Sistem 'Free School Movement' di Brooklyn, New York - Liputan Feature VOA

Summary

This video showcases a weekly meeting at the Brooklyn Free School, which emphasizes freedom and independence in education. Students, aged 5 and above, have the flexibility to choose their activities, such as drawing, reading, or playing games. The school follows a democratic system where there are no compulsory subjects, tests, or grades. Students also propose topics to study, like 19th-century West African culture. Though the free school model may not suit every child, it fosters critical thinking and active participation, which are essential for a functioning democracy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Brooklyn's Free School allows students aged 5 and above to freely choose their activities, encouraging independence and self-direction.
• 😀 Students at Free School can explore various activities like drawing, reading, and playing, without a rigid curriculum or mandatory lessons.
• 😀 The school follows a democratic system, where students have a say in their learning and are free to choose topics of interest.
• 😀 There are no compulsory subjects or tests in Free School, allowing for greater flexibility and freedom in education.
• 😀 Teachers in Free School serve as guides, offering ideas and frameworks but allowing students the freedom to lead their learning.
• 😀 Younger students can play freely, while older students engage in structured activities like playing video games or board games.
• 😀 Free School emphasizes fostering independent thinking and participation, which are crucial for a democratic system.
• 😀 Students are encouraged to propose topics for study, with one group choosing to learn about 19th-century West African culture.
• 😀 Amalia, a student at Free School, has been attending for two years and appreciates the flexibility, despite initial skepticism about the lack of a set curriculum.
• 😀 While Free School may not suit every child, it promotes educational methods that stimulate independent thought and active participation.
• 😀 The school environment is designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and freedom in a democratic educational framework.

Q & A

What is the concept of the 'free school' in Brooklyn?

The 'free school' in Brooklyn is an alternative educational model where children from 5 to 6 years old can freely choose what to do, whether it’s drawing, reading, or playing. It emphasizes individual freedom and democratic principles, allowing students to guide their learning experience.

What are some key features of the free school system mentioned in the transcript?

Key features of the free school system include no mandatory subjects, no compulsory tests, and no grades. Teachers provide guidance, but students have the freedom to choose their learning activities.

What role do teachers play in the free school?

Teachers in the free school act as facilitators. They provide ideas and guidance, but students have significant autonomy in selecting their activities, fostering an environment where the democratic system and student participation are key.

What activities do students engage in during the school day?

Students can engage in a variety of activities such as playing with Lego, video games, board games, or reading. They are also encouraged to propose topics for group study, like the example of studying 19th-century West African culture.

What happens at the end of each cycle in the free school?

At the end of each cycle, younger students can freely play, while older students (ages 5 to 7) focus more on serious activities, such as board games, while others may choose to read.

How are topics chosen for group study in the free school?

Topics for group study are chosen by students themselves. For example, a group might decide to learn about 19th-century West African culture, showcasing the school’s emphasis on student-led learning.

How long has Amalia been attending the free school, and what is her perspective?

Amalia has been attending the free school for two years. She is skeptical about how much students can learn without a fixed curriculum but acknowledges that the free school method encourages independent thinking and full participation, which is essential in a democratic system.

What are the potential challenges of the free school system?

One potential challenge is that the system may not work for every child, especially for those who require more structure. It may also raise concerns about how much formal learning takes place without a set curriculum.

How does the free school support democratic principles?

The free school supports democratic principles by allowing students to have a voice in their learning process, including proposing topics to study and making choices about how they spend their time at school.

Is the free school model a widely applicable educational approach?

The free school model is not necessarily suitable for all children, as it depends on individual learning styles. It works well for fostering independent thinking and participation but may not provide the structure some students need.