We all have something to teach and we are never too old to learn...

When we think about teaching and schools, we automatically think about a teacher presenting a class and students listening. The next generation is seeking more than just copying down slides and listening to a teacher reading out of a textbook or giving them knowledge that they don’t want to learn about. They want to be independent and learn from each other and have the responsibility to learn by themselves. I know this means we have to put a lot of trust in students but aren’t they already considered adults. I mean we want them to be responsible and take responsibility but we aren’t even giving them a chance to be responsible.

Take for instance the Independent Project, it was started by 8 students in school and how it works is that they would do research on a specific topic that they had questions about and teach each other the work, there are no test, no quiz’s because they believe that knowledge is not something you memorise instead it is something you are taught and understand.

The problem some would say is that are the students doing the right research and are they teaching each other the right information and that is where teachers play such a significant role. Teachers can be there to insure that research is properly done and that the students are teaching each other the right information. When schools start to create a space where students can self- direct what they wish to learn, I feel that students will be more interested in learning and understanding.

We can teach learners how to do proper research and where to find the correct information, the new generation of students want to feel in charge of what they are learning because not everyone fits into the same box, not everyone has the same passion for mathematics as others.

We are continuously teaching and learning throughout our lives so why not find connection between technology, teaching and learning. We have the opportunity to share personal experiences and thoughts about certain topics and students can get connected with other students around the world and learn from each other and ask each other questions about their country, their history, their economy or anything. The Hybrid Pedagogy Journal is a great example of independent teaching and learning, where people share personal experiences and have in depth conversations about certain topics. We all have something that we can teach each other and we are never too old to learn, so let the next generation teach each other with the help of teachers.