In most classes, students’ opportunities to think outside of the box can be limited, but in classes like Mr. Paul Werner’s computer and technology classes, students have the opportunity to create projects resembling something out of sci-fi novels.  

Students are using their knowledge of technology and computer science to make projects that range from a secret computer screen to a remote control skateboard.  These projects are possible thanks to the changing dynamic of how classes are run at RHS.

Over the years, the school district has implemented changes that have affected the structure of the elective classes offered at RHS.  These classes allow students to have more creative freedom when deciding the topics they wish to learn about and allow them to gain real world knowledge about possible careers in the fields of business, information technology and more.  

However, the unfamiliar dynamics of classes and that allow students to choose their own curriculum can pose challenges.  Student’s learning can suffer as a result.

“If I have to do [a project] on my own, I get confused and stressed about making it, “ Mitra Katsuyoshi, a sophomore, said, “I kind of like having a teacher sets the the curriculum for me, because then I know what I’m doing and I have a structure of what to do.”

Mitra isn’t the only student who feels that having creative control and freedom to choose her own assignments can be daunting.  

“Most of it depends on how good your teacher is,” Madi Breedlove said.  “Sometimes teachers don’t give you good instructions, so I’m nervous if I’m doing it right or not.  I know that it is less creative, but I’m just not a creative person.  I like classes that are teacher-led.”

Miscommunication between students and teachers make it difficult for students to fully understand what the goal of their project is.  As a result, productivity can suffer when students don’t know what is expected of them.  

“I kind of like a laid out curriculum, because it gives me a goal, so I know what I need to do to get a good grade,”  Alyssa Laird said.

Student-led classes offer many opportunities for students to better their understanding of certain topics, unlike in many core classes, where the wide range of students’ learning paces make it difficult to pay attention.

“I prefer creating my own curriculum just because [I like] learning what I want at the pace I want to,” sophomore Colby Frey said. “Not like math, where it either goes too fast or too slow, to the point that you are bored to death.”

“I think you learn the most in student-led classes, just because you can go off your knowledge, but the teacher can help you figure out where you are going with it,” Mitra said.

When teachers are able to pick the curriculum, they are more qualified to help students on their projects because they already know what the topic is, making it easier for the teacher to help, without having to do research on it.

“Teachers can help you a lot if they pick it out because they know what’s going on, but if you pick certain ideas they can still definitely help you out,” Colby said.

Students like being able to pick their own projects because of the freedom it gives them.  Students are more motivated to learn about the topics that interest them.

“[I like classes] that you run by yourself and make your own curriculum, because you will be more motivated to learn it,” says sophomore Colby Frey.

Being able to choose your own project also allows the student to be more creative in their research and in the overall project idea.

“You learn better when you pick your own thing because you get to be more creative.”  says sophomore Alyssa Laird.

At RHS, classes are changing as more and more new and interesting electives are added, allowing students to gain the tools necessary to becoming independent thinkers and life-long students.