[...] One of the most inspiring sights as an educator was the “Workshop” board set up on the side of the Library. On it were listed various ‘classes’ that were being offered at different times of days during the week. While some were stereotypical for a protest setting, (for instance, a class on White Privilege), it was pretty inspiring to see a group of people congregating for the 5:30pm workshop. Also listed on the board were the daily “General Assembly” meetings as well as a class called “Intro to Improv Comedy.”
Of course, my teacher brain was spinning…..
This is what true community schools look like. It’s what the Free School movement looks like. Social, collaborative learning based around the interests of the learners. It also reminded me of anedcamp/barcamp model in which sessions are designed and run by the same people who are at the ‘event.’ These workshops also show that people crave learning and conversation. When faced with spending days upon days in one place, these kinds of organically organized discussions are natural. Our students are no different. GIve them a structured environment in which to discuss, and they will. This is what democracy is built upon. The day that young people lose that capability will be the day that democracy dies.