The Private Eye Project
Encyclopedia
The Private Eye Project is a research based educational program created by Kerry Ruef in 1988. Founded in both inquiry-based learning
and active learning
approaches, it is designed to accelerate student learning by the development of critical thinking skills, creativity, literacy, and scientific literacy. Some of the main themes are "close observation", "thinking by analogy
", "hands-on investigation", "changing scale", and "theorizing". One of the main tools used in the program for enhancing close observation is a loupe
. The first three and one half years were grant-funded by the Discuren Charitable Foundation and piloted in the Seattle Public Schools
.
As of October 2010, The Private Eye Project has been used by thousands of teachers and over 3 million students. The Private Eye Project is both a curriculum and staff development program; its teacher-training component is also distributed via university school of education programs. And, it has been recognized positively by many University department directors, professors, and professional scientists, as well as numerous teachers and administrators. The methodology of The Private Eye Project is sometimes referenced in discussions of creativity and critical thinking.
Inquiry-based learning
Inquiry-based learning or inquiry-based science describes a range of philosophical, curricular and pedagogical approaches to teaching....
and active learning
Active learning
Active learning is an umbrella term that refers to several models of instruction that focus the responsibility of learning, on learners. Bonwell and Eison popularized this approach to instruction . This "buzz word" of the 1980s became their 1990s report to the Association for the Study of Higher...
approaches, it is designed to accelerate student learning by the development of critical thinking skills, creativity, literacy, and scientific literacy. Some of the main themes are "close observation", "thinking by analogy
Analogy
Analogy is a cognitive process of transferring information or meaning from a particular subject to another particular subject , and a linguistic expression corresponding to such a process...
", "hands-on investigation", "changing scale", and "theorizing". One of the main tools used in the program for enhancing close observation is a loupe
Loupe
A loupe is a simple, small magnification device used to see small details more closely. Unlike a magnifying glass, a loupe does not have an attached handle, and its focusing lens are contained in an opaque cylinder or cone. Loupes are also called hand lenses .- Optics :Three basic types of loupes...
. The first three and one half years were grant-funded by the Discuren Charitable Foundation and piloted in the Seattle Public Schools
Seattle Public Schools
Seattle Public Schools is the school district serving Seattle, Washington, USA. Its headquarters are in the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence.-List of schools:...
.
As of October 2010, The Private Eye Project has been used by thousands of teachers and over 3 million students. The Private Eye Project is both a curriculum and staff development program; its teacher-training component is also distributed via university school of education programs. And, it has been recognized positively by many University department directors, professors, and professional scientists, as well as numerous teachers and administrators. The methodology of The Private Eye Project is sometimes referenced in discussions of creativity and critical thinking.