My educational background - Ainhoa Merino

My educational background...

I think that before I start reflecting on any subject, I should explain a little bit my theoretical framework, or, at least, that is what we usually base ourselves on at my home university to understand my point of view on anything.

I would start by saying that the key idea in education in the Basque Country, or, at least based on my university and the Ikastolas that I have been able to do my internship with, is the following: the child or student is the center and protagonist of education, Therefore, it will be the education that adapts to him and his natural rhythms, and not the other way around.

Another of the fundamental bases in the new methodologies that are created in Euskadi, is the so-called Konfiantzaren Pedagogia, or, the Pedagogy of Confidence (Arizmendi Ikastola, 2015):

The child, in order to manage difficulties and develop all his abilities, must have confidence in himself, in others and in what surrounds him. And, the role of educators is to create the right conditions to help build that trust. To this end, the care and observation of children will be key, as well as the provision of spaces for the pedagogical project.

That is to say, the teacher's task will not be to teach, because children have the most valuable tool for learning in their being: play. The teacher will have to accompany and help the child in this learning process, creating appropriate learning-oriented contexts, moments and spaces so that their well-being is ensured. 

The main goal of this methodological project, like many other educational projects, is to achieve the full development of the child. In addition, ensuring the care and development of children, achieving a safe context for them, is the creation of an effective learning process (Arizmendi Ikastola, 2015). In addition, Zubimusu Ikastola,which is where I have been a student all my life and where I have done several internships, is currently carrying out the 2ZIA (LIVE) project (Zubimusu Ikastola, d.g.):

2ZIA, in addition to the Pedagogy of Trust, is a project that draws on many other models. In this project we understand the student as a creature full of abilities. The student himself becomes the focus of the learning process because we believe in the child. As the student feels confident in himself, others, and those around him, he will develop his skills and manage difficulties. The role of the teacher will be to accompany the student in his / her educational career and to help him / her discover his / her abilities, needs and difficulties. To do this, it will need to create the right conditions. In the spaces and time designed in the school, the child's natural development will be respected. The student will be offered a variety of opportunities to develop autonomy, interact with children of different ages, and cultivate a child’s innate instincts.

I could mention a thousand and one more things, but last but not least, I would like to show some pictures in reference to all the above and talk a little about the division of space and the use of the material in conjunction with these methodologies. Joining Debord (2005), Fdzila and Said (2010), Karin and Wright (2014), Olse (2013) and Parsons (2011):

Significant places to play, explore and learn should be created, as long as they are appropriate for the child’s age. Appropriate materials must be used to create these places to ensure safety and develop the child’s abilities. For this, natural materials and manipulation, which allow for multiple sensory exploration and movement, are the most suitable.

Here are some photos where I have been lucky enough to be and work: 

Zubimusu Ikastola, Zizurkil:

Orioko Herri Ikastola, Orio:

It is obvious that I have not explained a quarter of how I understand education, or how I feel as a teacher, or simply how education works there. But, it seemed necessary to explain the basic fundamentals so that my reflections have a place to stand. In the end, everyone is different, and everyone has their own cultural, educational and personal background. That is why I thought it was interesting to bring this to this blog. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

    - Arizmendi Ikastola. (2015). Konfiantzaren pedagogia: Arizmendi ikastolaren markoa. Guipuzkoa: Arizmendi Koop. E.

    - Debord, K., Hestenes, L. L., Moore, R. C., Cosco, N. G., & McGinnis, J.R. (2005).Preschool Outdoor Environment Measurement Scale. Lewisville, NC: Kaplan Early Learning.

    - Zubimusu Ikastola, 2zia Proiektu Metodologikoa.