It is clear that all teaching and parenting models that we all know and applied with us are changing. Children evolve over the years and the tools and the worldview is much broader than the ones we had At the same age.
That is why initiatives such as that of the Jesuit colleges of Catalonia arise, where subjects, exams and schedules have been removed and they are using a new idea of pedagogy that, surprisingly, is making children want to go to school with desire ... Even when they are sick!
To implement it, the typical classrooms with desks have been changed to open and integrated spaces that facilitate practical learning and teamwork. They have gone from having classes of 30 children with a teacher to 60 children classes with three teachers.
In these It works around the practical application of the theory. If you are going to study a civilization, all the tools that are needed for it are included, such as language, mathematics, geography and history. Relating the theory to the world around them makes them assimilate things in an easier way and things are not limited to memorizing concepts.
This idea of education has not arisen on a whim, but from an in-depth observation of the students' behavior: high absenteeism, tiredness and boredom. Afterwards, a work was carried out between teachers and parents, which resulted in this new model.
Space, a key point for learning
One of the most important aspects of this change is that of spaces because it is the first thing that overturns the usual concept of classroom. There is a lot of light, there are sofas, colors, a lot of technology… in short a space that invites you to develop creativity and with the freedom children need for it.
What is the work of teachers?
Basically guide students through the curriculum they must complete at the end of the year. Although classes don't develop the way we all know them, they do projects are carried out that integrate the knowledge that a student who attends a traditional school must have.
The fundamental idea is that, although the form is different, the intellectual background remains (although in theory in a much more optimal way for the child). Thinking and reflecting in addition to being a means, it also becomes a goal, as children become more critical. That is why the day begins with 20 minutes to think about the objectives to be met in the day and ends with another 20 in which it is deduced whether they were achieved or not.
And what about the notes?
Although the model is different, notes are obtained. These are obtained depending on the competences and achievements of each student, and through a procedure it translates into a note comparable to the traditional system.
Does this system have something in common with the Finns?
When I read about this initiative, I immediately thought of the Finnish model, which I set as an example because It is number one in education in Europe according to the Pisa report (and in which, by the way, Spain is very badly stopped). Although the idea is not the same, since they do follow a list of subjects as such, they do put a lot of emphasis on the practical part of the classes and how it integrates with real life.
One of the things that attracts the most attention is that during the first years of teaching most hours are dedicated to recreational activities and the other is that the curriculum is totally aimed at finding the vocation of each student ... in conclusion an education that gives them tools to stimulate creativity and also to face reality.
It seems to me personally a great idea, although of course, teacher qualification must be excellent to achieve the objectives sought with this methodology. I believe that traditional education systems have become outdated and that little work is really done to make a really effective proposal for the times.
What do you think ?. Would you enroll your children in a school that followed this methodology?
