Learning and Working in Informal Settings

The past weeks I have been looking into alternatives to school based study and office based work. We spend the majority of our daily lives in offices/workplaces and at schools, though for many people, these institutions might not always be the best place for us to perform well.

How can we maximize space?

How can we learn and work at the same time?

How can we ensure that our children are getting the best possible education?

How can we make sure we never stop learning?

How can we all continue to contribute to our community, even if we are deemed too old or young?

These are just some of the questions that clever design and integrating work and education may be able to answer.

Historically, children learned the skills they needed in life from parents or clan elders. These men and women considered it their duty to educate the young on matters of work, culture, belief, and of course survival. As the world became more complicated, we re-organised this system to ensure that everyone had some basic skills. To free up more work force, we grouped up many children and one adult would teach them all the same thing. then we realised it would be a good idea to provide learning tools for the students. A classroom was created and a syllabus, a school board, and writing books soon followed.

Recently a research group established what they believe is a financial struggle at Dutch schools because some schools are now unable to provide all children with Ipads. The focus on material-based learning means that we are obliged to invest a lot of money in tools rather than knowledge. Could we combine education with work that is already being done so that students acquire skills from professionals in that field? Could they learn about chemistry in a pharmaceutics factory and about mechanics in a car work shop?

Throughout Western Europe, complaints are being heard about the national school systems because the curriculum does not suit every student, or because those who do not suit the curriculum cause degradation of the quality of other student's education. In the meantime, many old skills are being lost while the elderly fade away in lonely care homes excluded from society. How can we reconnect and ensure that working and learning become a key source of inspiration in the daily lives of children, adults, and the elderly alike?

During the coming week I will be examining opportunities to combine the fields of work and study, and will be looking at successful school systems such as the Finnish education system to explore new possibilities. I will also be sketching ideas for a community school and work place that encourages everyone to continue to learn and work, regardless of profession, social background, or age.