JIS Studio
JIS aims to meet the needs of our students in a variety of ways. In August 2020, we launched an additional pathway rooted in our core values to Be Best for the World with a different model for scheduling, teaching, and learning. This pathway is JIS Studio.
JIS Studio is rooted in the understanding that meaningful relationships lead to deeper learning. Cohorts take pride in supporting and challenging each other in the pursuit of their goals.
JIS Studio is rooted in the belief that students are eager and able to positively impact their world right now. This is why Studio learning experiences are designed with a purpose for students to go between and beyond the walls of the school to make an authentic impact on their community.
JIS Studio is rooted in the belief that “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”*. Students are given the tools, time, space, and support to think critically about who they are and what they value.
JIS Studio is rooted in the understanding that humans are born hardwired to learn. That when we trust students, they will become drivers of their learning. Students are provided support to grow their autonomy to structure elements of their day, allowing students to feel empowered to lead their learning journey.
JIS Studio is rooted in the understanding that feedback is necessary for growth and excellence. Learners seek continuous improvement through multiple iterations and attempts, and we recognize how much we can learn from our mistakes as we create a culture of learning and curiosity.
What is JIS Studio?
Same learning strands, same report cards, reached in a different way.
Students in JIS Studio will be assessed on the same learning strands as all other students in Middle School. Through a condensed schedule of English, Social Studies, Math, Science, and one ‘Elective’ block, JIS Studio reimagines how time is used in the MS school day.
Cohort projects that integrate content areas in meaningful ways.
Similar to businesses or other team-based organizations, Studio cohorts work together to tackle problems that are complex and authentic. Our clients may be Jakarta-based startups, NGOs, or even segments of our own community. The problems we solve matter to those who need them solved, and we use knowledge and skills from all content areas to achieve this.
Personalized learning through upskilling on a Just-in-Time basis.
We believe that students have the ability to impact their world - not only in the future - but also right now. When students know that the knowledge and skills they study in the morning will be applied to a real problem we are solving that afternoon, they are better able to connect the dots, they are more engaged, and they crave more.
What We Believe
The world needs designers!
What is a designer? It is someone who thinks about solving problems in smart and easy to understand ways. Students will assume a design thinking mindset as members of a team where they will capitalize on individual strengths in pursuit of success around a shared goal. These projects may have students collaborate with local businesses, NGO’s and community organizations. JIS Studio students explore their interests and learn about those of others. Studio provides the time, space to focus on discovering as well as developing personal passions.
Reflection and research are important
Reflection is a skill that needs to be deliberately taught and practiced. This is why we give it the time and attention that it deserves. JIS Studio focuses on critical research. Through deep and thoughtful questioning, we learn to curate sources and evaluate truth. We regularly partner with experts “in the field” to enrich and enhance our collective knowledge and gain perspectives.
Students should discuss and publish their work
JIS Studio uses discussion as a means to foster an environment where teaching and learning are shared. Over time students are encouraged to take on all roles that make a successful student led discussion as participant, facilitator and observer. The publication process is important and the product of learning through a variety of media. We learn more by getting our voice out into the world where we receive diverse and authentic feedback and participate in the global conversation.
JIS Studio Projects
JIS Studio projects are designed for students to tackle authentic problems that live beyond the classroom walls. Some projects will require students to work with a client, while others will ask students to use the design thinking process to create sustainable solutions that improve the lives of those around us.
Would you recommend JIS Studio to a friend?
Vivian
I think it is a great opportunity to just get out there and try it. Studio helped me a lot as it is easier to see my learning. It gave me a chance to be a part of a small community and it's a lot of fun.
Vivian, Grade 8 2023 Cohort
Kirana Ratomo
Yes definitely. JIS Studio is probably the best program I have ever signed up for. It really encourages you to pursue your passions and show your character during class. I also learned much more about myself.
Kirana, Grade 7 2020 Cohort
Anna Sennelius
Yes I would because JIS Studio is a class where people can come to strengthen their skills and to challenge themselves with their choice of learning. I feel like JIS Studio lets students be more independent and it allows students to learn what they want during their autonomous times. I would also recommend it because JIS Studio is a lot of fun!
Anna, Grade 7 2020 Cohort
Sabine Mear
I already have because JIS Studio has been a life saver for me, it's been helping me deal with the stress of other classes, what I mean is compared to my other classes, studio is a lot more personal and fun.
Sabine, Grade 7 2020 Cohort
Finneas Choo
“I definitely would. Besides being a totally unique and effective style of teaching, the community that has been built is just amazing. I think the autonomy is a very important part of JIS Studio but all the group projects really helped me grow my social skills.
Finneas, Grade 7 2020 Cohort
Founded on Educational Research
JIS Studio is based on the research-backed approach of strengths and interest-based, experiential learning. We know that “learning endures when students are emotionally, psychologically, and intellectually engaged and when they feel safe, seen, and supported. Students who build on strengths rather than focusing on deficits end up with deeper and more enduring learning.” (Lopez and Louis).
Inspired by Audacious Educators
JIS Studio wants to thank all of the audacious educators for inspiring us and offering feedback to help us throughout our journey in building this program.