Every week we have something fresh for the Ninjas to get their teeth into. Each project incorporates something they've not done before, so building skill sets and learning trickier concepts - as well as having something completely different to do. Not everyone wants to do the new ones, sometimes they just want to improve on something they've already done and this is actively encouraged. However, nearly every week at least one Ninja will ask for help to do a particular thing in a game. This might be something that's covered already in a previous project which they can refer to and assist them and sometimes it's something they've not covered before. If it's the latter, we will go off and devise a new project for them that will incorporate the particular skill they want to learn. Now, we don't know about you, but when we were at school and whenever we've done any sort of training, it's never been like that! It's always been prescriptive and pre-prepared and one size fits all - sound familiar? So, without even thinking about it, we are allowing our Ninjas to form the learning, we are taking their request for 'features' and turning them into learning materials.
We've recently taken this a step further. One of our slightly older Ninjas has always wanted to design and publish his own website. Now, we all know that it's very easy these days to do exactly that. There are tools and hosting sites that, at the touch of a button, will give you your very own website. However, he doesn't want to do that, so next week we will be helping him build his own website, using the basics of web development (HTML and CSS) and then we will also provide him with some web space so that he can publish it!
Then there's the peer-to-peer learning that takes place every session. This, in our opinion, is invaluable! We have handouts, we have helpers and of course, we're there too to lend a hand and give assistance where necessary. Nevertheless, every week we witness the Ninjas helping one another out. This might be with a bit of code, or it might be inspiration or a short-cut they have discovered. I believe the value of this interaction is priceless. The ninjas are naturally fostering a camaraderie and forging friendships and alliances. They speak each other's language and can understand the need for a particular script or tool.
We aren't trying to incorporate the latest educational buzz-words, it's happening organically without any effort and it would be amazing to see this happening in mainstream education. How wonderful would it be, to be able to choose the lessons you wish to attend? Within those lessons, learn what to you would find useful and interesting? How much more do you think children would learn, when they hold the key to their learning, instead of being given a list of things that tick a box?
Karen is often heard saying that she learns by doing and there are many other people who are the same. She also is often heard saying that unless she knows WHY something is useful, it doesn't go in. Karen has a love of the English language and is a big reader. However she failed her English Literature because she felt that what she was learning about was irrelevant. In her opinion, learning to pick apart a poem or a book and understand why the author wrote what they did, completely spoiled the reading of the book. When reading, you want to immerse yourself in the world the author has created. Not read it and try to second guess why he or she wrote what they did!
So, with that in mind, perhaps lessons in maths for example, should include why you would need to use it? Maths is essential, we all know that. However it's also one of the subjects that is hard to grasp unless you know why you're learning it. Karen overhears College students lamenting all the time "what's the point of maths, I'm never going to use it?". As 'grown ups' we know that's simply not true and that maths is everywhere and absolutely essential. Why not embed practical scenarios and - dare we say it - only teach students the bits they actually need...?
Contentious indeed...we would love to hear your thoughts on the matter!
