Learning from students to transform education
In today’s rapidly evolving world of education, the spotlight falls on innovative teaching methods and cutting-edge technology more often than not. Yet, the essence of education remains deeply rooted in the relationships and experiences within the classroom. Malú Oropeza, Director of Education for LatAm & Mexico, underscores this truth through her recent visit to Colegio Olinca in Mexico, highlighting the transformative power of learning from students.
In the realm of education, conventional ideas have often emphasised the importance of preparing individuals for life’s dynamic challenges and the ever-evolving professional landscape. However, recent insights from influential global reports, combined with direct experiences in schools and reflective conversations with colleagues, have reshaped my perception. I now realise that education is not a stepping stone but a transformative journey—a journey of lifelong learning where skills reign supreme, and engaging with teachers, school leaders, and students, and immersing oneself in classrooms, plays a pivotal role in influencing the improvement of educational systems and communities.
This investment in dialogue and firsthand experience has been profoundly enlightening. Each interaction reinforces the complexity of education and the necessity of a holistic approach that embraces every individual within our educational ecosystem. Close-up contact with school communities further enhances this understanding, bridging gaps between the “what” and “why” (documents, data, reports, global analysis, and top-level conversations) with the “how.” This hands-on engagement facilitates a deeper comprehension of the challenges faced by educators and learners, leading to the development and implementation of more effective improvement strategies.
One memorable conversation in recent days exemplifies this point. I engaged with a student who had spearheaded a project centred around Formula 1. As he described the project’s inception and progress, his narrative transitioned from descriptive to analytical when I posed the question: “What were your biggest gains?” His response illuminated the essence of leadership—facing various challenges, from building a diverse team and keeping them motivated to handling tough conversations and decision-making to ensure continuity and quality. He passionately discussed the project’s financial, marketing, and logistical aspects, expressing his hope that their success would inspire other schools, both within his country and across our Cognita system. His ambition, clarity of thinking, and drive were inspiring. He believes that this project has been life-changing and has led to significant personal growth.
This encounter served as a powerful reminder of the responsibility inherent in our roles as educators. It underscored the transformative potential of skills development and the importance of empowering students to take charge of their learning journey (agency). This student taught me an important lesson and reinforced my view of how privileged I am to be part of this amazing sector: education.
As I continue my own transformative journey of lifelong learning, I cherish these moments of reflection and dialogue. They fuel our collective mission to empower and inspire young minds.
Meanwhile, the student team is crafting a communication strategy to share their insights with the world, with anticipation building for the upcoming nationals in Mexico City.
In conclusion, the essence of learning transcends individual experiences—it permeates the very fabric of our educational systems. As system educational leaders, it is imperative that we remain closely connected to schools, engaging in meaningful conversations and fostering environments where curiosity thrives. By asking insightful questions and approaching our work with humility, we open ourselves to a wealth of knowledge from various sources: from data and research to firsthand experiences within schools.
This multifaceted approach, rooted in reflection and a genuine commitment to improvement, serves as the cornerstone of real progress within both individual schools and the broader educational system. It is through this continuous cycle of learning, adaptation, and refinement that we can truly empower the minds of tomorrow and shape a brighter future for generations to come.
