School of the Future: A New Era of Learning.

The University School Dresden, in collaboration with students, teachers, and researchers, is testing a new path towards an innovative learning landscape that significantly differs from conventional schools. There are no rigid timetables or tedious homework assignments here. Instead, students experience a new kind of learning that meets their needs and interests. Since scoolio has always focused on students, we took a closer look at the University School Dresden and want to show how this new school and learning concept works.

As in every school, the University School also focuses on imparting knowledge and skills. However, it takes entirely new approaches. Instead of traditional subjects, there is a broad range of topics where students work independently in interdisciplinary project units for six weeks. The focus is specifically on the interests of the students. For example, mathematics is not taught abstractly and detached from everyday life, but in connection with real-world situations in which students can apply their acquired knowledge. This enhances absorption and makes learning more effective. The acquired knowledge is demonstrated at the end of each project phase in a presentation.

Another distinctive feature of the University School Dresden is the absence of traditional grades. Up to the ninth grade, students are exempt from grading. Instead, they receive constructive feedback in personal conversations, helping them improve their performance and track individual progress.

Social Skills and Practical Abilities

A special strength of the institution lies in the promotion of social skills. Students help each other in their project groups and consult each other when solving tasks. Manual skills are also promoted to develop practical abilities. This kind of collaborative learning strongly resembles self-directed work in office projects and prepares students early on for the demands of the working world. Not to mention digital skills: From project organization to recording learning achievements, everything at the University School is digitally supported.

As a community school (grades 1 to 12), the project school ensures shared learning among students across different year levels. The usual division between general and academic tracks is not made here, allowing for exchange between different social and educational backgrounds, which can also have a positive societal impact.

The University School Dresden serves not only as an educational institution for students and as a research project for the future of learning and teaching but also as a training ground for future teachers. Through close cooperation between the school management and research, the pedagogical concept is continuously developed. The experiences, challenges, and successes of the school are regularly reflected upon and serve as the basis for further improvements. Since the project was launched in 2019, it will take some time before the different systems can be compared solidly. Prof. Dr. Anke Langner, Professor of Education (TU Dresden) and initiator of the University School Dresden, has already stated that students at the University School perform exceptionally well in problem-solving tasks but tend to have weaknesses in reproducing knowledge compared to traditionally taught students.

Overall, the school project offers an exciting alternative to the traditional school system. Independent work is encouraged, individual skills and talents of students are prioritized, and the focus is on practical learning. The school represents an innovative educational institution that prepares students for the challenges of the future and encourages them to fully realize their potential. We wish the school much success on its journey and hope that the insights gained there can be transferred to other schools as well.

Author: Team scoolio

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