Slash 21: A New School and a New Way of Learning

Slash 21 or /21 is the name for a whole new kind of school in the Netherlands, a school as a quest for knowledge where students learn how to study individually as well as together with age peers. That means: problem solving, finding solutions quickly and seeing connections between subjects from different disciplines, hence being able to work more easily and more effectively. To realise this goal, /21 sees the computer as fundamental in the learning process. Through creation of an electronic learning environment, using the internet and e-mail, the student has the opportunity to work individually while tuition is still available when necessary. Effective learning depends on the ability to see connections, to combine subjects from different disciplines and thereby create insight into the bigger picture. The conventional curriculum is converted into two streams: Science and Humanities. The students learn to comprehend the key concepts. For example, energy is such a key concept To understand it in all its aspects, it is important to use insights from science, chemistry, physics and biology. /21 presents those insights in an overall setting and not separated into different subjects. This prevents fragmenting of knowledge. That is what is necessary. Our thinking is not bound to the barriers of school subjects. Our community, further education and the labour market require adaptable people. What is required are people trained to be able to find effective solutions in a quick and creative way, people who can combine and are able to see connections. /21 follows the principles of intensive language teaching. In a twelve-week period, the students will work intensively in four three-hour periods a week on one modern language. From day one they are motivated to speak in a foreign language, encouraged by an English, French or German native speaker who stimulates, interests and corrects whenever necessary. Again the initiative of the student is important. By working on educational projects such as reading, observation and listening projects, the student learns to apply the language effectively. The internet is useful as an exercise technique when e-mail or chat boxes bring students in contact with students in other countries. New education requires new teachers. The new teacher is called a tutor, a new name for a new function. A tutor that from the first moment on will be in a position to assist and stimulate if and when necessary, and has the time to do so, …