Our teachers were trained by the leading experts of the LEGO Education Academy
When I was invited to work in a non-profit organization engaged in computer literacy, even in my wildest dreams, I did not expect that I would become an expert in STEAM. For this, I say, among other things, "thank you" to LEGO Education: I got to their events several times and unexpectedly got involved, accepted the values of the project and went beyond my legal role.In 2015, at the NGO we realized that we had accumulated enough experience to teach not only adults, but also children. We decided to open a new non-commercial project using the opportunity of public-private partnership. The local authorities provided us with premises on preferential terms, and our organization undertook to fulfill three conditions - to make repairs, supply equipment and create high-quality educational content for teachers and children. LEGO Education technologies became the basis of most of the programs.
The partnership succeeded! In Izhevsk we offer 13 robotic, mathematical and computer programs for children from 4 to 11 years old. step by step, they became a regional leader in the field of engineering education, uniting many educational institutions of the region around themselves. Therefore, when the opportunity to apply for flagship school status was announced, the opportunity was immediately seized.
What is a LEGO Education flagship school?
The main goal of the project is to support STEAM education, teach modern technologies and engineering based on the LEGO Education methodology. Essentially my american hero essay, the flagship school is a resource center that helps educators use equipment effectively and share experiences.
What does participation in the project give?
First of all, responsibility and good tone to maintain the status of an educational leader. Eleven educational institutions in Russia have already entered the flagship project and received the company's educational developments free of charge. Our teachers were trained by the leading experts of the LEGO Education Academy. We are constantly aware of all new developments, as well as in touch with teachers-trainers who, at the first call, are ready to help colleagues with the implementation of the methodology.
What is the difference from a regular institution of additional education?
Even in small towns, "development" clubs appear at every corner, including those based on the LEGO Education method. They are created not only by teachers, but also by mothers on maternity leave. There is a completely different scale and tasks. The flagship school is distinguished by this - the possibility of large-scale project activities. We can afford not only to carry out educational activities, but also to participate in the development of the social environment, including through grants we receive from various funds.
For example, now we have opened nine experimental sites in correctional schools in Udmurtia and in several preschool and rehabilitation institutions in the Perm region. STEAM technologies and LEGO bricks often work wonders for children with disabilities.
At the same time, we are not only engaged in education, but also spread the values of the project. In Lego sets there are figures with different skin colors, on a wheelchair. When children ask, educators are happy to talk not only about technology, but also about the ethics of human relationships. Another important area is ecology. We not only talk about environmental problems, but also show children how they can be solved. For example, last year we celebrated Technotronica's birthday by planting trees with our students.
How can a flagship school help an educator?
We create an atmosphere of attraction not only for children, but also for teachers. A dozen sets of construction sets, albeit the most modern ones, will not do magic, this is just a tool for learning. We pay a lot of attention to the motivation of teachers, since only a teacher with genuine interest will be able to ignite children and give them skills. We cooperate with the local teacher training college: we “charge” young teachers, teach robotics, our techniques. One student was so inspired that she has been working as a teacher with us for two years.
In our center, we constantly hold events, seminars for teachers. I am convinced that the teacher is the main thing. His role in the educational process is changing - he becomes a mentor and the success of the entire educational process and of course the student himself will depend on how well he will take this position and will use the existing tools, of which there are now a huge number.
How is work done in self-isolation?
Our usual way of life has turned upside down, like everyone else. We are working on the content of online courses, because all our usual courses are held using constructors and certain material tools. Already now we are engaged in remote programming with children in programming and site building. Our educators create new programs to develop flexible competencies through distance learning. Our challenge is to strike a balance. Children and parents are now as busy as possible and literally do not let go of the gadgets of the device from their hands, performing an educational program.
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A lot of questions come from teachers, how and how will they receive salaries if they finish the academic year ahead of schedule?
For work we need: - Labor Code of the Russian Federation; - Federal Law "On Education in the Russian Federation"; - Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia of 05/11/2016 n 536 "On approval of the specifics of the working time and rest time of pedagogical and other employees of organizations carrying out educational activities" (hereinafter - Order of the Ministry of Education and Science No. 536)The answer is simple: the same workload salary that was set for you before the start of the holidays for children (early end of the school year).
All this talk about early vacation, work on painting offices, repairing furniture, etc., which is served to you under the sauce “no, well, but what? No kids. What do you pay for? " Well, dear administration, there are no children, they themselves took the rollers in their hands and paint the school ahead. During the holidays, the teacher is engaged in methodological activities that are related to his main work (conducting training sessions). Painting of the office, repairs are not included here. 21 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, an employee has the right to timely and full payment of wages in accordance with his qualifications, the complexity of work, the quantity and quality of work performed. According to clause 11, part 1 of Art. 34 of the Federal Law "On Education in the Russian Federation" Holidays are planned breaks in obtaining education for recreation and other social purposes in accordance with the legislation on education and the educational calendar.
That is, this is the period of time when students are not engaged in an educational organization.
Option 1. If you just finished the school year
According to clauses 4.1 and 4.2 of the order of the Ministry of Education and Science No. 536, the periods of vacation time established for students of the organization and not coinciding for pedagogical workers and other employees with the annual basic extended and annual additional paid leaves, annual basic and annual additional paid leaves (hereinafter respectively - vacation time and vacation), are for them working time with wages in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation.
During the vacation time, which does not coincide with the leave of teachers, the mode of their working hours is specified. During the vacation time, teaching staff perform pedagogical (including methodological and organizational) work related to the implementation of the educational program, within the limits of the standardized part of their pedagogical work (the established amount of educational (training) load (pedagogical work) determined by them before the start of the vacation time, as well as the time required to carry out the work provided for in clause 2.3 of these features (provided that the performance of such work is planned during the holidays).
Option 2. If you have completed the academic year on sanitary-epidemiological, climatic and other grounds
According to section 5 of the order of the Ministry of Education and Science No. 536, the periods of cancellation (suspension) of classes (activities of the organization for the implementation of the educational program, supervision and care of children) for students in individual classes (groups) or as a whole for the organization on sanitary-epidemiological, climatic and other grounds are working time of teachers and other workers. During the periods specified in clause 5.1 of the order of the Ministry of Education and Science No. 536, pedagogical workers and other employees are involved in the performance of work in the manner and under the conditions provided for the working hours of the organization's employees during vacation time.