Changing our methodology

Project-Based Learning (Aprendizaje Basado en Proyectos ABP)

Our learning about new educational spaces, is also changing our way of understanding teaching and teaching, or vice versa, a change towards new methodologies is directly related to a change in the space we use.

In any case, we need to innovate in both fields, new methodologies and changes in the concept of space and distribution in the classroom. For this reason, during this 2019/20 course we have started our journey in ABP (project-based learning)

We have started working with the first year of secondary education, where for six hours instead of teaching a traditional class, six different subjects are worked on through a project. Two teachers are in the classroom with the students, and they work in groups. Therefore, a change in the layout of the classroom is required, grouping tables, which if they were on wheels, for example, would be much easier. They work with laptops, since the research phase is very important, and they must present their model or final product at the end of the process.

In this type of methodology, students take on special importance since they create and direct their own learning (always accompanied by the teacher), with learning by doing being the main basis.

Change in the distribution of furniture in classrooms

Compared to the traditional distribution of rows oriented towards the blackboard, group distributions are applied, through which students can work in small groups, applying cooperative learning, while laterally they still all have visual contact with the blackboard and teacher. In this way there is a better integration between students, while the most advantageous students can help the least.

Practical application of scales.

In order to see the application of the meaning of scales, students are asked, in groups of 4, to draw a specific scale of simple geometric figures.

Previously, in the classroom, the meaning of the concepts of parallel and perpendicular lines is seen, referring to elements of our environment that are parallel, such as the lines of the pavement, the wall tiles, window frames, train tracks …

Already in the courtyard, on a smooth pavement, without a grid, the students begin to draw the figures with adhesive tape. With the teacher’s tutoring, the students draw the requested figures.

Christmas balls manufacturing workshop

Workshop for the manufacture of Christmas balls, to raise money for the Moncada Disabled Association. With polystyrene balls, fabrics, cutters and ropes, the balls are manufactured in small groups, applying the distribution of tables by groups, following the manufacturing tutorial on the projector.