Assignment – Refugees and Future Learning

You may have noticed my recent posts have followed a common theme- that of the plight of the Syrian refugees and in particular those who inhabit the Za’atari Camp in a remote desert area of Northern Jordan.

I have investigated various aspects of life in the camp with a focus on continuing education for the displaced children. Any hopes for the future lie with education.

As part of my assignment for EDFD459 (Learning Spaces) I have developed ideas for a suitable child-friendly learning space which will be relevant for future learning in the Za’atari camp. Future Learning Space for Children in Za’atari

Syria and the European Refugee Crisis Explained

Here is a simple educational video explaining the Syrian war and the resulting crisis that has occurred throughout the world-    click here

The Question that Inspired a Charity

What’s Outside my window? -written by Fred Medick explains what motivated him to leave his job as a school Principal to start the non-profit organisation ‘Teachers without Borders’.

With over 65 million professionally trained teachers worldwide, TWB is bridging the gap in education one teacher at a time.

View at Medium.com

Teachers without Borders

 

‘Teachers are the largest professionally trained group in the world – the key local catalysts of change and hope. Teachers Without Borders connects teachers to information and each other in order to bring about social change—worldwide’. (TWB)

TEACHERS. LEADERS. WORLDWIDE.

TWB is an international non-profit organisation launched in 2000 to bridge the gap in education worldwide and connect teachers globally  to bring about social change. TWB membership has reached over 185 countries.

Mission and vision- Connecting teachers with each other to improve the quality of education globally for all students.

TWB provides teachers with ongoing professional development and resources  which is important in maintaining a high standard of education worldwide. Connectivity of teacher development with international development results in positive change. TWB supports a number of initiatives including- girls education, peace education, child-friendly spaces, and education in emergencies.

TWB believes that developing teaching and learning helps communities flourish. How can you contribute?

www.teacherswithoutborders.org

A Vision for Refugees

As Teachers we have the power to bring about social change….

What will Future Learning Spaces Entail?

Having studied in depth the impact of various Learning Spaces on students learning in todays world, I wonder how things will be different for students of the future.

Following current research and advancements in technology I predict a move towards student-centric learning with Teachers acting as more of a facilitator of learning and students learning at their own level and pace to achieve desired learning outcomes. Technology, of course, will play a big part in future education and learning. Students will also be active participants and collaborators in the world of online  communities, seeing learning move beyond the classroom.

How do you see the future of learning?

Online Learning and Beyond

Learning about learning spaces in EDFD459 has been extremely interesting. As my first online course I’ve learnt so much more than just the subject area. Here’s a reflection of what I have taken away-

Clouds over Sidra- inspirational

Clouds over Sidra   I just watched this film again- so moving. I love this young girl’s perspective of refugee life and her dreams of returning to her homeland in the near future. Unfortunately, nobody knows when this Syrian war will end and what these refugees will be faced with if or when they are able to return. Articles I have read about the Za’atari Camp suggest it may evolve into a permanent settlement.

Based on this inspirational documentary, I’d like to research further the Syrian refugees in the Za’atari camp. As Sidra held on to her hopes and dreams for the future, I will concentrate on the child-friendly spaces initiative- incorporating the personal learning space (empowerment), the group learning space (community belonging) and eLearning (connecting the outside world and future technology). By keeping these children educated in a safe and community-based environment they have a chance at a brighter future as citizens of the world. These children are the future of post-war Syria.

Aha! Moments in understanding Learning Spaces…

What are learning spaces and where are they? An easy question to answer, or so I thought. After identifying and delving into what each of the 6 learning spaces are, how they differ and what benefits/challenges they offer, I discovered many Aha! moments.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Excursions and Incursions are valuable learning spaces outside the classroom providing engaging ways to present students with learning opportunities in context, connecting the outside world. A considerable amount of planning ensures excursions/incursions are successful. Here is a checklist of important considerations-excursion-checklist