Students learn in different ways. What works for one student might not work for another. So why do so many schools look the same?
Some schools are starting to think outside the box. They are using innovative ideas to help students learn. Maybe these will be the schools of the future?
The Egalia school system in Sweden is trying to remove gender stereotypes. It does not use gender-based pronouns in the school. Boys and girls are not called ‘he’ and ‘she’. Everybody is called ‘they’. They want all students to be equal. Their religion, gender, or class does not matter.
According to UNICEF, there are at least 6 million children in India that do not attend school. Lots of children from impoverished areas cannot afford to go to school. In the capital, volunteers help students who would not get an education. The volunteers are not paid for their work. They mentor students and teach them English, reading, and math.
The school has been helping children for over 10 years. It has over 300 students. The lessons take place under a bridge in the city. It is better than not going to school at all.
In Cambodia, a community built its own school named the Sra Pau Vocational School. It was a communal effort to help children get an education. Building the school was a lesson in itself. Members of the community learned about how to build from professionals.
Teachers are provided by a local NGO. The NGO is a group that does not work to make money. They work to make the world a better place.
The Green School in Indonesia has one focus. They want to be kind to the environment. The school was built using sustainable materials. It is powered by more than 100 solar panels. Students learn about how to be responsible and look after the planet.
In New York, the Brooklyn Free School does not treat students like children at all. They are free to do what they like. If they want to sleep, they can sleep. If they don't want to go to school one day, they can stay home. They make their own rules.
There is no curriculum at the school. There are no standardized tests. They are free to study whatever they like. They can collaborate with each other or work on their own.
Maybe it is time for schools to start changing. These schools show that our idea of a school might be a little old! What would your dream school look like?