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Approach / Philosophy

The Dalton Learning Lab operates on a student-centered model in which children gain valuable knowledge and useful skills by creatively solving complex, real-world problems.

 

Essential components of our philosophy:

  • Divergent thinking

  • Project-based learning

  • Digital fluency

  • Design thinking

  • Collaboration & teamwork

  • Interdisciplinary education

Global Digital Citizenship

We supplement student learning with important 21st Century skills that are not currently emphasized in Hong Kong’s schools.​

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Our world is increasingly shaped by technology and artificial intelligence, presenting significant economic challenges and opportunities for the society and workforce of the near future. 

 

Many of the skills and roles that we consider important today are being rendered obsolete by the rapid pace of technological progress in areas like robotics and Artificial Intelligence (A.I.).

 

The aim of the Dalton Learning Lab is to supplement student education with important 21st Century skills that are not widely taught or emphasized in Hong Kong. These skills will remain useful as A.I. and robotics increasingly come to dominate society in the near future.

Divergent Thinking

Divergent thinking uses creativity to generate many possible solutions to any problem, instead of one “right” solution. Many successful innovators tend to be divergent thinkers. Unfortunately divergent thinking is not emphasized in Hong Kong schools.

 

The standard education curriculum focuses on convergent thinking: the ability to provide a single “right” solution to a common problem using a sequence of logical steps that is often predetermined. Standardized testing and book learning are strongly biased toward convergent thinking, as they emphasize the accepted “right way” to do something.

 

By contrast, divergent thinking leverages creativity to generate many possible solutions to any problem, no matter how exotic or unexpected. It is a highly creative, fun and non-linear thought process that generates multiple solutions and encourages students to make new connections within a subject - or even between different subjects - leading to new discoveries and deeper understanding.

 

The ideas and information obtained through divergent thought processes are subsequently tested, structured and organized by the application of convergent thinking (e.g., a brainstorming session followed by the analytical application of a chosen solution).

 

The education system primarily emphasizes convergent thinking, depriving students of the opportunity to develop powerful cognitive advantages like creativity, non-conformity, risk tolerance, persistence, and curiosity (traits possessed by most successful innovators, entrepreneurs and industry disruptors).

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The Dalton Learning Lab guides students to develop and exercise their divergent thinking abilities through a range of fun and activity-filled courses that feature hands-on, project-based learning taught by technology professionals and subject experts.

Beyond Digital Literacy

Digital fluency is a combination of digital proficiency, digital literacy, and various knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a technological environment.

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Technology is changing the world. Robots, new communication technologies, and artificial intelligence (A.I.) are altering entire societies and economies. Basic digital proficiency was once a helpful advantage, but today it has become a basic requirement - just like the ability to read and write. 

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The Dalton Learning Lab emphasizes digital fluency, which is a combination of digital proficiency, digital literacy, and various knowledge and skills necessary to operate successfully, safely and autonomously in a technological environment.

Preparing Students for the Technology-Driven Future

Learning that is project-based, collaborative, inter-disciplinary and divergent.

 

All courses at the Dalton Learning Lab are project-based, collaborative and interdisciplinary. For example, students in our Coding courses design, write and debug their own computer programs; in addition they also learn about logic, problem solving, creativity, communication skills, working with others, storytelling, and more.

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We teach students real-world knowledge and skills and place them in a constructivist environment where they solve problems creatively and collaboratively, learning and practicing abilities that have broad, life-long application and value.

Real Professionals &

Experienced Educators

Every course is taught by a professional and expert in his or her field, supported by an experienced teacher and mentor.

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All our Course Instructors are all accomplished professionals currently active in their fields. We believe this approach helps to communicate a passion for each subject while delivering digital skills and knowledge that are always current and uptodate.

 

Our Educational Leadership team guides the development of the curriculum for each course. These in-house experts in education management and pedagogy are trained in Stanford University’s design thinking philosophy, a methodology for creative problem solving.

 

This marriage of technologists and educators allows the Dalton Learning Lab to offer hands-on courses that address real world needs, and provide students with preparation for the rapidly changing work opportunities of the near future.

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