill retention.
  • Exhibition reinforces the joy of learning & pride in hard work, which is the most human experience!

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Modern (AI) Planning Resources

Slide Credit: T.Hannouche, M.Rainey, M.Martin (Da Vinci Schools)

Based on the principles of Project Based Learning (PBL), create a full project plan.

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Collaborate with A.I. to design an engaging learning experience within minutes using Inkwire Kaleidoscope.

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Helps PBL planning by generating ideas, creating lesson plans, suggesting resources, etc.

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Design Gold Standard PBL that emphasizes project-based learning's core elements.

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Student Panel

Liya Nartey (11)

Karina Seo (11)

Tamia Laux (11)

What was your exhibition project, and how did it challenge you?”

“What real-world skills did you develop that you now use elsewhere?”

“What advice would you give to schools trying to implement exhibitions?”

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SHARE Ideas

Use your table groups or find a small group of 3-4 people

  • Chat with your peers about your experiences with Exhibition or similar events. What does your organization do to provide authentic public audiences for your students? What would you LIKE to do if given no barriers?
    • Success stories
    • Struggles
    • Ideas

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DREAM BIG!

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Thank you!

EMAIL

kgray@davincischools.org

Da Vinci Connect High School

505 Continental Blvd.

El Segundo, CA 90245

Link to Presentation and Resources

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Milissa Sutton

Graduate of Da Vinci Connect

Class of 2024

Now attending UC Berkeley

Ian Griffin

Graduate of Da Vinci Connect

Class of 2023

Now attending Arizona State University

The Student Experience

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PROJECT EXAMPLES

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Spring Semester

Flipped Job Fair

  • Students will be set up at stations with their dream board/resume with QR code direct to their digital resumes.
  • Students will also be stationed with a professional portfolio ready for visitors to view.
  • Parents will be given interview questions and conversation starters as they enter the event to encourage participation. Feedback surveys will be requested from participants.
  • 10 Graders = Podcast listening gallery with QR codes

Fall Semester

Skill Demonstration

  • Students will develop a presentation based on a skill they would like to showcase. The skills can be of personal interest and should include a 5 minute demo that encourages audience to learn and participate.
  • Students should be able to discuss the HoHM and/or soft skills required to be an “expert” of their skill.

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Spring Semester (Gallery + Portfolio + Industry Panel)

(Parent Volunteers, Business/Community Partners)

  • Students will have resumes with QR codes posted in the facility.
  • Students will be able to provide a portfolio of accumulated work. (Current classes + any previous relevant projects)
  • Students will participate in a panel discussion with career specific interests and professionals.
  • Professional Partners and volunteers will be asked to prepare questions and conversation starters for a professional panel experience.

Fall Semester

(Speak Your Truth) Social Dilemma and Ethical Solutions

  • Students will identify a social issue that means something to them and conduct research.
  • Students will present the research that includes data and describe their connection to the issue.
  • Students will then attempt to create and present ethical solutions to these issues by virtue of research and development.

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Da Vinci Exit Interview/Showcase

(Parent Volunteers, Business/Community Partners)

  • Students will conduct research on possible career pathways they are interested in pursuing and create a living portfolio based on their work completed during their tenure at DV.
  • Creativity is a main component of this exploration, as students must attempt to create their exhibit/presentation/living resume in the most appropriate format of their chosen pathway.
  • Students will be able to discuss their hopeful next steps beyond DV and how their experience will support continued growth.

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Connect High Survival Guide

Celebrates individual student needs and stories.

Each student has a story and perspective to include giving this project the ability to reach many future students as they join our program.

Voice and Choice

Each class designed their own deliverables and outcomes:

  • Documentary, Book/Text, Art Gallery, and Interactive Website

Authentic Audience and Showcase

Exhibition night will be full of premiers, signings, and showcase of work to the DV community, but most importantly their work will be legacies for incoming classes.

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Projects require audience participation

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Political Conventions

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Skateboard auction

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Recycled Material Fashion Show

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Corn Hole games

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Projects with Interactive components

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Zine projects

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Immigrant Journey

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Carnival Games

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Market Booths

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Selfie Station

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Engaging Education Station

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Cultural Food Trucks

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Storytelling Art

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Projects that encourage the audience to ask questions

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Class-wide exhibit

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Market Booths

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Story through multiple lenses

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Spoken Word Cafe

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Projects that take the audience through a journey

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Retelling of a story

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Dia De Los Muertos Experience

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Scavenger Hunt