Are you interested in the future of education?
Throughout the years, education has undergone various transformations, with countless innovations and initiatives aimed at enhancing the learning experience for students. In a recent interview, I had the opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Gabriel Rshaid, an esteemed education innovator and the Co-founder and Director of several educational initiatives in Argentina and around the globe. Our discussion delved into how we should empower students for the digital world, and how projects like the Coded programs align with this vision.
One of the core elements of Gabriel’s educational initiatives, such as The Learnerspace and The Global School, is the implementation of formative assessment. This approach prioritizes individual progress over average performance, ensuring that students receive personalized education tailored to their unique needs. This aligns seamlessly with the philosophy behind the Coded program, which embraces an inquiry-based, hands-on, and real-life learning experience. By engaging in this program, students have the opportunity to develop crucial skills like problem-solving and critical thinking, while creating innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
During our conversation, Gabriel also shed a light on the significance of STEAM education in preparing students for the future. He emphasized the importance of nurturing students’ interests and generating excitement through these disciplines. Gabriel highlighted the natural connection between project-based learning and STEAM education, as both methodologies encourage experimentation, data analysis, and creative expression. According to Gabriel, these approaches allow students to unleash their creativity, learn from mistakes, collaborate effectively, and express themselves in innovative ways, and at Coded, that is what we aim for.
When asked about the books he has written, Gabriel recommended “Extreme Curriculum Makeover” for those teachers who are highly interested in educational transformation. He described this book as a guide that immerses readers in the mindset of intervention, urging them to adapt their teaching and learning processes to meet the demands of current and future schools. Additionally, Gabriel emphasized the significance of teachers’ well-being in education, recommending “The Whole Teacher: A One-Way Journey to Rediscovering Joy and Passion in Teaching”, since this book emphasizes the crucial role that teachers’ inner lives play in the learning experience of students.
Our conversation also touched upon the challenge of measuring the impact of educational projects. Gabriel expressed his concern about the education system’s obsession with measurements, particularly the failed attempts to develop complex and integrated standardized testing. Instead, he advocated for a curriculum that emphasizes learning by doing, collaboration, creativity, and real-life connections. Gabriel pointed out that the true impact of education often reveals itself over time, as former students return to demonstrate how their education influenced their lives. He emphasized the need for spaces within the curriculum that offer diverse and engaging experiences to foster excitement and deep learning.
The interview flowed effortlessly, with Gabriel’s insightful comments addressing the questions we had prepared. As a STEM expert, Gabriel also shared his perspective on the role of technology in education. He recognized technology as a gateway to accumulated human knowledge and a means for people to connect, particularly in the context of the pandemic. However, he stressed the importance of nurturing critical consumers of technology. Beyond digital citizenship, Gabriel emphasized the need for students to comprehend the true nature of emerging applications, encouraging educators to incorporate social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok into the educational realm. Moreover, he advocated for teachers to promote engineering and guide students in utilizing AI Generative applications responsibly.
Regarding parental involvement in the learning process, Gabriel proposed a collaborative approach that actively engages parents and families in discussions surrounding technology. He suggested working alongside parents and participating in their activities on social networks to gain insight into their experiences outside of school. Additionally, teachers can work with students to enhance their digital citizenship skills, empowering them to responsibly navigate the digital landscape.
Lastly, Gabriel shared the success of the Coded program within The Global School. He highlighted the program’s seamless integration into the school’s inquiry-based, hands-on, and real-life curriculum. Students participating in the program have gained practical skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity, all of which are invaluable for their future endeavors. Gabriel expressed unwavering support for this multicultural experience, emphasizing its ability to broaden students’ horizons and provide them with opportunities to apply critical thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of the world. Without a doubt, Gabriel wholeheartedly recommends the Coded program to other schools.
Author: Patricia Bischoff – CodEd Academic Manager
