WELCOME TO MY FINAL PROJECT
Liberal Education 2580
In class we have learned how traditional formalist schools have evolved from institutions that adhere to a rigid routine and focus on the collective whole, to an inclusive and mindful learning environment.
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We have discussed many factors contributing to schooling such as forces of industrialism, liberalism and nationalism and have studied how these factors have helped shaped today's schools.
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Posed with the umbrella question: How do we best education children? I have narrowed my answer down to explore the topic of revised and flexible working environments.
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It is my belief that comfortable, workable, innovative and collaborative learning spaces are environments where students' can best thrive.
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Welcome to my blog, my final project, where I will explore the influence of transforming tradition learning spaces on students' education.
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DEFINING MY FINAL PROJECT
Concepts associated with my project are explained below as well as the motivation and rationale behind my chosen topic.
What are traditional or 'formalist' schools'?
In class we formulated a list of qualities that formalist schools historically embodied:
Adhere to a strict routine
Discipline and clear punishments
Textbook learning
Top down style of learning where the teacher is centered
Uniformity
Segregation
Typical classroom designs were dark, drafty, uncomfortable and unhealthy
Collective focus and not mindful of individuals
What are progressive schools?
Opposite of formalist schools are progressive schools which challenge traditional practices of formalist schools. They are institutions that practice and include:
Flexibility as opposed to a strict schedule
Mutual respect between teacher and student
Open minded and inclusive, practicing alternative methods of learning
Experienced based, hands on learning
Workable and comfortable environments
Embraces individuality
Rationale behind my project
This topic is significant to both educators and students, as creating an environment where students can successfully thrive in both academically and personally will ultimately influence their schooling.
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On Moodle, our first discussion question stated five reasons to reform and revise schools and my project simultaneously addresses the inquiries of student engagement, the integration of technology in classes and mental health concerns among students.
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Click the link below to learn more.
