Today was the first day we actually met at the Met with some of the
staff and students. Elliot began with giving a speech which was
interrupted and only was to be continued after lunch time.
Elliot gave a few examples of new things which go against the
established order and are controversial. So does the Big Picture
philosophy!
I then joined a group and we were guided through the building complex
and then sat down at the advisory lead by the advisor Nathan, called
Nate. His group was split into two groups, one going downstairs for
doing maths and one remaining while working individually. Some were
working on their geography, some wrote their autobiography and others
had a meeting with Nate.
I wrote down the names of the students, since I will be with them for
the coming three weeks and talked with them.
After that we were taken to see the other buildings and then had
lunch. I then learned that if students do not meet the requirements of
their learning plan, a contract work is set up.
Following the Big Picture education from 9th until 12th grade can be
compared to the carving of wood. First you have a piece of wood with
no shape but after working hard and a long process the figure becomes
clearer and clearer. That often is the case for students. They find it
difficult to find out what they are actually doing and why they are
doing this. But after a year or more they start to realize and see
things more clearly.
I then went to a crochet session where students made hats and stuff
like that for cancer patients at the local hospital. One student has
set this up to learn making new patterns and teach kids these skills
and so helping sick people in providing jolly, warm hats.
After that I went up to see Nate finishing his class and went to the
staff meeting. The staff (including me) were given funny presents since
it is the teacher appreciation week. I met the staff of the Justice building
and am looking forward talking to them and finding out new things and
learning a lot from them.
staff and students. Elliot began with giving a speech which was
interrupted and only was to be continued after lunch time.
Elliot gave a few examples of new things which go against the
established order and are controversial. So does the Big Picture
philosophy!
I then joined a group and we were guided through the building complex
and then sat down at the advisory lead by the advisor Nathan, called
Nate. His group was split into two groups, one going downstairs for
doing maths and one remaining while working individually. Some were
working on their geography, some wrote their autobiography and others
had a meeting with Nate.
I wrote down the names of the students, since I will be with them for
the coming three weeks and talked with them.
After that we were taken to see the other buildings and then had
lunch. I then learned that if students do not meet the requirements of
their learning plan, a contract work is set up.
Following the Big Picture education from 9th until 12th grade can be
compared to the carving of wood. First you have a piece of wood with
no shape but after working hard and a long process the figure becomes
clearer and clearer. That often is the case for students. They find it
difficult to find out what they are actually doing and why they are
doing this. But after a year or more they start to realize and see
things more clearly.
I then went to a crochet session where students made hats and stuff
like that for cancer patients at the local hospital. One student has
set this up to learn making new patterns and teach kids these skills
and so helping sick people in providing jolly, warm hats.
After that I went up to see Nate finishing his class and went to the
staff meeting. The staff (including me) were given funny presents since
it is the teacher appreciation week. I met the staff of the Justice building
and am looking forward talking to them and finding out new things and
learning a lot from them.
Willem van Haaften
CSG Prins Maurits, Middelharnis
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