Meaningful learning makes the
world a better place for students
and it preapares them to make
the world a better place for all
A need to transform education
UN:s education section UNESCO recently launched the report “Reimagining our futures together - a new social contract for education” and this video. UNESCO states that for education to transform the world, education itself needs to be transformed.
We agree and believe that the core of this transformation is to make learning truly meaningful to students.
Meaningful Learning is the way
Learning should feel, and be, meaningful. The most important things to make learning meaningful are:
Contributive learning
Contributive learning means students add to the world as they learn. As an example, students in the picture is campaigning for free public transport for students in their municipality, as a way to increasedequity and reduce pollution.
As human beings we experience the greatest sense of meaning and fulfillment when we’re able to contribute to people’s lives and the world. Education today is too much about practicing and pretending and too little about doing good. Contributive learning changes that and helps students understand who they are, how they fit into society and how they want to contribute.
Cooperative learning
Cooperative learning is a way of working when students learn with and from each other that encompasses elements of face-to-face interaction, positive interdependence, individual accountability, group processing, and collaborative skills. Teachers get crystal clear models of interaction that creates an active classroom atmosphere.
Cooperative learning gives students a sense of belonging and research shows that this way of working improves academic outcomes, particularly for those that struggle in school. Further, it sthreghtens socio-emotional learning and decreases bullying.
Creative expression
Learning environments need to be rich on experiences. When kids get to express themselves and when they have strong and engaging experiences together, they learn deeply and remember what they learn. For transformative learning to occur, where the learner develops as a person, rich experiences is crucial.
Modern neuroscience shows how for example playing an instrument or singing in class has a positive effect on well-being, school culture and learning.
Connection to nature
For more than 99% of human history we have lived in close interconnectedness with nature and animals. Modern research suggest that sunlight and nature itself makes us feel better and get healthier.
Learning from, in and with nature increases well-being, a sense of purpose as well as learning outcomes. Furthermore it gives a deep understanding of the principles of life that governs nature and needs to be reestablished in humanity to reach radical sustainability or even regeneration.
