Students who attended the Creative Learning Lab for at-risk students directed by Phyllis Zielke, the fourth grade teacher at West Elementary School in Goodland, said such things as: "This is nothing like real school!" and "I am learning so much!" Mrs. Zielke designed the lab as a summer program to "give students a jump-start." A hands-on curriculum and an approach embracing the needs of all students were critical in helping at-risk students build their self-esteem and their scholastic abilities. In her classroom, Mrs. Zielke uses techniques based on cooperative learning, peer-tutoring and learning styles that address "right and left brain activities." She also promotes technoliteracy, and says, "I want to accept the challenge of leading my students into the 21st Century." She would also like to help children know what they believe and to believe in themselves.
1965 Fort Hays State University, B.A.
