Training
We want to introduce the future generation to our culture, prepare them for a rapidly changing society and support them in developing autonomy and the ability to make personal life choices. What does this mean for education? We explore this from a historical and philosophical perspective and with a view to its effectiveness.
Our research into the education of the future generation is providing insights into education in the traditional innovative education sector and beyond. We also collaborate with practitioners to help develop a vision for citizenship education, for example. We do this through the development and research of pedagogical approaches that contribute to education.
Main research themes
Our research themes in the field of education are based on their importance in the past, present and future. Citizenship education, student voice and self-directed learning are topical issues. They are also relevant to the education of future generations. At the same time, these are central themes in the history of traditional innovative education.
Our research on citizenship education supports schools in forming their vision of citizenship education and in choosing, developing and delivering education that fits that vision. We examine citizenship education from different perspectives. What do we want to pass on to the future generation? What pedagogical considerations guide citizenship education? What does the society of today and of the future require of its citizens and of education? And what fits the identity of the school?
Our research into 'Student Voice' focuses on the voice of the student and how listening to students contributes to the personal development and education of the student. We also investigate how the voice of the student can have an impact on educational practice. Within the theme we consider questions such as: What role do students have in student councils? What are students’ views on the educational innovations they experience at school and in the classroom? What tools do teachers need to help them listen to the voice of the students in their classroom?
An overarching theme of traditional innovative education is the emphasis on the child's self-reliance. The traditional innovators promote the child's self-reliance in a number of ways, e.g. in relation to the environment in which the child works, the activities the child undertakes, the guidance and instruction offered, the attitude of the teacher, or the freedom in time and space that the child needs in school. In current educational science and practice, self-reliance is still a topical theme, although other words are given to it, such as: 'autonomy', 'ownership' and 'self-management'. The Innovative Education Research Group investigates ways to promote pupil self-management through a design-led collaboration with teachers.
Our projects
- Views on citizenship education
- Perspectives on Jenaplan
- Gender in MBO technology
- Montessori executive functions
- Self-regulation in Dalton/Montessori secondary education and transition to higher education
- Promoting self-regulation in research-led learning BECOOL!+
- Involvement in socio-technological issues
- Education Assembly for a Sustainable Europe (EASE)
- Translation Parkhurst biography
- Dalton Secondary Education (VO) training book
- Book on innovative education
How can we work together?
"Are you actively involved in the development, improvement and renewal of educational practices and technologies? Research can increase your knowledge and expertise. It can provide new insights and potentially contribute to positive changes in education. Contact us to explore possible collaboration opportunities."
(Symen van der Zee, Professor in Innovative Education, [email protected])