Peer Learning Groups (PLG) at NuVu High School are groups established by the students, for the students. The goal for these weekly meet ups is to foster student agency in ways that promote autonomy over their education (what do we, as students, want to learn and teach to each other).

The NuVu team established PLGs after feedback from students, who expressed a desire to teach each other particular skills. In this inaugural trimester, students took on the challenge of creating peer led groups with gusto. With coaches appointed as facilitators when needed, the students meet once a week throughout the academic year. Students have access to all the resources and facilities available at NuVu, and membership for each group lasts a trimester—unless elected to continue further. At the end of each trimester, groups lead a community assembly with a presentation and student led workshop.

What does all of this mean? It means students came together to work on:

‍

3D Commerce: Lollipop 3D printing

This group came together to teach how to start their own 3D printing businesses or simply just how to 3d print.

Battlebots

Students are in early stages of construction of combat robots, which will eventually fight against other robots.

Dissecting Classic Literature

Students came together to read classic literature (this term was Animal Farm) and discuss the themes, lessons, and context it gives.

Mythological and Religious History

Various mythologies and religions from around the world were explored, and conversations were made on how they may be relevant in modern times.

News & Current Events

Members facilitated discussions about current events, news, or important context for what’s happening in the world around them. Students came prepared to meetings informed about at least one topic of their choosing and with a set of guiding questions that would encourage conversation.

Structured Rapid Skill Development

Broaden technical skill sets and enable work on more ambitious projects by attending student-led classes on a wide range of topics, from Fusion 360, game development, 3d printing, programing, laser cutting, cooking (caramel was crafted in the NuVu kitchen) and Blender.

‍

Overall, students shared their excitement to continue refining the PLG model, and look forward to putting their lessons learned towards the next trimester's series of groups.

‍