There are some striking similarities between the way I teach my students and the agenda behind democratizing education. When children are given the right to dictate their own learning they are more likely to enjoy their time learning.
We need to make education relevant for children and make them understand why they are learning, but the only way to do this is to cater to their needs as young individuals by giving them appropriate guidance and mentorship.
Interesting things can happen in a classroom when children are inspired and curious about what they are learning; when they feel compelled to speak and not watch the clock. I have tried these techniques during my own lessons and have seen the benefits of such an approach.
There are various struggles that may surround academia – early mornings, parent’s meetings, and the dreaded exams. It can get increasingly tiring – ceaseless amounts of classwork, homework and marking. Students have complained about the drudgery of completing homework – it becomes a plague to their social lives. However, education does not necessarily have to be approached in such a way; it should not be inhibiting children. For this reason, we need some changes in the classroom. By letting children relax more they will begin to be naturally inclined to do what they need to help themselves. If they are self-aware then they will be more confident in themselves. If school can help them grow in this way then they will have a more philanthropic outlook on life outside their work. To make this work here are a few tips that teachers could implement:
To make this work here are a few tips that teachers could implement:
- Talking about topical issues in class – how political parties could potentially impact their future
- Talking about issues surrounding education like truancy, timetables and detentions
- Letting children dictate what they want to learn and facilitate the structure of lessons
- Get rid of some of the formality – address them more directly to build a connection and mutual respect/trust.
School should be where these children’s voices are heard; where they learn to be active members of society by partaking in issues directly related to them. If they can’t exercise their voice in class then they will not do it outside. Having a voice means you feel more valued as a member of society. To deal with the real world you need to show these children how much they will be challenged by it – they need to realise why they even come to school. Start by having open discussions about children’s rights or why they should clean up after themselves.
Start by having open discussions about children’s rights or why they should clean up after themselves. Instil a sense of community solidarity and you will see how they flourish. Making education more relevant has never been more important than now – in an age which is increasingly individualistic and isolating we need to listen to children’s needs. If we nurture and invest in them they will combat any economic or social problem they face.
By Umra H, Private Tutor in London