The mission is to establish a continuous learning environment of mutual respect and trust in school-related communities by teaching problem-solving processes and utilizing teamwork which improve all students’ ability to learn current curriculum and prepare for real life choices.
(See QUEST in the School Framework).
What does QUEST mean?
QUEST is an acronym for Quest for Useful Employment Skills for Tomorrow.
QUEST is a set of teaching techniques and classroom tools that assist teachers to implement team-building and problem-solving skills that are essential for students to learn in order to be effective in the workplaces of today and the future. The QUEST tools are based on principles used in the Toyota Company worldwide in their Quality Circle Program. These techniques empower administrators and staff to work together to improve programs and processes as well as develop a continuous improvement culture.
How does QUEST work?
The QUEST process consists of teaching teachers to teach students problem solving through the development of teamwork competencies and to learn current curriculum in all different subject areas. We provide a safe environment (parameters/rules) and a process for engaging students in conducting their groups using problem solving techniques (PDCA: Plan Do Check Act) (Active Participation). QUEST consultants, teachers and school administrators in several areas of team building skills answer two key questions: How can we engage our students? How can we teach what they are supposed to learn and ensure that they retain the knowledge and be interested or engaged at the same time? In effect, these problem solving competencies initiate and sustain a project-based learning culture of continuous improvement.
A critical part of the culture of continuous improvement is on going assessment of the process. Frequently in education, the tendency is to react to test results rather than to measure the process(es) of instruction as they are being applied. Continuous improvement culture requires daily assessment.
The problem solving process encourages students to think critically and differently about why they are learning various concepts in the classroom. It promotes student responsibility for asking questions about the reasons they are learning; for example: What is the purpose? What are my assumptions? What are the key concepts? It teaches the student to analyze and evaluate, rather than simply memorizing content and moving on.
What are the key topics within the CQPO QUEST training sessions?
Teachers and administrators learn how to engage the following items:
-Work together as a team utilizing roles and assigning responsibilities
-Learn about meeting facilitation: agendas, timelines, and outcomes
-Problem solve using the 4-step PDCA process
-Identify a problem and determine the root cause
-Determine countermeasures to solve the problem
-Implement a plan of action
-Evaluate the effectiveness of their plan and make changes as needed
A communication plan is used in the training that allows all involved to understand and share the process (see the example A3 Form).
How does QUEST build job readiness competencies?
Since manufacturing frequently plays a significant role in the economic development of many communities, finding qualified applicants with the appropriate job competencies is a key to success.
The Center is piloting a Manufacturing Academy to educate and develop job skills needed in the workplace. The pilot program consists of a 5 day program featuring the following topics:
Day 1: Understanding Human Relations and Teamwork needed on the job
Day 2: Understanding and Implementing Problem Solving Processes
Day 3: Demonstrating and Applying Quality and Safety Procedures on the job
Day 4: Implementing an Assembly Line Process by building electric- powered model vehicles while utilizing continuous improvement techniques.
Day 5: Final Assessment based on writing and demonstration of team capabilities through interactive exercises.
This program is being piloted both with high school students and adult workers in cooperation with local schools, community colleges, and manufacturing interests.
Upon certification, students will be directed toward goals in continuing education at the secondary level and/or to direct employment.
What are the uses of QUEST for Administrative Purposes?
Problem solving can focus on key areas of educational administrative practice, such as:
-Building a budget
-Writing consistent policies
-Coordinating transportation
-Monitoring athletics
-Maintaining discipline
-Designing spiraling curriculum
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