Tips for learning at home
In response to the restrictions imposed by Coronavirus, the Education Section at the Goetheanum has been using an online blog to publish tips for learning from home.
No one has asked for this. But Joep Eikenboom, a teacher at Dordtse Vrije Schule (nl), says, “Don’t be afraid […] of the modern technology but show the children that one can cope with all kinds of circumstances.” One thing that helps is creating a daily structure with a fixed schedule.
“Teaching is a relationship-based profession par excellence,” says Florian Osswald, the co-leader of the Education Section at the Goetheanum. Distance-learning requires students and parents to be able to contact the teachers and parents to reach the school. Asking questions such as “What are you enjoying doing right now?” and sharing work results can keep classes connected through learning contents.
Florian Osswald sees “numerous new ways of using digital media” but also experiences their limitations. He is referring to age-appropriate usage: for younger children the media are useful for sharing information via the parents; for youngsters working on a computer provides new learning experiences. But whatever age the young people are, it is also recommendable that they take on practical tasks at home, keep a journal in which they write about or draw nature impressions, in other words that they keep active with crafts, handwork, or music making – activities that involve the whole range of senses.
Thomas Stöckli, co-leader of the Academy for Anthroposophical Education in Dornach (CH) points out that adults, too, must make sure to find a balance and opportunities for personal regeneration.