NewSchool: Die ungewöhnlichste Schule Deutschlands | Galileo | ProSieben

Summary

The New School in Berlin redefines education by focusing on project-based learning instead of traditional grades and exams. Students, referred to as 'talents,' are mentored by professionals in diverse fields, allowing them to explore their passions and gain real-world skills. Projects, like website design or cosplay creation, integrate multiple subjects and encourage hands-on learning. The school emphasizes creativity, responsibility, and practical experience, preparing students for future careers without the constraints of conventional schooling. This innovative approach is a glimpse into the future of education, fostering self-reliant and motivated individuals.

Takeaways

• 😀 The New School in Berlin focuses on project-based learning, allowing students to work on projects they are passionate about, rather than traditional academic assessments.
• 😀 Students at the New School, referred to as 'talents,' collaborate with mentors who are professionals in various fields like design, coding, and business startups.
• 😀 The school encourages creative freedom, with no grades, tests, or traditional homework. The focus is on real-world skills and problem-solving.
• 😀 Mentors are not traditional teachers but experts in their fields, offering guidance and feedback rather than structured lessons.
• 😀 Projects are designed to reflect students' personal interests and future career goals, helping them learn practical, hands-on skills like project management and budgeting.
• 😀 Students manage their own schedules and work on multiple subjects through their projects, such as combining art, math, and business in interior design or cosplay projects.
• 😀 The school environment is less formal, with a strong emphasis on autonomy and self-directed learning. Students are responsible for their progress and project outcomes.
• 😀 The New School believes that learning should be fun and motivating, with students encouraged to explore their interests rather than follow rigid curricula.
• 😀 Regular group meals are part of the school experience, promoting teamwork and collaboration outside of academic projects.
• 😀 The school prepares students for the future job market by teaching practical skills such as digital literacy, coding, and creative entrepreneurship.
• 😀 The New School is an alternative to traditional education, aiming to create more active, engaged learners who are ready for the dynamic demands of the modern workforce.

Q & A

What is the New School, and how is it different from traditional schools?

The New School in Berlin is an alternative educational institution that focuses on personalized learning. Unlike traditional schools, it eliminates grades, homework, and exams, instead emphasizing projects that cater to students' interests. It is designed to encourage creativity and self-directed learning, with a mentorship model where mentors guide students through their individual projects.

How does the New School encourage student engagement and motivation?

The New School encourages engagement by allowing students to work on projects that align with their personal interests. Students choose projects that excite them, such as designing rooms, creating cosplay costumes, or building websites. This intrinsic motivation is complemented by hands-on learning experiences and the freedom to explore different subjects through practical applications.

What role do mentors play at the New School?

Mentors at the New School are not traditional teachers but rather facilitators who guide and support students in their projects. These mentors have diverse backgrounds, such as graphic design or computer programming, and they provide feedback, expertise, and encouragement. They work closely with students to help them develop their talents and learn practical skills.

How does the New School structure its day and learning environment?

The New School day begins at 9 AM, with students encouraged to arrive early for optional breakfast with their mentors. The day is project-focused, with students working on their chosen projects until 5 PM. They are provided with iPads to manage their tasks and schedules, and they engage in regular feedback sessions with mentors to track progress. Additionally, students engage in practical activities such as cooking meals together.

What is the importance of budgeting in the New School’s projects?

Budgeting plays a crucial role in the students' projects at the New School. For example, students are given a budget to execute their creative ideas, such as creating cosplay costumes or designing rooms. The experience of managing a project budget teaches them financial responsibility and helps them understand the real-world implications of cost management and planning.

How does the New School prepare students for real-world careers?

The New School focuses on practical skills that are directly applicable to real-world careers. Students work on projects that require problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Additionally, they receive feedback from industry experts, such as startup founders, to prepare them for careers in fields like project management, design, coding, and entrepreneurship.

What is the significance of failure in the New School’s approach?

Failure is seen as a learning opportunity at the New School. Students are encouraged to experiment and face challenges without the fear of failure. For instance, when students overshoot their project budget or experience technical difficulties, they receive constructive feedback. This approach helps build resilience and problem-solving skills, essential for success in the real world.

How does the New School support students with different interests and talents?

The New School is designed to cater to a wide range of student interests by allowing them to pursue projects that align with their passions. Each student’s learning path is personalized, whether they are interested in interior design, coding, or creative projects like cosplay. Mentors and external experts help students build skills relevant to their chosen fields, ensuring they are well-equipped for future endeavors.

What kinds of projects do students work on at the New School?

Students at the New School work on a variety of projects that align with their interests. These include interior design, creating websites, cosplay, and coding. Each project requires students to learn and apply knowledge from various subjects such as art, technology, and business. The projects are hands-on and often involve collaboration with experts and mentors.

How is the learning experience at the New School different from traditional schooling in terms of grades and tests?

At the New School, there are no traditional grades or tests. Instead of evaluating students through exams, they are assessed based on their project work and individual progress. Feedback is provided through mentor discussions, focusing on the development of skills and the completion of personal projects. This model emphasizes real-world learning and intrinsic motivation rather than academic performance in a traditional classroom setting.