The idea
is simple, what if you took a bunch of children with varying strengths and weaknesses
and placed them all into one class. There would be no set curriculum or subject
in this class, but rather a mass of thoughts and ideas that challenge or
support, combine or separate. Each kid contributes in his own way, adding what
he wants to make the class better for all involved. This environment would
allow for individual interests to be taught and shared to those who may not
know anything of the subject. The class would essentially be one giant
conversation on every topic under the sun. As the class moved on everything
from math to philosophy would somehow be covered informally but productively. Hopefully
kids would be forced from their comfort zone and encounter ideas that challenge
their core beliefs. They would be able to learn about the opposing sides and
learn how to defend their ideas or allow them to be swayed to a side they never
thought they would take.
A
teacher may be present but not to teach or facilitate discussion. They would essentially
be just another student and encounter the same environment that the students
find themselves in. the only difference between the students and the teachers
would be a single responsibility, to prevent a repeat of Lord of the Fly’s, or
let it happen under supervision, which ever he/she would think would be more beneficial
for the class. The classroom would be a member as well, being modified by the
students to fit with the times. For example say you don’t like desks throw your
desk away and bring a sitting apparatus that pleases you. Don’t like the corny inspirational
posters hanging on the walls replace them with a poster of your favorite band
or bring in a can of spray paint or other color making device and make your own
wall art. As the year went on the room would go on constantly changing to
provide the optimal learning environment custom made for its inhabitants.
Would
this work? Who knows but it would a hell of a thing to try.
I really like your idea of having kids teach other kids. It would be beneficial for kids to learn something the way they want to and not have everything controlled by teachers. I also think that if the classroom was decorated by the kids, they would feel more comfortable in school.
ReplyDeleteI think this is one of my favorite posts that I have read! I really think that this way of teaching would allow kids to enjoy school more and possibly get more out of it! If I were in a class like this I feel like I would be much more willing to learn! Since I want to be a teacher eventually this post really got me thinking about how this would work in a classroom! Maybe I'll try it some day.
ReplyDeleteI feel a change like this would have a surprising impact on our society, we would grow up to think in a completely different way. This could change everything from the way we solve everyday problems, to major issues facing the nation. I'm interested to know what would happen if we tried this.
ReplyDeleteThis idea that you are presenting is very interesting and may be practical, but I don't think it would be the most efficient way of exchanging knowledge because children are still learning and I believe they lack the physical life experience to pass on other knowledge.They may have knowledge, but that is not the same thing as wisdom. Knowledge can be anything that anyone passes on to others, but the importance of that knowledge depends whether or not the individual preaching the knowledge knows what he/she is talking about. Because, the knowledge is only useful if it can be applied, however as I said before I believe kids lack that physical experience that mainly comprises the application part of knowledge. However, all in all it does sound like an interesting idea.
ReplyDelete