How to make the world a better place: MVP Number 2
A few weeks ago I wrote about an idea for a social learning method for students. Now we’re beginning to design the first pilot.
I met again with Elena Buchdunger, a high school teacher and change agent in Germany. After talking through constraints and possibilities, we agreed on some of the basic details.
Who’s it for?
7th-graders in Elena’s district, including the Kreisgymnasium Neuenburg
Basic Structure
8 meetings over 8 weeks
3 students per peer Circle
25 minutes per meeting
Peer-led meetings with a rotating facilitator
An overall flow based on an I/We/Community arc
Pre-work & Goal-setting
Before the first meeting, teachers will explain ground rules and familiarize students with the peer learning concept
Goals will likely be related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and selected before the 8-week program begins
A sample week: Week 2 - Understand your motivation
5-minute check-in
Impulse: “Buddy Benches,” an idea spread by a second-grader for benches where children can sit when they feel lonely or need someone to talk to (3 minutes)
Exercise: Reflection questions related to their own motivation, "getting credit”, and effort versus outcomes (5 minutes)
Group discussion (10 minutes)
One thing: A small action to take before the next meeting (2 minutes)
Possible variations
Modularity: Topics such as diversity, critical thinking, habits, or getting things done could be added or swapped in
Academic depth: Going deeper into the science of human behavior, including self-determination, cooperation, and more
Next steps
Produce a complete outline of the 8 weeks
Have more conversations, with Elena and also other educators
Plan for Elena’s pilot
Where this all might lead…
My hope and intention is that this program becomes broadly useful, beyond this pilot program in Germany. I can imagine it as a toolkit of sorts for teachers, useful for students ages 13 to 21 and perhaps beyond that.
Yet even if none of that happens, I will be grateful for the chance to work on such a challenge. It’s a special kind of magic that a New Yorker and a high school teacher in the Black Forest can come together, connected only by an idea, and collaborate on trying to “make the world a better place.”
Onwards.
