From Classroom to Basecamp: A Practical Model for Student-Led Inquiry
Michael Hoskins
What if our classrooms were not just places of instruction, but vibrant “Basecamps” for exploration, connection, and student-led discovery? This session introduces the “Basecamp Model,” a powerful case study from DSHK on how to transform any learning space into a launchpad for community and impact.
We will share the practical journey of co-designing a classroom with students to foster a deep sense of Belonging and Inclusion. We’ll then explore how this single space became a catalyst for environmental Stewardship, empowering students to lead an inquiry to turn a simple balcony into a thriving habitat.
This session moves beyond theory to provide a replicable blueprint. Attendees will leave with a new perspective on innovative Pedagogy and the tools to begin fostering student agency in their own schools, proving that the biggest impacts often start with a single, well-supported expedition.
About Michael
Michael is a passionate advocate for learning that extends beyond the classroom walls. As the architect of a new, whole-school outdoor education program at DSHK, his work is at the intersection of innovative pedagogy and hands-on stewardship. He is currently leading the “Basecamp” project, a transformative initiative where students co-design their classroom to become a launchpad for real-world inquiry and community building. This model champions belonging and inclusion by empowering students as agents of their own learning environment, from designing the space to leading their own ecological projects. Michael believes in scaffolding experiences that manage risk appropriately, building student confidence from the classroom to the world beyond.
