We get a lot of “Why” and
“What” questions regarding our program. So let me answer two of them: what is
Scratch and why do we use Scratch?
After many months of
intensive research, as well as numerous pilot lessons with kids, Scratch became
a very clear winner. In fact, this would be an
understatement. We have been inspired and blown away with some of the
projects we saw. We often joke about joining all the classes we
offer together with the students. So don’t be surprised if you happen to
see one of us sitting next to your kid:)
So let’s start with what is
Scratch? Scratch is a visual programming language for kids (and even
adults) where they can program their own interactive stories, games, and
animations — and share their creations with others in the online world wide
community. Developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT) Media Lab there is a constant flow of enhancements and
innovation! Currently there are over 24 millions projects shared
from all over the world.
Most importantly they share
the same values and principles about how kids should learn as we do. As we
are coming back recently from the Scratch conference in Budapest, these are
some of the key thoughts which resonated with us deeply and we would like to
share them with you while everything is still fresh:
The following four guiding principles were developed about how to bring Scratch to kids and support activities around Scratch. The key to this is to support kids working on projects, based on their passion in collaboration with peers in a playful spirit:
Projects- The best learning happens when working on a meaningful
project. Too often at school kids are taught particular facts that are
separated from any meaningful context. They won’t make use of it unless they
can integrate it into a meaningful activity. The best learning happens when
it’s in a context, in a process of working on a meaningful project.
Passion- Studies has shown that when you are working on things you
care about, if you are following your passion, you make a deeper connection
with the ideas. Mitch shared a wonderful quote from his mentor a the
university:
“Education
has a very little to do with explanation, it has to do with engagement, with
falling in love with the material.”
Most
people think education is only about explanation. Just explaining things and
delivering instructions is not the way to help people learn new things. Kids
must be deeply engaged, and fall in love with the material. That’s why Scratch
has a wide variety of projects kids can dive into.
Peers- It’s important to consider the social side of learning. Most
of the most important thinking happens in connection with other people.
Play- It’s the most misunderstood “P”. Some people think it’s just
having fun but it goes much beyond fun. It’s the attitude towards the world.
It’s the approach, playfulness of engaging with the world, constantly
experimenting, trying new things, taking the risks and testing the boundaries.
We encourage kids not just to follow the instructions step by step but to
experiment, try new things and take risks. That’s when the most important
learning happens, when you are willing to try new things.
Our values were created
well before attending the conference but it’s in alignment of
the “four Ps” listed above and we are looking forward to sharing our
values in a future post.
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