One thing I noticed in schools from Bogotá to Cartago is students have so much autonomy! Each school we visited had time within the schedule for students to have an extended break. During this time students could be found playing, running, grabbing a snack at the school canteen, working in small groups and just hanging out being kids. There was something different about his recess time...teacher presence was minimal. I mention this not to be critical, but in admiration. In Colombia, students are taught and graded on social skills and character. It would seem that students are trusted to do the right thing. Perhaps this freedom of moment and absence of constant teacher supervision gives students the opportunity to solve their own problems and to take care of each other. This level of independence was also observed at Gabo. During an afternoon of classroom observations we noticed students in the large courtyard area. They were working in small groups with no teacher in sight. When I asked why the students were not in class I discovered they were working outside due to the heat. I walked over to a group of giggly girls to ask what they were working on. To my surprise, they were actually working. They were focused on a biodiversity group project. Not a single cell phone was out!
Obviously, student safety is top priority in any school. I just wonder if we are over-supervising our kids. Are we not allowing our kids the freedom to be trusted to do the right thing? Are we giving our students the opportunity to resolve conflict? Are we doing enough to encourage our students to take care of each other?
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AuthorI am a professional educator, lifelong learner, and global citizen with a passion for travel! Archives
September 2018
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