Someone made a comment about a new school system in the Netherlands… since I had never heard of it before, I looked it up on the internet and for those interested, here is the information about a new school in Waterrijk.
Their child vision is the base of the new school system. Their beliefs are that children are naturally inclined to want to learn, to develop. They are curious and want to explore and investigate. Often a child’s natural curiosity is put on a leash as soon as they go to school. In Waterrijk they feel the school should be a place who appeals to this natural curiosity. Children will then learn from their own free will. Practice makes perfect, by their actions a child will gain new insights. Theory comes after practice. From the need to want something, children discover they can do something and acquire knowledge.
Mr. Luc Stevens did a research about what basic needs were necessary to make sure a child can develop themselves. He narrowed the basics down to autonomy, relation and ability. A school has to consider a child’s abilities. By encouraging children, daring them to explore and discover, asking questions and let them ask questions, their abilities are enhanced. According to him, children have the ability to take responsibility for their own development. A child should have the chance to develop at their own speed. When a child is given this responsibility, their self confidence increases. Children learn from each other (and adults) and with each other. They need an environment that appreciates them for who they are. They learn from their relations with others.
Waterrijks Vision:
Learning is not subjected to time.
Children also learn outside of school. Today, children have more information sources available to them like television, internet, educational toys etc. A child determines when and how long it spends time to something. A child is autonomous, independent. The teacher can offer certain projects at given times and the child can decide whether they want to partake or not. Children have their own voice and they determine their own learning curve. Sometimes a child has more need for structure and can find it difficult to make a choice. At his point certain activities may become compulsory. Also, the children are able to determine for themselves when they need a small break.
Learning is not subjected to place.
Learning occurs inside as well as outside school. The school environment should be an integral part of the teaching method. There are many possibilities for school excursions. By confronting the children with reality, learning will have more meaning. The child determines where they want to learn in school. They choose a room to learn by themselves.
Learning is a community thing.
A child determines with whom and from whom they want to learn. Working together is stimulated. The children operate from previous set basic groups. Within these groups they can:
1. celebrate birthdays
2. share personal experiences within the trusted confinement of the group
3. talk about their experiences which may stimulate others
4. learn about the planned activities for the day so the children have a clear perspective on the possibilities
5. gaining experience as a group through gymnastics, music or other group activity
6. give a presentation
7. eat together
Because there is a lot more info to share about this new method, I would like to know if more people are interested in this subject. If so, I can spend the next few posts about this subject too.
