New formats of learning ...

• New formats of learning ...

Once upon a time I went to school with intensive study of English. We learned it in small groups, not more than 8-10 people each. Classes for these studies were also small, and they are clearly converted from some outbuildings. For example, our group to get to class, I had to walk through the gym. =)

Sami classes were too unconventional. The party does not stand in rows, and on the perimeter of the room. So that we could see each other and talk to each other. Lessons start with the fact that we came, laid out his belongings, and then sat down on the table and just talk on a given topic. Together. Sit quietly in this configuration in the back row, hidden behind books it was simply impossible. And we regularly played ball. The teacher threw the ball to someone, and that someone had to say a word, phrase, verb form ... something ... And then he, accordingly, throwing the ball to someone else.

These lessons are for us like a breath of fresh air. Not surprisingly, I am still quite well speak English, but did not learn it anywhere and in any way after the 9th grade.

We are all accustomed to the standard battered desks where you can draw with a pencil when it becomes unbearably boring, hard stools that are necessary to raise to the tables after school, old izrisoval previous generations of textbooks to the board with a divorce from the Cretaceous to the portraits of the great minds on the walls and boomy something to the class teacher. I do not know, maybe things have changed in recent years, but I remember it that way.

I never liked school, I confess ... but then, almost 20 years ago, other options simply did not exist.

Now everything has changed. Strong. There are new formats, new features. New goals. You can afford to dream of a Harvard or any other university with the same name and the status of ...

And there are quite different, unusual forms of learning. On one of these forms I had the opportunity to meet in an April trip to Armenia.

United World College Dilijan located in the small town of Dilijan. The thing from Mimino.

It belongs UWC system - the global network of colleges, has schools and colleges around the world, on all continents.

Branch in Armenia quite new, it was built only in 2014, as part of a larger project on the development of the region. The idea of ​​creating an international school in Dilijan owned by Russian businessman Ruben Vardanyan and his wife Veronica Zonabend. And I must say, the project is striking in contrast with the usual Soviet schools.

We saw something that did not like the educational institution. Rather, it all looked like some kind of elite country club. The modern architecture of the building, the stylish interior, fashionable furniture, bright colors ... the development of the project is one of the UK's leading architectural bureaus, so the style is present in everything! In addition to appearance, the building could boast of eco-friendly materials from which it is built.

I can hardly be mistaken if we assume that everyone on our tour at least once, so the idea of ​​"hell, I wish I could I am here as a student. "

College in Dilijan has several training programs. A year or two, the same program will be gradually and for 4 years. It's not exactly schooling. It is intended, rather, to the high school graduates or high school students. In fact it is a lot of preparatory courses to prepare for entry into the world's major universities such as Harvard and others mentioned above. Set of objects, each student chooses for himself, based on the fact that he was closer, more interesting and more useful. It seems that this training is only available a select elite. But no. Do and learn can absolutely everyone, regardless of their country of residence, family income and other factors. The main thing is to pass the exams and go through all the interviews, which in itself is not easy. Education formally paid, but mostly based on the grants. Since each student is asked to make only a small percentage of the total income of the family (the FAQ which you need to provide at the time of admission). E. For each pupil amount will be different and exactly what parents can afford.

There are students from different shit. India, Italy, Russia, China ... there are students from African countries. Our tours are offered a sweet girl Maria from Russia. Murmansk.

They live all here, in a separate building. dorm rooms are designed for four people. Our guide laughingly said that the resettlement of their specially settled so that children from different countries shared the same room. This forces all activities and in addition to practice their English.

In general, the area is relatively closed. Exit-entry is only allowed for some of the particularly important occasions. The rest is intended that all should be as focused on their studies. However, and in addition to studying the children have something to do. There is a soccer field, volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, a gym and a swimming pool. All of these can be used for free. Regularly hosts literary evenings, performances, and more.

There are also shops, and, of course, a medical center. Library.

In addition, each student has a supervisor, which can be accessed with any problem. Of course, all students put access to the Internet via high-speed wi-fi. In general, Internet intergirovan fully in the learning process. In the modern educational institution otherwise it can not.

And yet, I have left a mixed impression from visiting this facility. On the one hand, yes, I'm happy for the fact that my son, including the opportunity to study in these institutions here today. However, I as a former architect understand how many there are even small sofas, standing near a window in the stairwell. And no one will ever convince me that in order to gain knowledge, learn and act in the world's leading universities, sofas needed just such a cost and not a cent less ...

And, I think I will be more proud of his son, if he can get a good education, learn everything you need to master all important for future trade items, sitting on an uncomfortable chair for a simple desk, on which you can draw with a pencil.

Then we'll see ...