Trudy Graham's years of teaching experience told her that kids are often the best teachers, and so her learning website, College by Kids was born.
We caught up with Trudy and asked her a few questions about her great new Australian learning initiative.
What is the concept behind College by Kids?
At College by Kids, the kids are the teachers. Content is created by kids, for the benefit of other kids. It’s simple really. Kids learn new things from other kids and kids create stuff to teach other kids.
Activities, instructions, explanations, photos, lessons, ideas, advice and videos about any topic kids love to learn about is published at College by Kids. As the website grows, books written by kids, apps developed by kids, Youtube and TED talks presented by kids, businesses and not-for-profit organisations started by kids will also be featured.
Can you tell us about your work as a teacher/principal and what kids have taught you about learning?
Twenty years ago, as a young teacher in a very remote, isolated community I set my students a task to organise a community event. I watched, observed, provided direction and discovered how capable kids are when asked to do real things.
Since then kids have constantly delivered on real projects, sometimes rivalling what adults produce. For example, a class of 9 year-olds taught school administrators how to make animations. The kids were very patient, supportive and determined to get the best outcomes for their adult learners.
What is the best thing about kid-generated learning content?
The kids love it. It brings out a natural joy, curiosity and desire to learn.
It’s for all kids. Children who face learning challenges and children who seek challenges will all be engaged at their level. One of the greatest things is hearing adults say, “Wow, did kids do that?”
How would you like the site to develop for the future?
I dream of the day College by Kids offers courses made from content created entirely by children. Re-imagine the Khan Academy with every learning resource on the site generated by kids. Now that would be exceptional and a game changer for kids and educators everywhere.
How can kids input their own content?
Kids can visit the Send Stuff page.
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