Reconstructing the Classroom

Reconstructing the Classroom is a workshop tool.

civic society

challenge

How can absence from challenged students be reduced?

designers

Bernhard Lenger
Lucandrea Baraldi
Noud Sleumer

partners

Lansbrekers

designers

Bernhard Lenger
Lucandrea Baraldi
Noud Sleumer

First, gather one hundred individuals eager to improve the education systems in the Netherlands. Ask how we, together, can reconstruct an inclusive learning environment. Introduce them to design-thinking and design-research techniques. Make sure to focus on the power of creating instead of thinking and reconsidering endlessly. That’s what we did in the workshop for Lansbrekers. Together, we explored which innovations are possible within Dutch teaching and learning environments.

partners

Lansbrekers

leaving behind policies and protocols

Teachers, principals, administrators, consultants, policymakers, social workers: Lansbrekers are professionals working together to improve education opportunities for children and young adults. In collaboration with this organisation, we designed a gamified workshop, directed by Lucandrea Baraldi and Noud Sleumers. Eight We Are designers challenged participants to rethink current problems in their field and pushed them to step out of their comfort zone of policies and protocols.

leaving behind policies and protocols

Teachers, principals, administrators, consultants, policymakers, social workers: Lansbrekers are professionals working together to improve education opportunities for children and young adults. In collaboration with this organisation, we designed a gamified workshop, directed by Lucandrea Baraldi and Noud Sleumers. Eight We Are designers challenged participants to rethink current problems in their field and pushed them to step out of their comfort zone of policies and protocols.

First, gather one hundred individuals eager to improve the education systems in the Netherlands. Ask how we, together, can reconstruct an inclusive learning environment. Introduce them to design-thinking and design-research techniques. Make sure to focus on the power of creating instead of thinking and reconsidering endlessly. That’s what we did in the workshop for Lansbrekers. Together, we explored which innovations are possible within Dutch teaching and learning environments.

embodiment and reframing

We encouraged participants to imagine alternative solutions for a more inclusive learning environment through spatial thinking. The game incorporated two design techniques: embodiment (role-playing, the physical embodiment of abstract problems) and reframing (looking for existing solutions in other contexts).

playground: practicing design thinking

The Lansbrekers alternated roles (such as pupil, teacher, principal) and used a cork scale model to negotiate spatial structures (like a traditional classroom, school building or a home). Not restricted by practicalities, the participants transformed the classroom into a laboratory, atelier, theater and stadium, all at the same time. In the process, ‘educational space’ was opened up to accommodate experimental, unconventional solutions.