You might think that, when it comes to designing an aircraft, stability should be the main priority. However, when, in 1904, the Wright Brothers set about designing their first powered aircraft, they decided that it was essential to design-in instability - otherwise it would be impossible for the pilot to exert control over the aircraft - to direct its flight path.
On 23rd June, ETF hosted a webinar where teachers and students from 6 Serbian schools described their experiences of 'taking back control' of teaching and learning as part of a project to develop, research and disseminated innovation in vocational teaching and learning.
It was clear from the schools' presentations, that teachers and students had been stimulated by the opportunity to experiment in various ways. Several of the projects had chosen to work closely with business partners to give learners direct access to real tasks or problems in the world of work. Other projects brought together different kinds of knowledge and skills to create products or services for real clients, for example, a solar-powered smart bench for recharging smart phones or web design services.
Teachers enjoyed the opportunity to reshape their programmes and try out new pedagogies and new tools. Students were motivated by undertaking real tasks which made sense to them and delivered immediate benefits or solved real problems.
Of course, there were some challenges, not everyone loves group work and new approaches can be risky and demanding of time. On the other hand, most agreed that they enjoyed teaching and learning in groups, that collaboration had enabled them to put ideas into practice that, otherwise, might never have taken off!
So it looks like the Wright brothers were right...that innovation goes hand in hand with autonomy. If we are ready to give teachers and schools some space, time and resources to experiment and if we place some trust in their skills to make good use of that freedom - then they will be some that are will seize the chance to fly!
To hear the presentations:
In English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWJf4Pp61vs
In Serbian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRCtRJFIXY8
To download resources and materials: https://openspace.etf.europa.eu/pages/partnership-innovation-teaching-a…
To view projects in English and Serbian: https://www.inovacijeuobrazovanju.rs/en/about-us/
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