What does open teaching in elementary school look like? | Open classes

What does open teaching in elementary school look like?

There are only a few elementary school in Germany that implement the principle of open instruction. The opening of instruction at an elementary school depends to a large extent on the respective school and its understanding of open instruction, because there is no predetermined concept or definition of an opening of instruction. In addition, the pedagogical freedom of the teachers enables them to individually implement the common idea of open teaching.

If the guidelines of Peschel are followed, then even the children in an elementary school learn on their own responsibility and are allowed to decide for themselves what they do and learn. Free learning takes place within a given framework, so that the children do not lack orientation. Accordingly, open instruction at an elementary school should not be confused with laisser-faire pedagogy. Special attention is paid to underachieving children and individual support is provided for them.

What are the quality criteria for open teaching?

The quality of open teaching is in itself difficult to judge. The teacher should be an active support for the students. His presence is extremely important so that the students do not feel left alone and always have a contact person for questions.Furthermore, a goal-oriented and differentiated feedback from the teachers should come regularly.

The learning materials should stimulate and encourage reflection on a challenging but not overwhelming learning activity. The class management should have an active and efficient use of learning time so that the students do not disturb each other but support each other. It is especially important that there are enough rooms so that groups of students who may be a bit noisy can withdraw so as not to disturb other students.

What does inclusion in open classes look like?

Implementing inclusion in open instruction is very difficult because inclusion students need special encouragement and support from special needs teachers and the teachers. In most cases it is very difficult for such children to learn independently and to manage their own time successfully. Furthermore, it is quite possible that the freely chosen social form may result in less popular students being excluded from the rest of the class.

One clear advantage for students attending mainstream schools as part of the inclusion process would be that they would be able to work at their own pace and would not constantly feel the difference in performance compared to other class members. Some schools with open instruction also admit children with disabilities, while in others it is less common.