DAY 10 (2304) Janneke and Geertje (Martin's problem)

the prototype of group 5

How can we help Rosenlundskolen create the new school with optimal learning for all pupils? We kept the following considerations in mind when we designed our potential solutions:

•  motivation

•  collaboration

•  acknowledging student differences

•  bridging gaps between leisure time and school

•  developing creativity

We came up with 2 basic ideas. Both of them are about reorganizing the current school structure, by reducing barriers to learning. Firstly, we would like most of the learning to take place outside the classroom. We also strive to include all the stakeholders in children's education: the community, the family, the institutions and the students, etc. Furthermore, we want to draw education from student-interest and develop student-leadership throughout the grades. In both of these ideas, we are drawing upon student collaboration across all grade-levels; students may work with other students of any age. We hope to achieve our objectives by:

1.    Integrating community resources

A great deal of learning would take place out in the community. For example, we could have a community garden, where math, science and social studies learning could be integrated. Additionally, we could pair students with the elderly to learn to read, perform arts, or share their personal history, for the educational and social benefit of both parties. We could also have unemployed practical workers come into the school to teach students practical skills or help maintain the physical environment. For example, a retired nurse could come into the class to deliver a health lesson, or a farmer could contribute/facilitate with the class garden.

2. Student-led clubs

These clubs could take place both as part of the curriculum, or in addition to it (i.e. during or before/after class). The students themselves would initiate, organize and build the clubs from the start. Teachers and administrators, as well as members of the community, would simply serve as facilitators and resource providers. For example, students may choose to create a Design Club, where they could participate in design tasks ranging from classroom design, to design problem-solving, as they choose. There could also be a Gardening Club that is integrated with the community garden. The vegetables that they grow could be used for the cooking class. Students may also choose to create a club focused on a particular interest, such as an animal, like a rabbit.

WHAT DO I LEARN?

- Working in group is really difficult. Some people are leaders, other people say nothing, we all have different interests and opinions and the main goal is to come with one solution. Today I learned how to deal with that.
- Sometimes you have to agree with the opinion to make the process go faster.