Accepting the Challenge

The students at EEEP Pentecoste have now being studying with the Cooperative Learning methodology for a year and a half.  They have encountered and overcome many challenges.  But, as happens anytime we work in groups and depend upon one another conflicts have arisen and continue to arise.  This is natural and even healthy.  By learning to work through these conflicts the students are developing skills they will need to succeed in the working world, as leaders of communities and within their own families.

For most Brasilian students classes ended last week and they are now enjoying their mid-year vacations.  There are 60 students (15 from each discipline in the 2nd year) who have yet to begin their breaks and are still brianstorming ideas to improve their school, the interactions between students and the cooperative learning methodology.  For the next three days the students will reflect on their experiences thus far and strategize ways to improve the next semester.  These 60 students were selected to be student coordinators in their classes and are accepting this responsibility and challenge.

I have found most impressive the way the students have been able to reflect upon their own stumbling blocks, accept their responsibility and accept feedback that will help to strengthen their role as leaders.  This is not an easy skill for any of us to do, let alone a teenager.  These students are accepting a big challenge with open arms and an open mind.