ABSTRACT
Enrichment clusters allow groups of students who share a common interest to come together each week during specially designated time blocks to produce a product, performance, or targeted service based on that common interest. Enrichment clusters usually last for 8-12 weeks. In clusters, students make use of relevant knowledge and apply thinking skills to common problems identified by the group. The Video Production Company illustrates how students learn in their quest to address an identified problem with an authentic product or service. Bill Bonfante, a middle school history teacher, had nurtured a strong interest in filmmaking and video production since his college days, when he was involved in a number of theater and video production activities. There are eight guidelines that differentiate an enrichment cluster from a traditional course, minicourse, or unit of instruction. These guidelines can serve as a checklist to evaluate whether or not a cluster is based on an inductive model of teaching and learning.
